Electropneumatic Valve Measuring Unit Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electropneumatic two-circuit brake value transmitters require complex and power-intensive central modules that need to be individually programmed for each vehicle type, increasing complexity and power requirements.

Innovation Solution

An electropneumatic control valve with an application-specific electronic and/or electromechanical measuring unit housed in a partially closed electronics housing, which can be easily exchanged and connected to the control valve, allowing for universal use without adapting the central module, and autonomously generating signals for the braking system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal central module is used for different vehicle types, then the device complexity and power requirements increase, but the adaptability to different vehicle types decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different vehicle typesVSAvoidcomplexity of the central module
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a universal control valve and exchangeable application-specific measuring units. The measuring unit contains vehicle-specific parameters and is replaced rather than reprogrammed, separating the universal control logic from vehicle-specific adaptations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of reprogramming the central module for different vehicle types, the invention changes the physical measuring unit component. Each measuring unit is pre-configured with specific parameters for its vehicle type, allowing parameter changes through component replacement rather than software modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the central module is individually programmed for each vehicle type, then the adaptability to different vehicle types improves, but the ease of operation and adjustment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different vehicle typesVSAvoidease of adjustment to given braking system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle-specific programming is extracted from the central module and placed into separate measuring units. This allows the central module to remain universal and unchanged, while vehicle-specific adaptations are handled by simply replacing the measuring unit component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring unit is designed as a self-contained, pre-configured component that automatically provides the correct parameters for its specific vehicle type. The system serves itself by using the measuring unit's inherent configuration rather than requiring external programming or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the central module is made more powerful to handle different vehicle types, then the adaptability improves, but the power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different vehicle typesVSAvoidpower requirement of the central module
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the computational and parameter-storing functions into separate measuring units that are exchanged based on vehicle type. The central module only needs to execute standard control algorithms, reducing its power requirements while maintaining overall system adaptability through unit replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Simplifies the adjustment and reduces the power requirements of the electropneumatic control valve by allowing the measuring unit to be set up as an application-specific sub-unit, enabling direct signal generation for the braking system without modifying the central module, thus reducing complexity and power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a displacement sensor for outputting an electrical displacement signal for registering the actuation displacement of the plunger piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDisplacement sensing:

Implementation Method 2

an electrical switch for registering the start of actuation of the control valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Implementation Method 3

a valve piston is arranged in the control valve housing and can be displaced axially by means of a plunger piston against a spring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3172101B1Electropneumatic regulating valve
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 ZF CV SYST HANNOVER GMBH
  • EP3172101B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

An electropneumatic regulating valve (1), in particular electropneumatic two-circuit braking value transducer in a compressed-air braking system of a vehicle, for the regulated output of a brake pressure, corresponding to a desired braking action, in a first brake circuit and in a second brake circuit, having a first valve system (10) which is arranged in an upper housing region (2a) and in a middle housing region (2c) of a regulating valve housing (2) and which can be actuated by way of a pedal, having a second valve system (11) which is arranged in a lower housing region (2b) of the regulating valve housing (2) and which can be actuated pneumatically and/or mechanically by the first valve system (10), wherein, in the first valve system (10), a valve piston (3) is arranged in the regulating valve housing (2), which valve piston can be displaced axially by means of a plunger piston (8) counter to a spring force, wherein, in a receiving device (14) in the region of the plunger piston (8) or of the valve piston (3) of the first valve system (10), there is arranged an electrical switch (17) for registering the start of actuation of the regulating valve (1) and/or a travel sensor (18) for outputting an electrical travel signal for registering the actuation travel of the plunger piston (8), and wherein the electrical switch (17) and/or the travel sensor (18) are connected to an electronic and/or electromechanical measurement unit (13). In the case of said regulating valve (1), it is provided that the electronic measurement unit (13) is configured as an application-specific sub-unit of an electronically regulated brake system and is arranged in a partially closed electronics housing (7), and that the electronics housing (7) can be exchangeably connected to the receiving device (14).