Axle Modulator With Separate Active Passive Sensor Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing axle modulators require different variants to handle active and passive speed sensors, leading to increased storage and planning costs due to the need for multiple types of control units and sensors, which complicates the production process.

Innovation Solution

An axle modulator with separate connections for active and passive speed sensors, allowing for the simultaneous connection and control of both types, with optional priority control and error handling, reducing the need for multiple units and variants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different variants of axle modulators are used for active and passive speed sensors, then the specific control requirements of each sensor type are met, but storage and planning costs increase and production complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor control compatibilityVSAvoidaxle modulator variants
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The axle modulator is designed with multiple sensor connection interfaces that can accommodate both active and passive speed sensors. The control unit automatically detects the sensor type and adapts its operation accordingly, allowing a single modulator design to serve multiple sensor types without requiring separate variants for each sensor type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The axle modulator incorporates dynamic sensor type detection and adaptation capabilities. The control unit can dynamically identify whether an active or passive sensor is connected and adjust its control strategy in real-time, enabling flexible operation with different sensor types rather than requiring fixed variant designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If different variants of axle modulators are used for active and passive speed sensors, then the specific control requirements of each sensor type are met, but storage and planning costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor control compatibilityVSAvoidstorage costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The axle modulator is designed with multiple sensor connection interfaces that can accommodate both active and passive speed sensors. The control unit automatically detects the sensor type and adapts its operation accordingly, allowing a single modulator design to serve multiple sensor types without requiring separate variants for each sensor type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If different variants of axle modulators are used for active and passive speed sensors, then the specific control requirements of each sensor type are met, but production planning complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor control compatibilityVSAvoidproduction planning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The axle modulator is designed with multiple sensor connection interfaces that can accommodate both active and passive speed sensors. The control unit automatically detects the sensor type and adapts its operation accordingly, allowing a single modulator design to serve multiple sensor types without requiring separate variants for each sensor type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The axle modulator includes preliminary sensor type detection functionality that automatically identifies the connected sensor type during system initialization. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual configuration or separate production planning for different sensor variants, as the system self-adapts to the connected sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3463997B1Open-loop control unit, axle modulator and braking system
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 ZF CV SYST EURO BV
  • EP3463997B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3463997B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an axle modulator (10) for open-loop control of the brake cylinder pressure on one or both sides of at least one axle of a vehicle with a preferably pneumatic brake apparatus. RPM sensors (12, 13) and brake liner wear sensors (14) can be readably connected. The axle modulator (10) is characterised in that separate connections (11a; 11b) are provided for active and passive RPM sensors (13; 12). The invention further relates to an open-loop control unit for an axle modulator (10). Finally, the invention relates to a braking system with at least one brake controller and a least one open-loop control unit according to the invention and/or an axle modulator (10) according to the invention.