Park Brake Controllers Using Pneumatic Backup Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing park brake systems in vehicles rely on electronic communication between controllers, which can fail due to connection issues, bus problems, or electrical damage, leading to a loss of critical communication between the first and second park brake controllers.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a pneumatic line as a backup communication channel between the first and second park brake controllers, allowing them to pneumatically communicate messages, such as starting a countdown timer, to ensure the vehicle can be safely parked even in the absence of electronic communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If electronic communication is used between park brake controllers, then communication speed and information capacity are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to connection issues, bus problems, or electrical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pneumatic line as an intermediary communication channel between the first and second park brake controllers. When electronic communication fails, the controllers can exchange information through pneumatic pressure signals in the existing brake air line, ensuring continued operational reliability without adding separate dedicated communication hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameter from electrical signals to pneumatic pressure variations. By modulating air pressure in the pneumatic line (e.g., creating pressure pulses or maintaining elevated pressure states), the controllers can transmit binary information reliably even when electronic systems fail, thus improving overall system reliability.
2Reliability
If a backup communication channel is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing pneumatic brake line serve multiple functions: its primary function remains brake actuation, while it simultaneously serves as a backup communication channel between controllers. This multi-functionality approach improves reliability without adding dedicated backup communication infrastructure, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing pneumatic infrastructure to provide backup communication capabilities. Rather than requiring external or separate communication systems, the brake air line itself is utilized for information exchange, allowing the system to service its own communication needs without additional complexity.
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 the vehicle to be safely parked by allowing the park brake system to function even when electronic communication between controllers is lost, ensuring vehicle safety and preventing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The first park brake controller is configured to selectively alter air pressure in an air line of a vehicle to pneumatically communicate a message to the second park brake controller after a loss of electronic communication with the second park brake controller
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for using a pneumatic line as a backup communication channel for first and secondary park brake controllers. In one embodiment, a park brake system is provided comprising a first park brake controller and a second park brake controller. The first park brake controller is configured to selectively alter air pressure in an air line of a vehicle to pneumatically communicate a message to the second park brake controller after a loss of electronic communication with the second park brake controller. Other embodiments are provided.