Bypass Line for Frozen Cooling Coil in Vehicle Pneumatic System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic power brake systems in commercial vehicles face issues due to moisture condensation in compressed air, which freezes in cooling devices, leading to system blockage and reduced operational distance before needing auxiliary braking.

Innovation Solution

A line system with a bypass device that allows gas to bypass the cooling device when it is clogged or frozen, ensuring continuous gas flow to the gas dryer and maintaining brake functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the cooling system is designed as coiled pipes for packaging and cost reasons, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but condensed water freezes in the coil causing blockage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidfreezing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass device is pre-installed and positioned to automatically activate when freezing conditions occur. This preliminary preparation ensures that when condensation starts to freeze in the cooling coil, the bypass path is already in place to prevent complete blockage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass device serves as a protective measure prepared in advance against the harmful effect of freezing. It cushions the system against the consequences of ice formation by providing an alternative flow path before complete blockage occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Productivity

If the bypass line flow cross-section is smaller than the main flow channel, then gas flow through the bypass is minimized during normal operation, but sufficient gas flow is available when the cooling device is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas flow efficiencyVSAvoidgas supply continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass line is designed with a smaller cross-section that provides partial flow capacity during normal operation but is sufficient to handle the full gas flow requirement when the cooling device becomes blocked. This partial design approach optimizes both normal efficiency and emergency reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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

Prevents system failure by ensuring uninterrupted gas supply to the power brake system, allowing the vehicle to be driven for a longer distance before needing auxiliary braking.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling device, in particular a cooling coil, for cooling the gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a gas dryer for drying the gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

a gas compressor for conveying a gas... air as an energy carrier has the disadvantage of containing dissolved moisture. This moisture condenses when the air is compressed. The air heats up during compression

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression heating: Adiabatic Heating

Implementation Method 4

a bypass device with a bypass line for the gas, via which the gas can be conveniently routed directly or indirectly to the gas dryer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2808211B1Conduit system for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.02.03 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP2808211B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2808211B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2808211B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a piping system (1) for a motor vehicle, preferably a commercial vehicle. The piping system comprises a gas compressor (2) for conveying a gas, a gas dryer (3) for drying the gas, and a cooling device (4), in particular a cooling coil, for cooling the gas, which is arranged fluidically between the gas compressor (2) and the gas dryer (3). The piping system (1) is characterized in particular by a bypass device (B) with a bypass line (L) for the gas, through which the gas can be routed to the gas dryer (3) bypassing the cooling device (4).