Bistable Valve Emergency Release via Dual Power Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-pneumatic parking brake systems face challenges in emergency release scenarios where the power supply fails, leading to a locked parking brake that cannot be released, preventing vehicle movement and towing.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an independent electronic control circuit powered by a second energy source allows direct switching of the bistable valve, enabling emergency release without an additional control valve device, ensuring user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the parking brake system uses a single power source for controlling the bistable valve, then the system structure is simple, but the reliability is reduced because the parking brake cannot be released when the power source fails
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is segmented into a primary power source (first energy source) and a secondary power source (second energy source), with each serving distinct functions. The primary power source controls the electronic control unit during normal operation, while the secondary power source is dedicated to emergency release operations, ensuring that emergency functionality remains available even when the primary power source fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary power source is pre-configured and maintained in readiness specifically for emergency release scenarios. The electronic control circuit is designed to be operable by the second energy source before any failure occurs, allowing immediate emergency release capability without requiring system reconfiguration when power failure happens.
2Reliability
If an additional control valve device is added for emergency release, then the emergency release capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control circuit is designed to serve dual functions: it can be controlled by the primary power source during normal operation and by the secondary power source during emergency release. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control valve devices, as the same electronic control circuit handles both normal and emergency operations through different power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating a completely separate emergency control system with additional valves, the invention uses a simplified electronic control circuit that replicates the essential switching function. This electronic copy of the control function replaces complex mechanical valve systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining emergency release capability.
3Ease of operation
If the electronic control circuit is integrated into the main control unit, then the system structure is simplified, but the ease of operation for emergency release is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control circuit is extracted from the main electronic control unit and positioned as a separate, accessible component. This extraction allows the emergency release function to be physically accessible and operable independently of the main control unit, improving ease of operation during emergencies while the separate power source configuration manages the complexity aspect.
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
Facilitates easy and reliable emergency release of the parking brake by changing the switching state of the bistable valve, allowing the vehicle to be moved and towed even when the primary power source fails, enhancing user-friendliness and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-pneumatic bistable valve, which can be switched to a first switching state in a first operating state and to a second switching state in a second operating state by means of the electronic control unit
Implementation Method 2
When the parking brake is applied, the spring-applied brake cylinders are pressurized with compressed air, generating a force that counteracts the mechanical spring force, thus releasing the parking brake
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic device (10) comprising an electronic control unit (ECU, 11) for controlling an electropneumatic parking brake circuit (50) for a vehicle (1000). The parking brake circuit (50) is designed so as to actuate at least one parking brake (30) which is pneumatically connected to the parking brake circuit. The parking brake circuit comprises at least one electropneumatic bistable valve (20) which, by means of the electronic control unit (ECU, 11), can be transferred in a first operating state into a first switching state and can be transferred in a second operating state into a second switching state. The parking brake circuit (50) is designed such that the parking brake (30) is locked when in the first operating state and is released when in the second operating state. The electronic control unit (ECU, 11) can be operated by a first power source (40). According to the invention, the electronic device comprises an electronic control circuit (70), by means of which the electropneumatic bistable valve (20) can be transferred into the first or second switching state. The electronic control circuit (70) can be operated by means of a second power source (60).