Modular Hydraulic Valve Block Layout for Efficient Vehicle Brake Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular hydraulic valve assemblies face efficiency constraints due to machining limitations, which affect the configuration of internal flowpaths, making it difficult to adapt to different vehicle connection layouts while maintaining hydraulic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular hydraulic valve system comprising monolithic valve blocks with internal flowpaths formed by machining and casting, allowing for customizable connection layouts by forming extension flowpaths and using solenoid-actuated valves to control hydraulic pressure distribution between parking brake, differential lock, and service brake circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If internal flowpaths are formed by machining, then adaptability to different connection layouts is improved, but hydraulic efficiency deteriorates due to machining limitations constraining flowpath configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The valve block is divided into multiple modules, each with standardized interface surfaces. This segmentation allows the same modular architecture to accommodate different connection layouts through various module arrangements while maintaining optimized internal flowpaths within each module, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and hydraulic efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different manufacturing methods (machining vs. casting) for different valve blocks based on their specific requirements. Some blocks use machining for adaptability, while others use casting for hydraulic efficiency. This parameter change in manufacturing approach allows optimization of each block for its specific function while maintaining overall system adaptability.
2Loss of energy
If internal flowpaths are formed by casting, then hydraulic efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different connection layouts deteriorates due to manufacturing constraints
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the valve system into multiple cast modules with standardized interfaces, each module can be optimized for hydraulic efficiency through casting while the overall system maintains adaptability through modular reconfiguration. This resolves the contradiction by separating the optimization of individual components from the flexibility of the complete system.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interface surfaces create universal connection points that allow the same cast modules to be configured for different connection layouts. This universality enables adaptability without requiring custom-machined flowpaths, thus maintaining hydraulic efficiency while achieving versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular valve assemblies are used, then adaptability to different vehicles is improved, but hydraulic efficiency deteriorates due to machining limitations in flowpath configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The modular valve assembly segments the hydraulic system into independent modules with optimized internal flowpaths. Each module maintains high hydraulic efficiency through optimized design, while the modular connection system provides adaptability to different vehicle configurations through flexible module arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses different manufacturing parameters (casting for efficiency-critical modules, machining for adaptability-critical modules) within the same modular framework. This allows each module to be optimized for its primary function while the modular architecture provides overall system adaptability.
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 system achieves efficient hydraulic pressure distribution and adaptability to various vehicle configurations, enhancing the modular valve assembly's efficiency and flexibility by combining machining for adaptability with casting for intricate configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid actuated parking brake pilot valve (4021) operable to connect an actuator inlet (4026) of the parking brake control valve (4020), selectively to the hydraulic pressure from the parking brake pressure inlet (4602), and to the drain flowpath (4011), responsive to an electrical parking brake actuation signal (S5) received via the electrical connector (4006)
Implementation Method 2
a parking brake accumulator inlet (4005) in uninterrupted fluid communication with the parking brake pressure inlet (4602) and opening through the at least one further external surface (4700) for connecting a hydraulic accumulator (72) to the supply of hydraulic pressure from the parking brake pressure inlet (4602)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A first valve module (4000) includes a valve block and circuits for controlling hydraulic pressure to parking brake and differential lock actuation circuits of a vehicle. An extension flowpath (4010) has an extension inlet and outlet opening respectively through an interface surface and further external surface of the valve block. A second module (1000) may be connected to supply a first service brake circuit, the circuits of the first module, and, via a second service brake outlet communicating with the extension inlet, a second service brake circuit. In a method, first and second valve blocks with internal flowpaths formed respectively by machining and by casting are assembled together with valves to define valve modules (4000, 1000) having respective, first and second functional circuits. The first valve block includes an extension flowpath. The second module supplies pressure to the first functional circuit and the extension flowpath of the first module.