Integrated Articulation Valve in Load Brake System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail vehicle brake systems experience severe wear and thermal overload of brake linings due to high deceleration, particularly in SS-capable wagons, leading to inefficient braking performance, which is exacerbated by the need for additional brake valves and separate articulation valves that increase material, weight, and installation space.

Innovation Solution

A controllable load brake valve with an integrated articulation valve function, utilizing an auxiliary piston set and spring elements to adapt brake pressure characteristics, eliminating the need for a separate articulation valve and reducing pressure lines, thereby saving material, weight, and installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional articulated valves are installed in the braking equipment of SS-capable wagons, then the braking performance can be limited to S-capable levels, but the material, weight, and installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking performance adaptabilityVSAvoidvalve assembly weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the articulation valve function directly into the load-braking valve by incorporating an auxiliary piston set within the existing valve structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate articulated valves, reducing material usage, weight, and installation space while maintaining the ability to adapt braking performance between S-capable and SS-capable wagon requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The load-braking valve is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating the auxiliary piston set that enables both load-dependent braking and articulation valve functions. This universal design allows a single valve assembly to perform multiple functions that previously required separate components, thereby reducing overall system weight and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional articulated valves are installed in the braking equipment, then the braking performance can be limited to S-capable levels, but the installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking performance adaptabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary piston set is integrated within the existing load-braking valve structure, merging two previously separate functions into a single compact assembly. This integration significantly reduces the installation space required compared to having separate articulated valves, while preserving the braking performance adaptability feature

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary piston set is nested within the plunger structure of the load-braking valve. The auxiliary piston is positioned inside the plunger's cylindrical cavity, allowing the articulation valve function to be housed within the existing valve body without requiring additional external space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate articulation valves are used, then the braking performance can be adapted, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake pressure characteristic adjustmentVSAvoidvalve assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the load-dependent braking function and articulation valve function into a single integrated valve assembly. By merging these functions and sharing common components such as the plunger, spring elements, and pressure lines, the device complexity is reduced compared to having separate articulated valves while maintaining full adaptability of brake pressure characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The load-braking valve is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating the auxiliary piston set that enables both load-dependent braking and articulation valve functions. This universal design allows a single valve assembly to perform multiple functions that previously required separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 integrated articulation valve function within the controllable load brake valve adjusts brake pressure characteristics to match those of vehicles with usual deceleration levels, reducing wear and thermal overload, and optimizing braking performance without the need for additional components, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing material and installation requirements.

Implementation Method 1

an auxiliary piston set (7), at least indirectly actuated by the pilot pressure, is integrated into the plunger (6) to generate a detent valve function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a first pressure plate ring (9), axially movable within a bushing (8) relative to the plunger (6), and a first pressure plate (10), operatively connected to the plunger (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure force: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2895363B1Adjustable load sensing valve with integrated kink valve function
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 KNORR BREMSE SYST FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
  • EP2895363B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2895363B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a controllable load-controlled brake valve (1) having a kink valve function for pneumatic brakes of rail vehicles, comprising a housing (2), which has at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, wherein an air input valve seat (3) and an air output valve seat (4) for inputting air into and outputting air from a brake cylinder (5) in accordance with a pilot control pressure (Cv) are arranged on a tappet (6) located inside the housing (2), wherein an auxiliary piston set (7) for generating a kink valve function, to which the pilot control pressure (Cv) is applied at least indirectly, is integrated on the tappet (6). The invention further relates to pneumatic brake equipment (23) having such a controllable load-controlled brake valve (1).