Multi-stage Pilot-controlled Valve with Telescopic Plunger

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-stage valve arrangements for pneumatic brake systems in rail vehicle technology are complex and large due to the need for multiple components and piping, particularly when implementing throttled compressed air flows.

Innovation Solution

A compact multi-stage switchable valve arrangement using a pneumatic pilot control with a first and second control piston in coaxial recesses within the valve housing, allowing telescopic extension of a plunger for multi-stage switching without separate throttles, and utilizing a seat valve design with integrated return springs for robust and precise throttling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two 2/2-way valves are connected in parallel with one valve connected in series with a throttle to achieve multi-stage switching, then throttled compressed air flow is enabled, but the valve arrangement becomes large and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-stage switching capabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve mechanism with a common valve body and shared sealing elements. The multi-stage switching is achieved through a single valve piston that can position the valve element in multiple positions (closed, throttled, fully open) rather than using separate valves connected in parallel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device: it can switch between closed position, throttled flow positions (with different flow rates), and fully open position. This is achieved through a valve element with multiple sealing surfaces and a valve piston with corresponding control chambers that enable different flow states without requiring separate specialized valves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two 2/2-way valves are connected in parallel with one valve connected in series with a throttle to achieve multi-stage switching, then throttled compressed air flow is enabled, but the valve arrangement becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-stage switching capabilityVSAvoidvalve arrangement size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve mechanism with a common valve body and shared sealing elements. The multi-stage switching is achieved through a single valve piston that can position the valve element in multiple positions (closed, throttled, fully open) rather than using separate valves connected in parallel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve element is nested within the valve body, with sealing surfaces positioned concentrically. The valve piston moves axially within the valve body to control the valve element's position. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall footprint of the valve mechanism while maintaining multi-stage switching capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enables efficient space utilization, increased reliability, and precise throttling with reduced complexity, eliminating the need for separate throttling components and ensuring secure operation across various valve positions.

Implementation Method 1

an additive control pressure application to both control chambers produces a telescopic extension of a plunger extending from the second control piston

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The valve plate carried by a valve piston is elastically deformable with the actuating forces that can be applied during operation via an actuating mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2501968B1Multi-stage switchable pilot-controlled valve arrangement

Publication Date: 2015.05.27 KNORR BREMSE SYST FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a pilot-controlled valve arrangement having at least one valve mechanism mounted in a valve housing (1) for multi-stage switching of a compressed air flow between a feed pressure connection (2) and a working line connection (3), wherein a throttled compressed air flow can be switched in at least one switching stage by means of a throttle, wherein the pneumatic pilot control comprises a first control piston (8) mounted in a first control chamber (9) implemented in the valve housing (1) and comprising a coaxial recess for forming a second control chamber (10) in which a second control piston (11) is mounted, so that an additive control pressure application to the control chambers (9, 10) generates a telescope-like deployment of a ram (6) extending from the second control piston (11) for generating a multi-stage switching stroke for the valve mechanism, in order to implement the throttled compressed air flow in at least one switching stage of the valve mechanism present between the closed and the open valve setting.