Braking Valve Device for Traction Vehicle with Opposing Pressure Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pressure medium-actuated braking devices for towing vehicle-trailer combinations are complex and costly due to their intricate valve structures, which complicate the implementation of various functionalities such as parking, anti-jackknifing, auxiliary braking, and test functions.

Innovation Solution

A simplified valve device with a clocked controllable first valve and a bistable second valve, along with a third valve, allows for stepped ventilation and pressure modulation, enabling the generation of opposing pressure signals for trailer control, thereby reducing the number of valves required to four, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex valve structure with multiple valves is used to implement various braking functionalities, then the reliability and functionality are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking functionalityVSAvoidvalve structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve device that can perform parking brake control, service brake control, anti-jackknifing, and test functions through coordinated operation of its internal components, thereby reducing the total number of separate valves needed in the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve device is designed as a multi-functional component that can execute various braking operations (parking, service, anti-jackknifing, test) through a single unified structure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated valves for each function and simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a simplified valve structure with fewer valves is used, then the device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the ability to implement various braking functionalities may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve structureVSAvoidbraking functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The valve device is segmented into distinct controllable sections (first valve, second valve, third valve) that can operate independently or in coordination, allowing each segment to handle specific braking functions while maintaining the ability to perform complex multi-function operations through their combined action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The valve device acts as an intermediary control element that receives control signals and translates them into appropriate pressure medium flow patterns to achieve various braking functions, mediating between the control system and the brake actuators while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If opposing pressure signals are generated at both connections simultaneously, then the service brake of the trailer is applied for parking, but the valve structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking brake functionVSAvoidvalve control structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve device uses periodic or sequential actuation of its internal valves to generate opposing pressure signals at the connections, where the first valve and second valve are activated in a coordinated sequence to achieve the desired brake application without requiring a permanently complex valve configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The valve device employs dynamic control where the state of the valves changes based on the required function, allowing the system to transition between different operational modes (parking, driving, anti-jackknifing, test) by dynamically adjusting which valves are active and how they are coordinated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This configuration effectively implements all desired functionalities, including parking, anti-jackknifing, and test functions, while reducing manufacturing costs and complexity, by utilizing a bistable valve and a relay valve to manage pressure and brake application in a towing vehicle-trailer combination.

Implementation Method 1

A simplified valve device with a clocked controllable first valve and a bistable second valve, along with a third valve, allows for stepped ventilation and pressure modulation, enabling the generation of opposing pressure signals for trailer control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure modulation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

In the service brake cylinder, a service brake piston that can be actuated by a pressure medium is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure actuation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

a spring-loaded brake piston which can be actuated by a storage spring is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner in the spring-loaded brake cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy storage: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2055542B1Braking device for a traction vehicle activated by compressing a medium with a handbrake that produces opposing pressures for trailer brakes
Publication Date: 2014.04.16 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP2055542B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2055542B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2055542B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The pressure-actuated braking device has a parking brake module (1) with a connection (22b) for a secondary trailer control valve device. The valve device is designed, and is controlled by an electronic control unit (8). A signal of a parking brake signal transmitter (4) corresponding to a parked or stabled condition of a towing vehicle clamps the parking brake of the towing vehicle.