Integrated Trailer Valve Device for Compressed Air Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compressed air systems for commercial vehicle trailers require separate valve devices for brake and air suspension systems, leading to increased complexity and assembly work, as well as higher line connection requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional valve device integrating a trailer brake valve with a pneumatically controlled emergency braking function and a directly electronically controlled level control valve for the air suspension system, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the system configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate valve devices are used for brake and air suspension systems, then each system can be independently controlled and maintained, but the overall system complexity and assembly work increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the brake system valve device and air suspension system valve device into a single integrated valve device. The brake control unit and suspension control unit share a common housing and pneumatic connections, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining independent control capabilities through electronic control units that can independently manage each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve device performs multiple functions within a single unit: it controls both the service brake and emergency brake functions, as well as the air suspension system. The valve device includes multiple valves (first valve, second valve, third valve, fourth valve) that can independently execute different functions, making the single device universal for both brake and suspension systems.
2Reliability
If separate valve devices are used for brake and air suspension systems, then each system has dedicated components, but the number of line connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pneumatic line connections of the brake system and air suspension system into a unified connection structure. The integrated valve device has a common housing that accommodates all pneumatic connections, reducing the number of separate line connections required while maintaining dedicated pneumatic pathways for each function through internal valve control.
3Ease of manufacture
If a multifunctional integrated valve device is used, then assembly complexity and line connections are reduced, but the integration of multiple control functions increases design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a brake control unit with first and second valves for brake functions, and a suspension control unit with third and fourth valves for air suspension functions. Each module can be independently designed and controlled by separate electronic control units, simplifying the integration process while maintaining functional independence.
Solution Approach 2:
Electronic control units serve as intermediaries between the operator and the integrated valve device. The first electronic control unit manages brake functions by controlling the first and second valves, while the second electronic control unit manages suspension functions by controlling the third and fourth valves. This intermediary control layer simplifies the integration complexity by providing standardized electronic interfaces for multiple functions.
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 integration results in a compact, simplified compressed air system with reduced assembly complexity and line connections, enhancing the trailer's braking and suspension control functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first valve (115), which controls a connection between a coupling head supply (2) and a first consumer circuit (113) based on a first control pressure
Implementation Method 2
a second valve (116), which controls a connection between the coupling head supply (2) and a second consumer circuit (114) based on a second control pressure
Implementation Method 3
a third valve (117), which controls a connection between a container (4) and the first consumer circuit (113) based on a third control pressure
Implementation Method 4
a fourth valve (118), which controls a connection between the container (4) and the second consumer circuit (114) based on a fourth control pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The valve device has a trailer brake valve for brake assembly and a trailer associated valve such as level control valve or lifting axle valve for an air suspension system. The trailer associated valve of air suspension system is integrated into device main housing. An electronic control unit (72) such as anti-lock braking system (ABS) or electronic braking system (EBS) is provided to actuate both the valves of air suspension system and brake assembly. An independent claim is included for compressed air system of trailer of commercial vehicle.