Electropneumatic Parking Brake Module 3/3-Way Valve Trailer Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electropneumatic parking brake modules for commercial vehicles require complex constructions with multiple valves to perform trailer control position functions, often necessitating additional solenoid valves and increasing costs, while also facing issues with maintaining control pressure and preventing gradual release of service brakes due to leakage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a 3/3-way valve in the electropneumatic parking brake module allows for a single control pressure to be used, enabling a trailer control position function by decoupling the spring-loaded connection from service brakes, and includes a pressure switch to maintain the pressurized state, potentially eliminating the need for additional solenoid valves and simplifying the construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple valves are used to perform trailer control position functions, then the reliability of maintaining control pressure is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol pressure maintenanceVSAvoidnumber of valves
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single 3/3-way valve that can perform trailer control position functions while maintaining control pressure. This merging of functions reduces the total number of valves needed in the system while preserving the reliability of control pressure maintenance through the integrated valve's multiple switching positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The 3/3-way valve is designed with multi-functionality to handle both trailer control position functions and control pressure maintenance in a single component. This universal valve can switch between different control states (pressurizing spring-loaded connection, venting, maintaining pressure) without requiring separate dedicated valves for each function.

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

2Reliability

If additional solenoid valves are added to prevent gradual release of service brakes, then the reliability is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of brake releaseVSAvoidnumber of solenoid valves
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the function of preventing gradual service brake release into the existing 3/3-way valve through its third switching position, eliminating the need for additional solenoid valves. The valve's multiple positions allow it to maintain control pressure and prevent brake release while keeping the system cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing control pressure and the 3/3-way valve's capabilities to automatically maintain the pressurized state and prevent gradual brake release without requiring additional active components like extra solenoid valves. The valve's design allows it to self-regulate the control pressure to prevent service brake release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a single control pressure is used for both spring-loaded connection and trailer control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform trailer control position function is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol pressure systemVSAvoidtrailer control position function
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a dynamically switchable 3/3-way valve that can change its connectivity configuration based on the required function. The valve dynamically switches between different positions to either connect the single control pressure to both the spring-loaded connection and trailer control, or to isolate/vent specific lines, enabling versatile trailer control position functions while maintaining a simple single control pressure source.

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 solution reduces the complexity and cost of the parking brake module by using a single control pressure and a 3/3-way valve to manage trailer control, effectively preventing the gradual release of service brakes and maintaining the pressurized state, thus ensuring reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

an electropneumatic pilot control unit for modulating at least one control pressure at the inlet-outlet valve unit and for executing a trailer control position function, the pilot control unit having a 3/3-way valve which has a first, one has a second and a third switching position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure control: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

includes a pressure switch to maintain the pressurized state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

Spring-loaded brakes can be used as parking brakes or parking brakes and have a spring-loaded brake actuator which applies the brake without pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring pressure: Spring

Implementation Method 4

To release the spring-loaded brakes, compressed air is applied to them so that the spring-loaded brakes are released against the force of the spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3694755B1Electropneumatic parking brake module for load vehicles with spring brakes
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 ZF CV SYST HANNOVER GMBH
  • EP3694755B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3694755B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to an electropneumatic parking brake module (1), having a supply port (2) for the connection of a compressed-air supply (3), having at least one spring-type actuator port (4) for the connection of at least one spring-type brake cylinder (6), having a trailer control port (8) at which a trailer control pressure (pA) can be output and for the connection of a trailer control valve (TCV), having an inlet-outlet valve unit (10) for outputting a spring-type actuator brake pressure (pF) at the spring-type actuator port (4), and having an electropneumatic pilot control unit (12) for outputting at least one control pressure (p1) at the inlet-outlet valve unit (10) and for performing a trailer control adjustment function. According to the invention, the pilot control unit (12) has a 3/3 directional valve (16) which has a first, a second and a third switching position (T1, T2, T3), wherein, in the first switching position (T1), the control pressure (p1) can be output via the 3/3 directional valve (16) to the inlet-outlet valve unit (10), in the second switching position (T2), the trailer control adjustment function can be performed, and in the third switching position (T3), the inlet-outlet valve unit (10) and the trailer control port (8) are connected to a vent (5).