Electro-pneumatic Latching Valve for Heavy-Duty Brake Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heavy-duty vehicle air brake systems face issues with limited dashboard space and complex, airtight connections, and existing electric control systems risk inadvertently applying the parking brake when power is lost, posing safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
An electro-pneumatic latching valve system that uses electrically controlled valves to operate pneumatic latching valves for applying or releasing parking brakes, ensuring the brakes remain in their state even if electrical power is lost, thereby preventing unintended engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic push-pull control valves are mounted in the instrument panel, then the basic brake control function is maintained, but dashboard space is consumed and complex airtight connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pneumatic control components from the instrument panel and relocates them to the brake pedal assembly. The push-pull control valve is mounted on the brake pedal housing, and the pneumatic lines are routed through the pedal assembly rather than through the dashboard, thereby removing the source of dashboard complexity while maintaining brake control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pneumatic connector as an intermediary component that interfaces between the brake pedal assembly and the rest of the brake system. This connector simplifies the connection interface, eliminating the need for complex airtight dashboard penetrations while maintaining pneumatic integrity
2Device complexity
If electrically responsive valves are used to control parking brakes, then dashboard space is freed, but loss of electrical power causes inadvertent brake application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the fail-safe logic by designing the electrically responsive valve to default to the released position upon loss of electrical power, rather than the applied position. The valve includes a spring mechanism that automatically returns the valve to its normal position when power is lost, preventing inadvertent brake application while maintaining electric control benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism that monitors the position of the electrically responsive valve and provides status information to the control system. This feedback allows the system to detect valve position changes caused by power loss and respond appropriately, maintaining safety while utilizing electric control
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
The system effectively manages parking and emergency brakes without consuming dashboard space and ensures safety by maintaining brake state integrity during power loss, enhancing driver comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically responsive valve located remotely from the dash components
Implementation Method 2
a source of pressurized air is in pneumatic communication with all three valves in each valve unit
Data Source
AI summary
The electro-pneumatic latching valve system having an electrical switch unit that further includes an “apply” or “activate” switch, a “release” or “deactivate” switch, and a power supply. A first solenoid valve is in electrical communication with the activate switch and a second solenoid valve is in electrical communication with the deactivate switch. A pneumatic latching valve is in pneumatic communication with the first and second solenoid valves and a source of pressurized control and supply air is in pneumatic communication with the pneumatic latching valve and the solenoid valves. A terminal device, e.g., a spring brake, is in pneumatic communication with the latching valve, and the device is released or applied in response to pressurized supply air delivered to the device through the pneumatic latching valve in response to pneumatic control signals delivered to the pneumatic latching valve from the solenoid valves.