Vehicle Brake Compressor Control for Leak-Adaptive Duty Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle brake systems with pneumatic compressors suffer from excessive wear and potential failure due to repeated loading cycles, leading to reduced operational lifetime and potential brake system inoperability during trips.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically adjusts the pressure threshold for activating compressors based on leak rates and employs a multi-compressor assembly with independent control, allowing balanced duty cycles and backup operation to extend compressor life and prevent failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single compressor is used to maintain brake system pressure, then the brake system can be kept simple, but the compressor experiences excessive wear and reduced operational lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single compressor function into multiple compressors (first compressor and second compressor). Each compressor can operate independently or in combination, allowing the system to distribute the loading cycles across multiple components. This segmentation reduces wear on individual compressors and extends operational lifetime while maintaining system functionality.
2Reliability
If the compressor operates continuously to maintain brake pressure, then sufficient compressed air is available for brake applications, but the compressor wears excessively and may fail during trips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having compressors operate in cycles rather than continuously. The control system monitors brake system pressure and activates compressors only when pressure falls below thresholds. With multiple compressors available, the system can alternate between them, providing periodic maintenance intervals and reducing cumulative wear while ensuring brake system pressure is maintained when needed.
3Reliability
If a multi-compressor assembly is implemented with independent control, then compressor wear is reduced and operational lifetime is extended, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing different pressure thresholds for activating the first and second compressors. The control system can adjust which compressor operates based on pressure parameters, allowing intelligent load distribution. This parameter-based control manages the complexity of having multiple compressors while achieving wear reduction and extended operational lifetime.
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
The system enhances compressor efficiency, reduces maintenance frequency, and ensures continuous brake system functionality by balancing compressor usage and providing backup operation, thereby extending operational lifetime and preventing vehicle strandings.
Implementation Method 1
compressors onboard the vehicle... pressurize gas for vehicle pneumatic brake systems... A brake pipe of the brake system is charged with compressed air
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods control operation of multiple compressors of a multi-compressor assembly on a vehicle. A controller determines a leak rate of a brake system of a vehicle. The controller changes a pressure threshold at which one or more compressors are activated to supply gas to the brake system based on the leak rate. The controller activates at least a first compressor of the one or more compressors to increase a gas pressure of the brake system based on the gas pressure of the brake system falling below the pressure threshold that is changed.