Integrated Trailer Control Valve with Pressure Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tractor-trailer systems require separate relay and tractor protection valves, increasing part count, cost, and complexity, as well as the number of pneumatic connections, which complicates the fluid circuit and does not effectively monitor trailer coupling.
Innovation Solution
A trailer control valve that integrates the functionality of a relay valve and a tractor protection valve, including a relay valve with a valve member that moves between positions to control fluid communication, pressure sensors to monitor fluid pressures, and electronically controlled valves to manage pneumatic signals, reducing the need for separate components and enhancing trailer detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate relay valve and tractor protection valve are used, then the functionality is complete, but the part count and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the relay valve and tractor protection valve into a single integrated trailer control valve assembly. The relay valve controls fluid delivery to trailer brakes while the tractor protection valve protects the tractor air supply, and both functions are housed within one valve body with shared pneumatic connections, eliminating the need for separate valves and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated trailer control valve performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a relay valve to amplify fluid delivery volume and speed, functions as a tractor protection valve to detect and respond to connection breaks, and provides a unified interface for pneumatic connections. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining complete brake control capability
2Reliability
If separate relay valve and tractor protection valve are used, then the brake control functions are maintained, but the number of pneumatic connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve assembly consolidates multiple pneumatic connection functions into a single unified interface. The valve body includes internally connected ports that route supply pressure, control signals, and exhaust paths without requiring separate external connections for relay valve and protection valve functions, thereby reducing the number of glad-hand connectors and pneumatic interfaces needed
3Reliability
If conventional separate valves are used, then the system is proven reliable, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the relay valve and tractor protection valve into a single manufactured assembly, the patent reduces the total component count, assembly steps, and quality control checkpoints required. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the proven reliable functions of both valve types through careful design of the integrated pressure control and fluid routing mechanisms
4Measurement precision
If pressure monitoring is added, then trailer detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensors leverage the existing pneumatic pressure signals already present in the valve assembly for brake control operations. By monitoring these existing pressure variations that occur during normal valve operation, the system detects trailer presence and connection status without requiring separate dedicated sensing systems, thereby improving measurement capability while minimizing additional complexity
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
This integrated solution reduces the part count and cost of the tractor fluid circuit, simplifies pneumatic connections, and allows for accurate detection of trailer presence by monitoring fluid pressures, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of brake control systems.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor is supported within the body and configured to generate a pressure signal indicative of fluid pressure at the delivery port
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer control valve for a tractor includes a body defining a supply port and first and second delivery ports. The supply port is configured for fluid communication with a fluid source on the tractor. The first and second delivery ports are configured for fluid communication with glad-hand connectors through which fluid is supplied from the tractor to a trailer for, respectively, releasing a parking brake and applying a service brake. The first delivery port is in fluid communication with the supply port. A relay valve is supported within the body and includes a valve member configured to move between positions preventing and permitting fluid communication between the supply port and the second delivery port. Pressure transducers in the body generate pressure signals indicative of fluid pressure at the delivery ports permitting detection of the presence of a trailer coupled to the tractor.