Braking System Valve Load Reduction via Control Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pulsed actuation of switching valves in brake systems for commercial vehicles leads to extremely high load changes, reducing their service life and affecting vehicle stability during stretch braking functions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an electronic control unit that filters unnecessary activations of switching valves by considering vehicle conditions such as speed, brake engagement, and slope, allowing pulsed switching only when stretch braking is necessary, and using a pressure limiter to reduce valve load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If pulsed actuation of switching valves is used for stretch braking function, then vehicle stability is improved, but the service life of valves is reduced due to extremely high load changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoidservice life of valves
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control unit checks driving conditions (vehicle speed, brake status, slope, engine brake status) before activating the pulsed valve actuation. This preliminary assessment ensures that stretch braking is only initiated when actually needed, preventing unnecessary valve cycling and reducing wear while maintaining vehicle stability when required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors driving conditions and valve actuation effects, allowing the electronic control unit to adjust or terminate pulsed actuation based on real-time feedback. This feedback mechanism optimizes the balance between maintaining vehicle stability and minimizing excessive valve load changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If pulsed switching of valves is activated whenever stretch braking is requested, then vehicle stability control is available, but unnecessary activations increase valve load and reduce service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoidvalve activation frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control unit performs a preliminary check of multiple driving conditions (vehicle speed below threshold, service brake inactive, downward slope, engine brake active) before enabling pulsed valve actuation. This preliminary filtering prevents unnecessary activations and reduces valve load while ensuring stability control is available when genuinely needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Extends the service life of switching valves and improves vehicle stability by minimizing unnecessary load changes during stretch braking, ensuring the valves are only activated when required.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor, which detects the pressure for the trailer brake system and transmits a corresponding signal to the electronic control unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

pressure for the trailer brake system being able to be built up in a switching state of the valve device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure buildup:

Implementation Method 3

the pressure for the trailer brake system being able to be influenced by the electronic control unit through pulsed switching of the valve device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulsed pressure control:

Data Source

PatentEP2164733B1Braking system for a utility vehicle that can be pneumatically coupled to a trailer, and method for operating such a braking system
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP2164733B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2164733B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2164733B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A braking system is provided for a commercial vehicle that can be pneumatically coupled to a trailer. The system includes at least one electronic control unit, and a valve device that can be electrically connected by the at least one electronic control unit. The at least one valve device builds up pressure for the trailer braking system when connected, causing the trailer to brake. A throttle is arranged in a trailer control line. The throttle limits a pressure drop at the control inlet of a relay valve in the event of a leakage downstream of the throttle. A method for controlling a brake system is also provided.