Integrated Pressure Protection Valve for Commercial Vehicle Air Brake Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure protection valves for commercial vehicle air brake systems are complex, expensive, prone to failure, and difficult to install due to numerous components and alignment issues with air lines.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight pressure protection valve with a rotatable upper swivel portion and modular design, featuring a moving sleeve that automatically opens and closes based on pressure differentials, integrated within the air tank to reduce component count and susceptibility to impact, and a vent shield to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing pressure protection valves are used, then pressure protection function is provided, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure protection valve with the air tank into a single integrated assembly. The valve is mounted directly on the air tank, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, additional fasteners, and intermediate piping. This merging of components reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the pressure protection function, as the valve remains functionally separate but physically integrated with the tank.
2Reliability
If existing pressure protection valves are installed, then pressure protection function is provided, but installation difficulty increases due to alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve-tank assembly is designed as a unified component that can be installed as a single unit. This eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures between separate valve and tank components, significantly easing installation. The pre-integrated design ensures proper alignment is built-in, reducing installation time and skill requirements.
3Reliability
If traditional pressure protection valve design is used, then pressure protection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pressure protection valve with the air tank into a single manufacturable assembly. This integration allows for potential economies of scale in manufacturing, reduces assembly steps, and simplifies quality control processes. The unified design can be manufactured as a single integrated component or pre-assembled unit, reducing overall manufacturing costs compared to producing and assembling separate valve and tank components.
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 simplifies installation, reduces component complexity and cost, enhances reliability by minimizing tube binding, and effectively isolates the auxiliary circuit from pressure drops while maintaining air pressure for critical components, while the vent shield protects against contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
The moving sleeve automatically opens and closes at set pressure differentials at the inlet and outlet
Implementation Method 2
against a biasing force from spring positioned within the body of the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure protection valve (10) is provided featuring a swivelable output port fitting (40) and a valve element (60) having a portion (64) configured to redirect a portion of the fluid flow toward the fixed seat (30) upon initial opening of the valve (10). The valve element (60) is in a portion of the fitting that is inserted into a pressure container so as to be protected from external forces. The valve (10) may also include a vent cover (110) sealing the vent port (80), the vent cover (110) movable to vent pressure through the vent port (80) when the valve (10) opens and to relieve pressure through the vent port (80) when the valve (10) closes.