Modular Electronic Brake Valve Eliminates Pneumatic Plumbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heavy vehicle pneumatic brake systems are complex, requiring extensive and costly plumbing, leading to installation challenges and delays in achieving system pressures, and are not scalable or customizable in size.
Innovation Solution
A modular pneumatic brake system with self-contained valve modules that can operate independently, eliminating the need for complex plumbing and allowing components with different functionalities to be directly joined, forming an integrated valve unit that is scalable and customizable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pneumatic brake systems use multiple separate valves (PPDC valve, manifold, inversion valve, anti-compounding valve, relay valve) connected via extensive plumbing, then the system can provide complete brake control functionality, but the system complexity increases, installation time increases, and plumbing length increases causing delays in achieving system pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate brake control valves (PPDC valve, manifold, inversion valve, anti-compounding valve, relay valve) into a single integrated modular valve assembly. This consolidation maintains all necessary brake control functionalities while eliminating the need for extensive plumbing between separate components, thereby reducing system complexity and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly is designed with modular components that can be independently replaced or serviced. Each functional valve within the assembly remains a distinct module, allowing for targeted maintenance and repair without replacing the entire system, thus balancing integration benefits with operational flexibility.
2Reliability
If traditional systems use extensive plumbing to connect multiple valves, then complete brake control functionality is achieved, but installation cost increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple valve functions into a single assembly, the patent eliminates the need for extensive plumbing installation. The pre-integrated design allows for quicker installation as technicians only need to connect the unified assembly rather than installing and connecting multiple separate valves with associated piping.
3Reliability
If traditional systems use long lengths of plumbing between components, then all brake control functions are connected, but delays in achieving required system pressures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve assembly places all brake control valves in close proximity, eliminating long plumbing runs. This spatial consolidation allows compressed air to reach all control points rapidly, ensuring quick system pressure establishment and responsive brake control without the delays associated with extensive piping.
4Reliability
If traditional brake systems use fixed configuration with multiple valves, then comprehensive brake control is provided, but the system is not scalable or customizable
Solution Approach 1:
The modular valve assembly is designed with discrete, replaceable components that can be configured in different arrangements. This segmentation enables the system to be customized for different vehicle types and brake requirements while maintaining comprehensive control functionality, making the system scalable and adaptable to various applications.
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 modular system reduces installation time and costs, improves parking brake release timing, and allows for efficient use of space and resources by enabling components to be combined as needed, providing a flexible and efficient brake system.
Implementation Method 1
which solenoid receives electronic control signals from a push button, switch, or the like which is disposed within reach of the vehicle driver
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle brake system includes a source of fluid pressure adapted to supply a braking force to at least one brake actuator and a modular valve unit fluidly coupling the brake actuator to the source of fluid pressure. The modular valve unit includes a plurality of valve modules. Each of the plurality of valve modules includes a housing in which working elements of the valve module are contained and at least one port in the housing adapted to be an input port or an output port, the at least one port being adapted to cooperate with and be directly fluidly connected to at least one port of another of the plurality of valve modules, thereby obviating the need for tubing or piping. Each of the plurality of valve modules is self-contained and defines a stand-alone unit capable of operating independently of any other of the plurality of valve modules.