Spring-Loaded Brake Valve with Automatic Pressure Reset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve arrangements for spring-loaded brakes require manual reset and are complex to activate and deactivate, leading to potential permanent release if forgotten, especially when switching between normal and emergency pressure sources.

Innovation Solution

A valve arrangement with adjustable positions, a latching mechanism, and a control connection that automatically resets to the normal position when sufficient pressure is applied, allowing the brake pedal of the service brake to act as an emergency release pressure source and ensuring the emergency release function is deactivated automatically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manually operated valves are used to switch between normal operation and emergency release pressure sources, then the emergency release function can be activated, but the valve arrangement requires manual reset and is complex to activate and deactivate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency release functionVSAvoidvalve arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve arrangement automatically resets itself when sufficient pressure is applied through the control connection, eliminating the need for manual reset operations. The system serves itself by using the applied pressure to trigger the automatic return to normal position through the control port.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control connection provides feedback to the valve arrangement by monitoring pressure levels and automatically adjusting the valve position accordingly. When sufficient pressure is detected at the control port, the system feedback triggers the valve to return to its normal position, creating a closed-loop control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manually operated valves are used for emergency release, then pressure can be built up to release the brake, but the function requires manual deactivation which can be forgotten

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake releaseVSAvoiddeactivation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The valve arrangement automatically returns to its normal position when sufficient pressure is applied through the control connection, eliminating the need for manual deactivation. The system self-resets by utilizing the pressure feedback mechanism to trigger automatic position change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical reset operation is replaced by a pressure-controlled automatic reset mechanism. Instead of requiring manual intervention to switch valves, the system uses pressure differential and control port feedback to automatically return to normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the valve arrangement remains in emergency release position due to forgotten reset, then the brake remains permanently released, but this creates safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency release capabilityVSAvoidbrake position control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control connection establishes a feedback loop that continuously monitors pressure conditions and automatically adjusts the valve position. When pressure is applied to the control port, the feedback mechanism triggers the valve to return to normal position, ensuring the brake is properly controlled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control connection acts as an intermediary between the pressure source and the valve arrangement, mediating the transition between emergency release and normal operation positions. This intermediary control mechanism ensures safe and controlled position changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Ensures the emergency release function is reliably deactivated after use, preventing permanent release and simplifying the process of switching back to normal operation, thus enhancing safety and usability.

Implementation Method 1

the second input port is connected to the first output port with the interposition of a check valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCheck valve: Valve

Implementation Method 2

a latching means which is designed to latch the valve arrangement in the emergency release position in a way that it can be overcome

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLatching mechanism: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

a control connection, which is designed to bring about an adjustment of the valve arrangement from the emergency release position to the normal position by overcoming the latching when sufficient pressure is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2990279B1Valve assembly for a spring-loaded brake
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP2990279B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP2990279B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)

AI summary

Valve arrangement (10) for a spring-applied brake (20), comprising: a first input port (E1), a second input port (E2) and a first output port (A1), wherein the valve arrangement (10) is adjustable between a normal position (a) in which the first input port (E1) is connected to the first output port (A1) and an emergency release position (b) in which the first input port (E1) is closed off from the first output port (A1) and the second input port (E2) is connected to the first output port (A1), wherein the valve arrangement (10) further comprises: an actuating element (32) for moving the valve arrangement (10) into the emergency release position (b), and a locking means (34) for locking the valve arrangement (10) in the emergency release position (b), wherein the valve arrangement (10) further comprises a control port (S),to effect an adjustment of the valve arrangement (10) to the normal position (a) when sufficient pressure is applied, and comprises a control line (40) that connects the first (E1) or the second (E2) inlet port to the control port (S).