Electropneumatic Parking Brake Valve Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electropneumatic parking brake modules are complex and require relay valves or dual-acting valves, which are costly and space-intensive, making them undesirable for simple and reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
An electropneumatic parking brake module design that eliminates the need for relay valves by using an inlet-outlet valve unit with 3/2-way valves and a pneumatically controlled pilot control unit, allowing direct connection and ventilation of spring brake cylinders, with optional 2/2-way check valves for graduated aeration and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relay valves are used to supply compressed air to spring brake cylinders, then the brake system can reliably actuate parking brakes, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the relay valve and control valve into a single integrated valve unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate relay valves while maintaining the ability to reliably actuate parking brakes through coordinated control of air supply and venting paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a control valve for graduated brake application and as a relay valve for supplying compressed air to the spring brake cylinders. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components while maintaining system reliability.
2Ease of operation
If dual-acting valves with pneumatic and electric control inputs are used, then direct control of spring brake cylinders is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two separate but coordinated valves: a control valve with electric actuator for graduated brake application, and a relay valve for air supply control. This segmentation allows each valve to be simpler in design while collectively achieving direct control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve acts as an intermediary between the electric control system and the relay valve. It receives electric control signals and translates them into pneumatic control actions that operate the relay valve, thereby achieving direct control without requiring the relay valve itself to have electric control inputs.
3Device complexity
If tristable solenoid valves are used to eliminate relay valves, then device complexity is reduced, but the valve size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large tristable solenoid valve, the patent merges the functionality into two smaller valves: a control valve with electric actuator and a relay valve. This approach achieves the same component reduction goal while keeping individual valve sizes manageable.
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 solution simplifies the module structure, reduces production costs and space requirements, while ensuring reliable maintenance of the spring brake state and enabling efficient brake application and ventilation without the need for complex valves.
Implementation Method 1
the inlet-outlet valve unit is in the second switching position if the first control pressure is below a first threshold value
Implementation Method 2
an electropneumatic pilot control unit for outputting at least a first control pressure at the inlet-outlet valve unit
Implementation Method 3
Spring brakes can be used as parking brakes and have a fault-prone brake actuator which activates the brake in a pressure-free manner
Data Source
AI summary
An electropneumatic parking brake module (1) includes a supply connection (2), a spring-type actuator connection (4), an inlet-outlet valve unit (10) having a first switching position and a second switching position, and an electropneumatic pilot control unit (12) for outputting at least a first control pressure (p1) at the inlet-outlet valve unit (10). In the first switching position of the inlet-outlet valve unit (10), a spring brake pressure (pF) can be fed through directly from the supply connection (2) to the spring-type actuator connection (4) by virtue of the fact that the spring-type actuator connection (4) is connected to the supply connection (2), and, in the second switching position of the inlet-outlet valve unit (10), when the first control pressure (p1) is below a first threshold value, the spring-type actuator connection (4) is connected to a ventilating connection (14.3) of the inlet-outlet valve unit (10).