Compact Brake Cylinder Manual Release Visual Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact brake cylinders for commercial vehicles lack a visual indication of the manual release state of the spring-loaded brake, making it difficult to recognize the operating state of the spring-loaded brake, which is crucial for safety and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism incorporating a ratchet mechanism with a manually operable locking device allows for the manual release and re-engagement of the spring-loaded brake without affecting the service brake function, featuring a visually recognizable axial stroke for the manual release state, utilizing a threaded spindle and a ratchet mechanism with a bearing washer and cup wheel for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact combination cylinder integrates the parking brake function directly into the service brake cylinder, then the space required is reduced, but the visual identification feature for manual release status cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dimension change by moving the visual identification feature from an internal component position to an external axial stroke position. The threaded spindle's axial movement outward from the cylinder housing provides a visible indicator in a different spatial dimension, allowing manual release status to be identified without requiring additional internal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded spindle acts as an intermediary element that serves dual purposes: it mechanically releases the parking brake spring by unwinding, and simultaneously provides visual identification through its axial stroke outward from the housing. This intermediary component bridges the functional requirement and the information display requirement.
2Ease of operation
If a threaded spindle is used for manual release of the spring-loaded brake, then the spring can be pulled back, but the threaded spindle must come out of the cylinder housing to provide visual identification
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded spindle is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component: it mechanically unwinds to release the parking brake spring, provides visual identification through its axial stroke, and can be manually operated to restore the spring after release. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded spindle's own axial movement serves as the visual identification mechanism, eliminating the need for separate indicators. The component's operational movement itself provides the information about its state, making the system self-indicating without additional complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the locking spindle is completely inside the brake cylinder, then the compact design is maintained, but its position cannot be used to identify the operating state of the spring-loaded brake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this detection difficulty by projecting the spindle's position information to a different dimension - axially outward from the housing. This allows the operating state to be detected visually from the outside without requiring the spindle to remain completely internal, maintaining compact volume while enabling state detection.
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
Enables clear visual recognition of the manual release state of the spring-loaded brake, ensuring safety and functionality by allowing manual intervention in case of pressure loss without impairing the service brake operation, and restoring the parking brake effect after manual release.
Implementation Method 1
A mechanism incorporating a ratchet mechanism with a manually operable locking device allows for the manual release and re-engagement of the spring-loaded brake
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a threaded spindle and a ratchet mechanism with a bearing washer and cup wheel for secure locking
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
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a brake cylinder for pneumatic vehicle brakes, especially for utility vehicles. Said brake cylinder comprises, in addition to the a pneumatic locking mechanism, a manual release mechanism for manually releasing the spring brake section and a device designed to visually recognize the manual release condition of the spring brake section outside the housing (101).