Co-planar Brake Valve Connector Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer brake system valve arrangements are costly, complex, and prone to reliability issues due to increased electrical and pneumatic connections, which complicate installation and servicing, and often result in incorrect connections leading to valve damage.
Innovation Solution
A compact brake valve arrangement with a co-planar pneumatic circuit and push-fit connectors, where the connector plate is designed to absorb incorrect insertion damage, simplifying assembly and reducing installation complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional functionality (levelling control, ABS) is added to the brake system, then the functionality and control capability are improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple brake control functions (ABS, levelling control, parking brake) into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body houses multiple internal passages and control mechanisms that work together to provide all required functions through one unified component rather than separate valves for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously - it controls wheel brake pressure, manages levelling control air pressure, provides parking brake control, and interfaces with ABS systems. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate valves for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional functionality is added to the brake system, then the control capability is improved, but the space requirements and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design nests multiple functional elements within a compact structure. Internal passages are arranged concentrically and in three-dimensional configurations that maximize space utilization. The co-planar inlet arrangement allows multiple connections to access the same face of the valve, reducing the spatial envelope required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional internal passage routing and co-planar inlet positioning to accommodate multiple pneumatic connections on a single face of the valve. This dimensional arrangement allows complex multi-functionality without proportionally increasing the external footprint of the valve assembly.
3Strength
If traditional screw fit connections are used for pneumatic lines, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation time and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs push-fit quick-connectors that prioritize rapid installation and ease of operation over maximum connection strength. These connectors are designed for quick attachment and detachment during installation and servicing, accepting a trade-off in connection durability for significant gains in installation efficiency and operational convenience.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pneumatic connections are required for additional functionality, then the brake system capability is improved, but the reliability worsens due to increased connection points
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple pneumatic connections into a single valve assembly with co-planar inlets, the patent reduces the number of separate connection points throughout the system. All connections terminate at one location on the valve body, minimizing the total number of potential failure points while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly acts as an intermediary hub that consolidates multiple pneumatic circuits. Rather than having separate connections distributed throughout the system, all pneumatic lines converge at the valve's co-planar inlet plate, creating a single centralized connection point that simplifies the overall connection architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A brake valve for use in a trailer electronic braking system comprising a braking device capable of generating a braking force on a wheel on the trailer, a brake force into the brake cylinders being controllable by a braking ECU, which braking ECU is connected to a standards compliant communication bus on said trailer and is adapted to receive data inputs from sensors on the trailer, wherein the brake valve is provided with a pneumatic circuit having a plurality of inputs, which inputs are arranged to be substantially co-planar, wherein a connector plate is provided, which plate is provided with a plurality of pneumatic through connections having an inlet and outlet, wherein the respective outlets are adapted to be connected to the co-planar inlets on the valve, wherein a plurality of the inputs on the connector plate connect to a first input on the valve.