Brake Venting Valve Shuttle for Air Bleeding and Pedal Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems face challenges in managing hydraulic fluid flow and air venting, leading to inefficiencies and user discomfort due to sudden brake pedal stiffness during prolonged vehicle operation without proper fluid refill.
Innovation Solution
A venting valve with a longitudinally reciprocating shuttle and valve ball mechanism that selectively opens and closes fluid paths to allow air to enter or exit the system, facilitating 'breathing' of the brake system and managing hydraulic fluid flow by shifting between shuttle positions in response to pressure differentials, thereby preventing excessive fluid flow and maintaining fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional brake system operates without powered evac/fill, then system complexity is reduced, but air venting efficiency deteriorates leading to brake pedal stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The venting valve enables the brake system to automatically vent air and refill hydraulic fluid without requiring external powered equipment. The system uses its own operational pressure differentials to drive the venting process, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for complex powered evac/fill systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic and hydraulic pressure differentials created during normal brake operation to drive the venting valve shuttle and achieve air venting. The system converts operational pressure variations into useful venting action, eliminating the need for separate powered venting systems.
2Quantity of substance
If the venting valve shuttle remains in the first position, then air can enter the bore lumen from ambient space, but excessive fluid flow occurs from the SCA to the MC
Solution Approach 1:
The venting valve shuttle dynamically transitions between two positions based on real-time pressure conditions. This dynamic positioning allows the system to automatically adapt to changing operational states, opening to ambient space when air venting is needed and closing when fluid flow must be controlled, thereby resolving the contradiction between air entry and fluid flow management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state parameter of the venting valve (open/closed position) in response to pressure differential changes. This parameter switching allows the system to respond to different operational conditions, permitting air entry when pressure differentials indicate air presence while preventing excessive fluid flow when pressure conditions indicate proper fluid levels.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the venting valve shuttle shifts to the second position, then air is vented to ambient space, but the valve ball must engage the valve seat to prevent fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The valve ball acts as an intermediary sealing element that engages with the valve seat to prevent fluid leakage when the venting valve shuttle is in the second position. This intermediary component ensures that air venting functionality does not compromise system sealing reliability, as the valve ball provides a positive seal independent of the shuttle position.
4Duration of action of moving object
If prolonged vehicle operation occurs without air venting, then hydraulic fluid depletes due to wear, but brake pedal stiffness increases due to brake simulator isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The venting valve provides continuous feedback-based air venting during prolonged operation by responding to pressure differentials that indicate air presence in the hydraulic system. This automatic feedback mechanism ensures that air is vented as needed during extended operation, preventing brake pedal stiffness while managing fluid depletion from wear through controlled venting cycles.
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 venting valve effectively manages hydraulic fluid flow and air venting, preventing brake simulator isolation and reducing brake pedal stiffness, allowing for efficient operation and maintenance without powered evac/fill, and ensuring proper fluid refill during wear.
Implementation Method 1
shifting between shuttle positions in response to pressure differentials
Implementation Method 2
The valve ball is selectively engaged with a valve seat defined by the valve bore to selectively occlude the valve fluid path responsive to a predetermined fluid pressure at the SCA valve passage
Data Source
AI summary
A venting valve includes a bore lumen. An MC valve passage is in fluid communication with the bore lumen. A venting fluid passage is in fluid communication with the bore lumen at a location spaced from the MC valve passage. An SCA valve passage is in fluid communication with the bore lumen at a location between the MC valve passage and the venting fluid passage. A venting valve shuttle moves between first and second shuttle positions at least partially responsive to fluid pressure. Shifting of the venting valve shuttle toward the second shuttle position urges air from the bore lumen into the ambient space via the venting fluid passage.