Brake Pressure Modulator Using a Double-Sided Check Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake pressure modulators for pneumatic brake systems rely on electronically actuated solenoid valves, which increase costs and complexity due to additional wiring and hardware requirements, and fail to provide a cost-effective solution while maintaining safety and spatial constraints.
Innovation Solution
A brake pressure modulator incorporating a mechanically operable double-sided check valve that selectively transmits pressure between primary and secondary sources, reducing the need for electronic control and simplifying structural connections, thereby reducing costs and enhancing self-reliance without compromising safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electronically actuated solenoid valves are used in brake pressure modulators, then precise control and rapid response are achieved, but costs and device complexity increase due to additional wiring and hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the electronically actuated solenoid valves from the brake pressure modulator, replacing them with a mechanically operated double-sided check valve. This elimination of electronic components directly reduces wiring requirements and hardware complexity while maintaining the core braking function through pneumatic actuation alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic-mechanical solenoid valve system with a purely mechanical double-sided check valve system. The mechanical valve uses pneumatic pressure differentials to automatically control brake pressure modulation without requiring electronic actuators, thereby simplifying the system architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If electronically actuated solenoid valves are used in brake pressure modulators, then precise pressure control is achieved, but costs increase due to additional hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mechanically operated double-sided check valve that is simpler and cheaper to manufacture compared to electronically actuated solenoid valves. The mechanical valve design eliminates expensive electronic components, sensors, and wiring, making the brake pressure modulator more cost-effective while maintaining sufficient pressure control precision for safety-critical braking applications.
3Device complexity
If mechanically operable valves are used instead of solenoid valves, then costs and complexity are reduced, but control precision and response speed may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanically operated double-sided check valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it automatically modulates brake pressure in response to pneumatic pressure differentials, provides redundant braking capability, and eliminates the need for separate electronic control systems. This multi-functionality allows the mechanical valve to achieve pressure control precision comparable to electronic systems while reducing overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If electronically actuated solenoid valves are used, then redundant braking capability is ensured, but additional wiring and electronic controls are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanically operated double-sided check valve is designed to automatically respond to pneumatic pressure conditions and modulate brake pressure without requiring external electronic control signals or wiring. The valve self-regulates based on pressure differentials, providing redundant braking capability while eliminating complex electronic control infrastructure.
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 solution enables a cost-effective and reliable pneumatic braking system by eliminating the need for additional wiring and electronic controls, while maintaining the same functionality as solenoid-based systems, and ensuring redundant functioning in case of electronic failures.
Implementation Method 1
a second valve unit (206) configured to at least receive a secondary control pressure from a secondary source (BST) and at least part of the primary control pressure from the primary source (II) and to transmit either the primary control pressure or the secondary control pressure to the relay valve (202)
Data Source
AI summary
A brake pressure modulator (110; 106) includes a relay valve (202) for controlling a supply of pressurized air from a primary source (II) to at least one brake actuator (112a, 112b), a first valve sub-unit (204) configured to be electronically actuated and configured to receive a primary control pressure from the primary source (II) intended for operating the relay valve (202), and a second valve unit (206) configured to receive a secondary control pressure from a secondary source (‘BST’) and at least part of the primary control pressure from the primary source (II) and to transmit either the primary control pressure or the secondary control pressure to the relay valve (202). When the secondary control pressure is transmitted to the relay valve (202), the primary control pressure from the primary source (II) is disconnected.