Fluidic Brake Signal Conversion for Pneumatic Trailer Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with electromechanical braking systems face the challenge of generating a pneumatic brake control signal for trailers with conventional pneumatic braking systems, as they lack compressed air.
Innovation Solution
A device is provided that generates a fluidic brake control signal using a control input, control unit, pressure source, and valve unit to convert electrical or electronic brake request signals into pneumatic or hydraulic signals, utilizing solenoid valves and pressure sources for actuation, with redundant control circuits for reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electromechanical braking system is used in a towing vehicle, then the braking system is modern and efficient, but the vehicle cannot generate pneumatic brake control signals for trailers with conventional pneumatic braking systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that converts electrical brake control signals from the electromechanical braking system into pneumatic signals compatible with trailers. This intermediary converter enables communication between the electromechanical system and pneumatic trailer brakes without requiring the towing vehicle to have its own pneumatic system, thus maintaining compatibility while avoiding the complexity of dual systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for a mechanical/pneumatic compressed air system in the towing vehicle with an electrical signal conversion system. Instead of generating pneumatic pressure directly, the system uses electrical actuators and control units to simulate pneumatic signal generation, substituting mechanical complexity with electrical control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pneumatic system is installed in the towing vehicle to generate brake control signals, then compatibility with trailers is achieved, but the vehicle weight and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes a full pneumatic system with an electrical signal conversion system. Instead of installing compressors, reservoirs, and pneumatic线路, the system uses electrical actuators that convert electrical signals into pneumatic output signals on-demand, dramatically reducing weight while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential function of pneumatic signal generation from the complete pneumatic braking system. Instead of implementing the entire pneumatic infrastructure, only the signal generation and transmission components are retained, removing unnecessary weight while preserving trailer compatibility.
3Device complexity
If electrical actuators are used to generate fluidic brake control signals, then the system is compact and lightweight, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical signal conversion function with the existing electromechanical braking system control unit. The converter integrates multiple functions (signal reception, processing, and pneumatic signal generation) into a single compact module, reducing the number of discrete components while maintaining system compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the electrical actuator system to perform multiple functions: receiving brake requests from the driver, processing control signals, generating pneumatic output signals, and interfacing with both the electromechanical system and pneumatic trailers. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count despite using electrical actuators.
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
Enables the generation of fluidic brake control signals to activate both situation-dependent and continuous brake applications, ensuring compatibility with trailers equipped with pneumatic braking systems, and provides a modular design for easy installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing solenoid valves and pressure sources for actuation
Implementation Method 2
a pressure source configured to provide a supply pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for generating a fluidic braking control signal for a fluidic braking system (2) of a first vehicle, the device (1) having the following: - a control input (3) which is configured to receive a braking request signal; - a control unit (4) which is configured to process the braking request signal; - a pressure source (5) which is configured to provide a supply pressure; - an outlet connection (6) which is configured to output the fluidic braking control signal into the braking system (2); and - a valve unit (7) which is configured to be actuated by the control unit (4) according to the braking request signal and to generate the fluidic braking control signal on the basis of the supply pressure according to the actuation by the control unit (4) and to transmit said braking control signal to the outlet connection (6). The invention also relates to a braking system, a vehicle, and a method.