Heavy Vehicle Brake Control with Electro-Pneumatic Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting conventional heavy vehicles with autonomous brake systems is costly, and existing pneumatic brake systems lack effective backup control mechanisms for ensuring safety in abnormal situations.
Innovation Solution
A heavy vehicle brake control device incorporating electro-pneumatic proportional valve control modules, an electronic control unit, and a brake-pedal cable control module is integrated into the pneumatic brake system, enabling active or autonomous brake control with dual protection mechanisms for improved safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pneumatic brake systems are used in heavy vehicles, then the system structure is simple and cost is low, but the system lacks backup control mechanisms and safety is reduced in abnormal situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a backup control mechanism that activates when the primary electro-pneumatic proportional valve control module fails. The malfunction detection mechanism detects abnormalities in advance or at the moment of failure, and the brake-pedal cable control module is prepared as a redundant backup to ensure continuous brake control capability, thus cushioning against the harmful effect of control failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by switching between different control modes (electro-pneumatic proportional valve control and brake-pedal cable control) based on system status. When the electro-pneumatic system is normal, it operates in electrical brake control mode; when malfunction is detected, it switches to mechanical cable control mode, changing the control parameter from electrical to mechanical to maintain safety.
2Extent of automation
If autonomous brake control systems are retrofitted into conventional heavy vehicles, then active or autonomous brake control is achieved, but the replacement cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an electro-pneumatic proportional valve control module that can work in two modes: normal mode where it provides autonomous brake control, and backup mode where it works together with the brake-pedal cable control module. The brake-pedal cable control module serves dual purposes as both a manual backup and a redundant backup, reducing the need for completely separate autonomous braking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by using the existing brake-pedal cable control module (a simple, inexpensive mechanical component) as a backup mechanism rather than investing in expensive redundant autonomous braking systems. The mechanical cable system is simpler and cheaper than full autonomous braking redundancy, providing cost-effective safety backup.
3Extent of automation
If electro-pneumatic proportional valve control modules are added to the pneumatic brake system, then active or autonomous brake control is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the brake control system into independent modules: the electro-pneumatic proportional valve control module, the malfunction detection mechanism, and the brake-pedal cable control module. Each module can be independently controlled and monitored, allowing the system to activate only the necessary components based on operational needs, thus managing complexity through modular design.
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 provides a low-cost active or autonomous brake control system with enhanced safety by using electro-pneumatic proportional valve control modules and a malfunction detection mechanism, ensuring reliable braking through dual protection mechanisms in the pneumatic brake system.
Implementation Method 1
a first electro-pneumatic proportional valve control module, a secondary electro-pneumatic proportional valve control module... The first electro-pneumatic proportional valve control module can be alternately switched to control the front-axle electrical brake loop by the brake valve or the electro-pneumatic proportional valve
Implementation Method 2
The electronic control unit controls activation of the first electro-pneumatic proportional valve control module and the secondary electro-pneumatic proportional valve control module to perform braking along the front-axle electrical brake loop and the rear-axle electrical brake loop, respectively, and judges malfunctions by detecting the first electro-pneumatic proportional valve control module and the secondary electro-pneumatic proportional valve control module
Data Source
AI summary
A heavy vehicle brake control method includes: activating two electro-pneumatic proportional valve control modules to perform braking along a front-axle electrical brake loop and a rear-axle electrical brake loop, respectively; while the two electro-pneumatic proportional valve control modules perform braking along the front-axle electrical brake loop and the rear-axle electrical brake loop, judging malfunctions by detecting the two electro-pneumatic proportional valve control modules; if none of the malfunctions is detected, the two electro-pneumatic proportional valve control modules continuing to perform braking along the front-axle electrical brake loop and the rear-axle electrical brake loop; and, if one or more malfunctions are detected, then switching on a brake-pedal cable control module to control the brake pedal of the brake valve to perform braking. In addition, a heavy vehicle brake control device is also provided.