Parallel Return Branch Fluid Control for Multi-Speed Brake Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake release devices in conveyor and handling technology lack the ability to vary and adjust braking speeds, limiting their application in scenarios requiring different braking times, especially when dealing with large masses where gentle stopping is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A fluid control system for actuating cylinder arrangements in brake lifting devices, featuring parallel return branches with multiple control valves and a throttle valve, allowing for adjustable flow cross-sections to achieve various braking speeds, including emergency braking, normal deceleration, and controlled stopping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single return line with two control valves is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to vary braking speeds is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking speed variabilityVSAvoidfluid control structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The return line is segmented into two parallel return branches (first return branch and second return branch), each containing control valves that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows different combinations of valves to be opened or closed, enabling multiple braking speed settings (first, second, and third braking speeds) without requiring a completely complex system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts braking speed by selectively actuating different combinations of control valves in the parallel return branches. The braking speed can be varied in real-time based on operational requirements, transforming a static single-speed system into a dynamic multi-speed system through flexible valve control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If two control valves are provided in parallel, then the reliability is improved through redundancy, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake release reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol valve arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control valves are segmented into two parallel return branches, with at least one valve in each branch. This segmentation provides redundancy while maintaining a structured, manageable configuration. If one valve fails, the other branch can still function, ensuring reliability without creating an unmanageably complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each return branch is designed with specific local characteristics (different control valves or valve configurations), allowing the system to maintain reliability through redundancy while optimizing each branch's function. This local differentiation enables sophisticated control without uniform complexity throughout the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a throttle valve is connected upstream of control valves, then the ease of operation for adjusting braking time is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking time adjustmentVSAvoidfluid control components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The throttle valve is positioned upstream of the control valves, performing preliminary flow regulation before the fluid reaches the control valves. This preliminary action simplifies the operation of the control valves themselves, as the throttle valve pre-adjusts the flow characteristics, making the overall system easier to operate despite the additional component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If the brake release device operates in intermittent mode with high pressure, then the productivity is improved through faster response, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to high stress on materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake response speedVSAvoidmaterial stress
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between different braking speeds and operational modes based on requirements. Instead of always operating in high-pressure intermittent mode, the system can switch to lower-pressure continuous mode when gentleness is required, reducing material stress while maintaining productivity when high-speed response is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (pressure level, flow rate, valve configuration) to match the specific operational requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the system can achieve fast response when needed while reducing harmful stress on materials during normal operation, eliminating the need to always operate in the high-stress intermittent mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables multiple adjustable braking speeds, enhancing the flexibility and gentleness of the braking process, reducing material and component stress by allowing precise control over braking times and forces.

Implementation Method 1

A drive (usually an electric motor) is set in motion to release or release the brake. This drive acts on a centrifugal pump which, during operation, pressurizes and delivers a hydraulic medium which in turn acts on a cylinder piston surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

This drive acts on a centrifugal pump which, during operation, pressurizes and delivers a hydraulic medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3401270A1Fluid control, brake release device, brake assembly
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 DELLNER BUBENZER GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3401270A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3401270A1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3401270A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluid control (101) for actuating an actuator cylinder arrangement (400) of a brake release device (1), wherein the fluid control (101) comprises: a supply line (102) for pressure build-up in the actuator cylinder arrangement (400), a return line (107) for pressure reduction from the actuator cylinder arrangement (400), wherein a first and a second return branch (108, 109) are provided in the return line (107), which act in parallel, in the first return branch (108) two parallel-acting, open without activation first control valves (110) are provided, and in the second return branch (109) a second open without activation control valve (112) is provided, and by appropriate control of the first control valves (110) and the second control valve (112) the pressure reduction from the actuator cylinder arrangement (400) and thus an actuator cylinder movement with multiple speeds can be realized. The invention further relates to a brake venting device (1) and a brake arrangement.