Double Solenoid Valve for Trailer Air Suspension Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices for air suspension systems face challenges in releasing the locking unit when no supply pressure is available, often requiring additional components and increasing system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic double valve arrangement is introduced, allowing the release chamber to be connected to both the supply port and the first bellows port, enabling pressure from the bellows to facilitate locking unit release even without supply pressure, thus eliminating the need for external pressure sources and simplifying the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking unit is released using supply pressure from the supply port, then the locking unit can be reliably released, but additional external pipes and components are required when no supply pressure is available, increasing system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic double valve arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it can supply pressure to the release chamber from either the supply port or the first bellows port depending on which pressure source is available. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external pressure supply systems, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable locking unit release operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal bellows pressure to release the locking unit when external supply pressure is unavailable. The electromagnetic double valve arrangement automatically switches to using pressure from the first bellows port, allowing the system to service itself without requiring additional external pipes or components.
2Device complexity
If the release chamber is connected only to the supply port, then the system structure is simpler, but the locking unit cannot be released when no supply pressure is available
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic double valve arrangement dynamically switches between different pressure sources based on availability. The valve can connect the release chamber to either the supply port or the first bellows port, providing operational flexibility and adaptability without requiring a permanently complex multi-connection structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure source parameter dynamically. Instead of having fixed connections, the electromagnetic double valve arrangement allows the release chamber to receive pressure from different sources (supply port or bellows port) depending on the operational conditions, enhancing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an external pipe is added to deliver pressure for locking unit release, then the locking unit can be released without supply pressure, but the system becomes more expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding external pipes, the system utilizes its existing internal pressure resources. The electromagnetic double valve arrangement enables the first bellows port to supply pressure to the release chamber, allowing the system to release the locking unit using its own internal resources without requiring additional external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic double valve arrangement provides universal pressure supply capability to the release chamber, accepting pressure from either the supply port or the first bellows port. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate external pressure delivery pipes, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining full operational capability.
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 solution ensures the locking unit can be released reliably without external pressure, enhancing safety and stability by utilizing the existing bellows pressure, reducing system complexity and cost, and allowing manual operation even when supply pressure is not available.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic double valve arrangement (40) which is fluidly connected to the release chamber (34) of the locking unit and is switchable between a first release position in which the release chamber (34) is in fluid connection with an exhaust port (3) and a second supply position in which the release chamber (34) is in fluid connection with the supply port (2) and the first bellows port (4)
Implementation Method 2
the locking valve (32) is switchable into a release position upon a release pressure being supplied into the release chamber (34)
Implementation Method 3
a first lifting/lowering valve (12) manually operable by a hand lever (20), wherein the hand lever (20) is operable to selectively connect the first bellows port (4) with the supply port (2) for providing the first bellows pressure (pB1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve device (1) for an air suspension system in a trailer, comprising: a supply port (2), a bellows port (4) for providing a bellows pressure (pB1), a lifting/lowering valve (12) operable by a hand lever (20) and connected to the supply and bellows port. The hand lever being operable to selectively connect the bellows port with the supply port for providing the bellows pressure, and a locking unit (30) for locking the hand lever, comprising a locking valve (32) comprising a release chamber (34). The locking valve (32) switchable into a release position upon supply of release pressure (pR) into the release chamber. An electromagnetic double valve arrangement (40) is connected to the release chamber and switchable between a release position and a supply position. In the release position, the release chamber is in fluid connection with the supply port and the bellows port.