Bistable Trailer Brake Module for Independent Parking Brake Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer control modules for commercial vehicles require complex and expensive systems with rigid functional coupling to the parking brake device, leading to difficulties in independent control and regulation, especially due to varying line lengths, which affects the reliability and efficiency of the electronic parking brake system.
Innovation Solution
A trailer control module with integrated bistability, featuring a housing with control and feedback ports, a supply port connected to a pressurized fluid line, and a control valve assembly that allows independent bistable activation and regulation, eliminating the need for additional external components and simplifying the system by integrating the bistability within the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rigid functional coupling between the parking brake device and the trailer control module is used, then the system structure is simplified, but the ability to independently control the trailer brake is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two independent control paths: one for the parking brake device and another for the trailer control module. The trailer control module is equipped with its own bistable mechanism that can be activated independently through the feedback port, while still maintaining structural integration with the parking brake device. This segmentation enables independent control while preserving structural simplicity.
2Volume of moving object
If the trailer control module is integrated within the parking brake device, then the installation space is reduced, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer control module is merged with the parking brake device housing, sharing the same physical space and structural components. The control piston serves dual functions: controlling the parking brake through the control port and controlling the trailer brakes through the feedback port. This merging reduces installation space while the clear separation of control ports and paths maintains manageable control complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a long control line is used from the parking brake device to the trailer control valve, then the system is more flexible in installation, but the pressure build-up and pressure drop become slower
Solution Approach 1:
The essential control function is extracted and integrated directly into the trailer control module through the feedback port. This eliminates the need for long external control lines, as the control pressure can be generated and applied locally within the integrated module. The extraction of the control function from the distant parking brake device resolves the contradiction between installation flexibility and pressure response speed.
4Speed
If the control line volume is small, then the pressure build-up is rapid, but the pressure drop is also rapid causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback port creates a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the control pressure applied to the trailer brakes is fed back to the control piston. This feedback allows the system to automatically regulate and stabilize the pressure, preventing both excessive pressure build-up and rapid pressure drops. The feedback mechanism ensures stable operation by continuously adjusting the pressure based on the actual braking state.
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
This solution enables independent control of the trailer brake system, reduces system complexity and cost, and improves the reliability and precision of the electronic parking brake operation, allowing for efficient operation with or without a parking brake device in the towing vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The control piston is bistably activatable by the control port and by the feedback port... The housing has at least one supply port which is connected to at least one supply line for supplying the trailer control module with pressurized fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer control module for a brake device, more particularly an electronic parking brake device, for a commercial vehicle, includes at least one control piston and at least one housing, in which the control piston is accommodated. The housing has at least one control connection point and at least one feedback connection point for controlling the control piston. The housing also has at least one supply connection point, which is connected to at least one supply line for supplying pressure fluid to the trailer control module. The control piston can be controlled bistably by the control connection point and by the feedback connection point. A parking brake device, more particularly an electronic parking brake device, for a vehicle, includes at least one such trailer control module.