Backup Valve System for Electronic Brake Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive brake systems rely on costly and maintenance-intensive proportional pneumatic valves, which can fail and complicate installation, especially in crowded environments like cab-over-engine trucks, and lack efficient rear axle braking in case of electronic control failures, particularly when vehicles are fully loaded.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled pneumatic brake system that eliminates the need for a proportional pneumatic valve near the brake pedal, incorporating a backup valve system to ensure efficient braking by providing air pressure to electronic brake modules independently of the electronic control unit, allowing for pneumatic control in case of electronic failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a proportional pneumatic valve is mounted next to the brake pedal for backup braking control, then braking reliability in case of electronic control failure is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to crowded environment and pneumatic conduit requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The backup valve system is extracted from the traditional location next to the brake pedal and integrated into the air production module. This removes the complex pneumatic valve assembly from the crowded pedal environment while maintaining backup braking functionality through electronic control unit-independent pneumatic control of the electronic brake module.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup valve system is merged with the air production module, combining the functions of air generation and backup braking control into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate pneumatic conduit connections and reduces overall system complexity while preserving reliability.
2Reliability
If a proportional pneumatic valve is installed near the brake pedal, then backup braking control is enabled, but maintenance requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the backup valve system with the air production module, the patent reduces the number of separate components that require maintenance. The integrated design means fewer valves and connections to inspect, service, and replace, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and costs while maintaining backup braking control capability.
3Reliability
If pneumatic conduits are installed to connect the proportional valve to the pneumatic circuit, then backup braking function is achieved, but installation difficulty increases in cab-over-engine trucks with tilted cabins
Solution Approach 1:
The backup valve system is extracted from the traditional location requiring pneumatic conduit connections and relocated to the air production module. This eliminates the need for complex pneumatic conduit routing through the tilted cabin structure, as the backup control function is now integrated into the existing air production system location.
Solution Approach 2:
The air production module is given multi-functionality by integrating the backup valve system within it. This single unit now serves both as the primary air production component and as the backup braking control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate pneumatic conduit installations and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and efficient braking without the need for a proportional pneumatic valve, simplifying installation and maintenance, and ensures effective rear axle braking even when electronic control is compromised, particularly important for fully loaded trucks.
Implementation Method 1
The backup valve system includes a solenoid valve (282) which is electrically controllable and is used to open or close the valve in order to control the flow of air under pressure towards the electronic brake module (18R).
Implementation Method 2
The backup valve system may include a proportional solenoid valve (281). The proportional solenoid valve (281) is a known component which allows to modulate in a proportional manner the air pressure according to an electronic signal received.
Data Source
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AI summary
This electronically controlled pneumatic brake system (S) for an automotive vehicle (T), said system comprises a service brake electric input device (22) delivering a first electric signal (S22), a main electronic control unit (24) adapted to process the first electric signal, at least one pneumatic service brake actuator (4F, 4R) driving a respective brake mechanism (2F, 2R) and being fed with air under pressure to fulfill a service brake function and a park brake function. At least one electronic brake module (18F, 18R) is used to provide air under pressure to at least one pneumatic service brake actuator (4F, 4R), this electronic brake module (18F, 18R) being controlled electronically by the main electronic control unit (24) and pneumatically, via a pneumatic control line (291), with air under pressure. An air production module (6) selectively provides air under pressure to the electronic brake module (18F, 18R). The brake system (S) also includes a backup valve system (28) dedicated to feeding the electronic brake module (18F, 18R) with control air under pressure, via the pneumatic control line (291), in case the main electronic control unit (24) does not electronically control the electronic brake module (18F, 18R).