Pneumatic Braking Compressor Control via Torque and Humidity Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial vehicles with pneumatic braking systems face challenges in maintaining optimal compressed air pressure and humidity levels, leading to inadequate braking performance, especially during frequent braking scenarios, as existing solutions rely solely on estimated braking time and tank size without considering humidity and driving torque requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for controlling the pneumatic braking system compressor that takes into account current pressure, estimated braking time, humidity in the drying cartridge, and driving torque, allowing for fractionated recharging based on pressure thresholds to ensure consistent performance and prevent torque loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the compressor is activated based solely on estimated braking time and tank size, then the system can maintain basic compressed air pressure, but the braking system performance deteriorates during frequent braking scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking system performanceVSAvoidcompressed air supply capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors multiple parameters including current pressure, estimated braking time, humidity in the drying cartridge, and driving torque requirements. This multi-parameter feedback mechanism enables dynamic compressor activation decisions that adapt to actual system conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability during frequent braking and ensuring sufficient compressed air supply capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static compressor activation based on fixed pressure thresholds to dynamic activation that considers real-time conditions including braking frequency, humidity levels, and torque requirements. The control unit adjusts compressor operation dynamically to match actual system demands, improving both reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the compressor runs continuously to maintain pressure, then sufficient compressed air is available for braking, but driving torque is compromised due to excessive energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressed air availabilityVSAvoiddriving torque
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous compressor operation, the system applies partial action by activating the compressor only when necessary based on monitored parameters. The control unit determines optimal activation moments by evaluating current pressure, braking estimates, humidity, and torque needs, thereby providing sufficient compressed air availability while minimizing energy consumption and preserving driving torque.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the activation parameters from simple pressure thresholds to a multi-parameter evaluation including humidity levels and estimated braking time. This parameter change enables more precise compressor control that balances compressed air availability with energy consumption, avoiding unnecessary compressor operation that would compromise driving torque.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the minimum pressure threshold is set high to ensure braking performance, then braking reliability improves, but the compressor activation frequency increases causing energy loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking performanceVSAvoidcompressor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary evaluation of multiple parameters including current pressure, estimated braking time, humidity, and torque requirements before activating the compressor. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary compressor activation by anticipating actual system needs, thereby maintaining high braking performance reliability while reducing energy loss from excessive compressor operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If the compressor is activated early to account for braking needs, then braking system reliability is maintained, but vehicle performance deteriorates due to torque loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking system functionalityVSAvoidvehicle performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit uses feedback from multiple sensors to determine the precise moment for compressor activation. By continuously monitoring pressure, humidity, braking estimates, and torque requirements, the system activates the compressor at the optimal moment rather than too early, maintaining braking reliability while preserving vehicle performance and avoiding unnecessary torque loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2338756A1Device and method for handling a pneumatic braking system compressor, in particular for industrial vehicles
Publication Date: 2011.06.29 IVECO SPA
  • EP2338756A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2338756A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2338756A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is described a method and device for handling a pneumatic braking system, in particular for industrial vehicles, based on acquiring information about a route to be travelled by a navigation system and comprising the steps of calculating a braking system use time (Tbreaking) on a length of said route in relation to said information, so that when the current pressure (Pa) of the compressed air contained in the accumulation tank is insufficient with respect to said braking system use time (Tbreaking), then it provides for activating the compressor, so as to make said current pressure (Pa) reach a sufficient target pressure (Pt). The method may comprise activating the compressor by a further or alternative control in relation to the driving torque required by the engine for moving the vehicle.