Compact Brake Cylinder With Pneumatic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact combination brake cylinders for commercial vehicles face challenges in space constraints and require a manual release mechanism for the parking brake without impairing the service brake function, especially when pressure loss occurs, due to the integration of the spring-loaded and BBA pistons.
Innovation Solution
A compact brake cylinder design integrates all necessary elements, including a pneumatically operated locking mechanism and a ratchet-based manually operable release device, to allow independent operation without external valve architecture, ensuring the parking brake can be manually released and re-engaged without affecting the service brake function, even without on-board voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spring-loaded spring is pulled back using a threaded spindle accessible from outside, then the spring can be manually released, but the BBA piston would be blocked and the service brake function would be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The brake cylinder is divided into two independent functional units: the service brake cylinder (BBA) and the parking brake spring accumulator (FBA). The BBA piston and FBA spring are separated such that the BBA piston can be pressurized independently to release the spring without being blocked by manual release mechanisms. This segmentation allows the service brake function to operate independently while maintaining manual release capability through the high-helix thread mechanism that converts rotational motion to linear motion for spring release.
2Ease of operation
If a separate release piston is used to compress the spring with compressed air, then the parking brake can be released, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The BBA piston serves multiple functions: it acts as the service brake actuator and simultaneously functions as the release piston for the parking brake spring accumulator. When compressed air is applied to the BBA piston, it moves forward to compress the spring and release the parking brake. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate release piston and reduces the overall complexity of the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for both the service brake and parking brake release are merged into a single pneumatic system. The same compressed air supply and BBA piston that control service braking also control parking brake release, eliminating the need for separate control elements and reducing device complexity while maintaining full functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If the BBA piston and spring-loaded spring are connected directly, then the compact design is achieved, but the manual release becomes complicated without blocking the BBA piston
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the BBA piston and spring-loaded spring is made dynamic rather than static. The high-helix thread mechanism allows the spring to be released manually by converting rotational motion to linear motion, while the pneumatic system provides dynamic control through compressed air pressure. This dynamic connection enables both compact design and complex manual release functionality without blocking the BBA piston.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-helix thread acts as an intermediary mechanism between the manual release operation and the spring-loaded spring. It converts the rotational motion applied manually into linear motion to release the spring, while the pneumatic system serves as an intermediary to compress the spring and control the BBA piston movement. These intermediary mechanisms enable compact design while maintaining independent manual release capability.
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 design provides a compact, space-efficient solution that allows for independent operation of the brake cylinder, enabling manual release and re-engagement of the parking brake without impacting the service brake function, and operates independently of the vehicle's power supply.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded spindle is fixed using a pneumatically operated locking mechanism. When the parking brake is engaged, the locking mechanism is vented, which allows the threaded spindle to rotate and the spring-loaded spring to relax.
Implementation Method 2
For this purpose, the threaded spindle is fixed using a pneumatically operated locking mechanism. When the parking brake is engaged, the locking mechanism is vented, which allows the threaded spindle to rotate and the spring-loaded spring to relax.
Implementation Method 3
The brake actuation force is generated by a tensioned spring, so that the requirements for a mechanically acting parking brake are met.
Implementation Method 4
To release the parking brake, compressed air is applied to the BBA piston for a short period of time using a special control.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a brake cylinder for pneumatic vehicle brakes, especially for utility vehicles. Said brake cylinder comprises a spring brake section for carrying out parking brake actions by means of a brake spring (109), and a service brake section for carrying out pneumatic service brake actions, the spring brake section and the service brake section being combined in one housing (101) to give a structural unit. The housing (101) is subdivided by a piston (104) into two compartments (106, 107) the one compartment (106) of the two being used as the pressure compartment for actuating the service brake section, and the brake spring (109) of the spring section being arranged in the other compartment (107) on the opposite end of the piston (104). The brake spring (109) acts upon an additional spring piston (110) in the compartment (107) which can be locked relative to the piston (104) by means of a pneumatic locking mechanism (116) and can be released therefrom by releasing the locking mechanism, said spring piston being connected to a piston rod (112) directly or via additional elements to actuate the vehicle brake. Once the locking mechanism (116) is released, the brake spring (109) is effective between the two pistons (104, 110) and displaces them relative each other during a parking brake action. At least one or more pneumatic valve(s) (141, 142, 143) for controlling the brake cylinder is/are integrated into the brake cylinder.