Electronic Air Supply Device for Vehicle Brake Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressed air supply systems for vehicles are complex and costly due to the need for individual compressed air tanks in each brake circuit, leading to high expenses and inefficiencies, especially when a brake circuit fails, as they require additional components like solenoid valves and pressure sensors for control.
Innovation Solution
The system employs directly or indirectly controlled valves, such as solenoid valves, to manage pressure levels across consumer circuits, ensuring the intact brake circuit receives maximum pressure in case of a failure, allowing for reduced brake cylinder size and enhanced safety by maximizing braking energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual compressed air tanks are installed in each brake circuit, then the reliability of the brake system is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compressed air storage function from multiple individual circuits into a single centralized compressed air tank that serves all brake circuits. This is achieved by implementing a common compressed air supply system where one tank feeds multiple circuits through controlled distribution, eliminating the need for separate tanks in each circuit while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single compressed air tank performs multiple functions by supplying air to different brake circuits as needed. The system uses control valves and pressure sensors to dynamically distribute compressed air to various circuits (service brake, parking brake, emergency brake) based on their individual requirements, making the single tank a universal supply source for all brake operations.
2Reliability
If individual compressed air tanks are installed in each brake circuit, then the reliability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple expensive individual tank assemblies into a single, more cost-effective centralized tank system. This consolidation reduces not only the cost of the tanks themselves but also the associated mounting hardware, sealing components, and installation complexity, while still providing the necessary reliability through proper system design and control mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If solenoid valves and pressure sensors are added for circuit control, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service control through pressure-sensitive valves that automatically respond to pressure changes in the brake circuits. When pressure drops in a specific circuit, the corresponding valve automatically opens to replenish air from the central tank, and when pressure is sufficient, the valve closes. This automatic pressure-regulating mechanism eliminates or reduces the need for complex electronic solenoid valves and control systems while maintaining precise pressure control.
4Device complexity
If a centralized compressed air supply is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain pressure in individual circuits during failure may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized compressed air supply system into multiple independent distribution paths, each serving a specific brake circuit. Control valves are installed at the distribution point for each circuit, allowing independent control and isolation of individual circuits from the central tank. This segmentation ensures that a failure or pressure loss in one circuit does not affect the supply to other circuits, as each has its own controlled access to the centralized air supply.
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 design enhances vehicle safety by ensuring the maximum possible braking energy is available for intact brake circuits during failures, reduces system complexity, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for multiple compressed air tanks.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (7) which can be switched on and off
Implementation Method 2
an air dryer part (10) having an inlet which is connected to the outlet of the filter (42) and an outlet which is connected to the inlet of the check valve (46)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic air preparation system, particularly for commercial vehicles, comprising a compressed air supply section with a compressor (7) and an air dryer (44) and a compressed air consumer section with several compressed air consumer circuits, which include service brake circuits (26, 28) with compressed air reservoirs (90, 92) and are supplied with compressed air via electrically actuated valves (16, 18, 20, 22, 24). At least the pressure in the service brake circuits is monitored by pressure sensors (72, 74), the electrical signals of which are evaluated by an electrical control unit (84) that controls the electrically actuated valves (16, 18, 20, 22, 24).In the event of a failure of a service brake circuit (26 or 28), the electrical control unit (84) switches the valve (16 or 18) upstream of the failed service brake circuit into the blocking state, preventing further compressed air supply to the failed service brake circuit (26 or 28), and simultaneously shifts the lower threshold of a pressure band of the intact service brake circuit (28 or 26) stored in the electrical control unit (84) to a higher value relative to the lower threshold of a normal pressure band.