Vehicle Brake Air Circuit Pressurization Sequence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with air processing systems for braking arrangements face safety issues due to pressure imbalances in air circuits, leading to impaired brake functions when the combustion engine is turned off, as the pressure in service brake circuits may not reach the required level before the parking brake circuit is pressurized, potentially resulting in unsafe driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the compressed air pressure in air circuits for service and parking brakes, establish the correct order of pressurization, and take action if the parking brake is pressurized before service brakes, including informing the operator and preventing vehicle operation if pressure criteria are not met, using an electronic control unit with pressure sensors and communication links to ensure safe brake function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the parking brake air circuit is pressurized before service brake air circuits, then the parking brake can be activated earlier, but the service brake function becomes impaired due to insufficient pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit monitors and determines the pressurization order of air circuits in advance before the parking brake is activated. By detecting which circuit is pressurized first and comparing it against the required sequence, the system can prevent premature parking brake activation that would compromise service brake function, thus ensuring proper pressure buildup in service brake circuits before parking brake engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the pressure status of different air circuits and provides feedback to the electronic control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to detect incorrect pressurization sequences and take corrective actions, such as preventing parking brake activation until service brake circuits reach adequate pressure levels, thereby maintaining reliable service brake function.
2Reliability
If pressure monitoring and control systems are added to ensure correct pressurization order, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors pressure in air circuits, determines pressurization order, compares the determined order against required sequences, and controls parking brake activation. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit rather than using separate dedicated devices for each function, the system achieves high reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing air circuit infrastructure and integrates pressure sensing capabilities within the electronic control unit itself. Rather than adding completely separate monitoring and control devices, the control unit leverages available system resources and its own processing capabilities to perform safety monitoring and sequence verification, thereby improving safety without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for improving safety for a vehicle braking arrangement having air circuits for supplying compressed air for service brakes and parking brake. The method comprises the step of determining (S1) the compressed air pressure in the respective air circuits. The method further comprises the steps of: determining (S2) the order in which said air circuits are pressurised for the respective circuits during air pressure build up; and taking action (S3) if the parking brake air circuit is pressurised prior to any of the service brake air circuits. The present invention also relates to a system for improving safety for a vehicle braking arrangement having air circuits for supplying compressed air for service brakes and parking brake. The present invention also relates to a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product.