Hydrodynamic Brake Pneumatic Venting With Safety-Piloted Quick Release

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pneumatic control systems for hydrodynamic brakes in retarders suffer from operational reliability issues and slow venting times, particularly when the pilot stage fails, leading to unreliable quick-release functions.

Innovation Solution

A pneumatic control device with a safety valve and quick-release valve configuration, including a 3/2-way solenoid safety valve to pilot the quick-release valve, and a controllable throttle or mechanically piloted valve to ensure rapid venting and fail-safe operation, with parallel connections for redundancy and precise pressure control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If multiple inlet valves and outlet valves are operated in parallel with large opening cross-sections, then venting speed is improved, but system complexity and failure probability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventing speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the venting function into two independent stages: a first venting stage using inlet/outlet valves for controlled pressure reduction, and a second venting stage using a quick-release valve for rapid pressure equalization. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inlet and outlet valves perform preliminary venting to reduce pressure to a predetermined level before the quick-release valve is activated. This preliminary action prepares the system for the second stage of rapid venting, ensuring that the quick-release valve operates under optimal conditions with reduced pressure differential.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If pilot-operated valves are used for rapid venting, then venting time is reduced, but operational reliability deteriorates due to pilot stage failure risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventing timeVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The venting function is segmented into two independent stages with different valve types. The first stage uses pilot-operated valves for controlled venting, while the second stage uses a mechanically actuated quick-release valve that is independent of the pilot stage, eliminating the single point of failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A predetermined pressure level acts as an intermediary state between the first and second venting stages. When this pressure level is reached, it automatically triggers the quick-release valve through a pressure-dependent mechanism, providing a reliable transition that does not depend on pilot stage operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a quick-release valve is added for rapid venting, then venting performance is improved, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventing performanceVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The quick-release valve is integrated with the existing valve assembly structure, combining multiple venting functions into a compact unit. The first and second venting stages share common mounting infrastructure, reducing the overall space required compared to completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The quick-release valve is positioned within or adjacent to the existing valve assembly, nesting the rapid venting function within the space already allocated for venting operations. This nested arrangement minimizes the additional footprint required for the enhanced venting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 rapid and reliable venting of the hydrodynamic brake system, reducing the probability of failure and minimizing installation space while maintaining precise control over braking torque.

Implementation Method 1

a safety valve (30) arranged between the compressed air source (16) and the quick-release valve (28) and configured to actuate the quick-release valve (28)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4405220B1Pneumatic controller for a hydrodynamic brake
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 ETO MAGNETIC GMBH
  • EP4405220B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4405220B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4405220B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a pneumatic controller for a hydrodynamic brake, comprising a working pressure connection (20); at least one inlet valve (12, 12'), via which a working pressure line (18, 18', 18'') leading to the working pressure connection (20) can be connected to an air supply line (14, 14', 14'') connected to a compressed air source (16); and at least one outlet valve (22, 22'), via which the working pressure line (18, 18', 18'') is connected to an air exhaust line (24) connected to an air exhaust outlet (26), the working pressure line (18, 18', 18'') being connected to the air exhaust line (24) via at least one quick-action air exhaust valve (28), characterised in that a safety valve (30) is arranged between the compressed air source (16) and the quick-action air exhaust valve (28) and is designed to control the quick-action air exhaust valve (28).