Flow Diverter Valve for Rapid Air Pressure Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicle air brake systems face challenges in meeting the release timing requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 121, as existing modulators struggle to quickly exhaust air pressure after an anti-lock braking event.
Innovation Solution
A flow diverter mechanism is introduced, comprising a cylindrical body with longitudinal members and a raised element, which moves between delivery and exhaust positions within a valve cavity based on air pressure differences, controlling air flow to meet the timing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional modulator design is used, then the structure is simple, but the air pressure release speed is insufficient to meet FMVSS 121 timing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverter is designed to move dynamically between two positions (first position for delivery, second position for exhaust) based on pressure differential. This dynamic positioning allows the valve to automatically switch between delivery and exhaust modes, enabling rapid pressure release while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve cavity is segmented into distinct regions (delivery passage region and exhaust passage region) that are selectively connected to the outlet based on the flow diverter position. This segmentation allows independent optimization of delivery and exhaust pathways, achieving fast release timing without compromising delivery performance.
2Loss of time
If the flow diverter moves to exhaust position rapidly, then the release timing requirement is met, but the air pressure control precision during anti-lock braking may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure differential feedback to control flow diverter position. The comparison element compares inlet pressure with outlet pressure, and this pressure differential automatically positions the flow diverter to the appropriate state (delivery or exhaust), ensuring reliable pressure control without complex electronic feedback systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow diverter is actuated automatically by the pressure differential between inlet and outlet without requiring external control signals. The system self-regulates by using its own operating parameters (pressure difference) to control its state, ensuring both rapid response and reliable pressure control during anti-lock braking events.
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 flow diverter efficiently manages air pressure, ensuring rapid release of air pressure after an anti-lock braking event, thereby meeting the FMVSS 121 timing requirements and preventing wheel lockup.
Implementation Method 1
The flow diverter is moved toward an exhaust position within a cavity of the brake valve when the pressure at the delivery passage is greater than the pressure at the supply passage. When the air pressure at the supply passage is greater than the air pressure at the delivery passage, the air passes against a recessed wall of the flow diverter and the flow diverter is moved toward a delivery position
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a flow diverter, a valve and a method of controlling air flow in the valve are disclosed. The flow diverter has a cylindrical body, a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart longitudinal members, an open end portion, a closed end portion and a raised element extending outwardly from the closed end portion. The flow diverter is disposed in a cavity in the valve. The cavity is in communication with a supply passage, an exhaust passage and a delivery passage. Air passes through the flow diverter to the delivery passage when the flow diverter is in a delivery position. Air moves the flow diverter from the delivery position to an exhaust position when air pressure in the delivery passage is greater than air pressure in the supply passage. The flow diverter restricts air from passing from the delivery passage to the supply passage when in the exhaust position.