Parking Brake Module Valve Concept for Independent Trailer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking brake modules for vehicles cannot implement a stretch braking function, where the trailer is braked while the towing vehicle is not braked, and are not adaptable to various vehicle control systems, leading to increased manufacturing and storage costs due to the need for multiple designs.
Innovation Solution
A single valve concept that allows independent adjustment of pressure to the trailer control valve, decoupling the spring accumulator and trailer control valve, enabling the trailer to be braked independently of the towing vehicle's braking state and supporting various vehicle configurations, including electronic braking systems and anti-lock braking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the parking brake module uses a coupled pressure control system where the trailer control valve pressure is tied to the spring accumulator pressure, then the system structure is simple, but the stretch braking function cannot be implemented and the trailer cannot be braked independently of the towing vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control system is segmented into two independent control paths: one path controls the spring accumulator pressure through the relay valve, and another path controls the trailer control valve pressure through a separate controllable valve. This segmentation allows independent pressure adjustment for each function, enabling stretch braking while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular valve control.
Solution Approach 2:
A controllable valve (such as a solenoid valve or electronically controlled valve) is introduced as an intermediary component between the compressed air source and the trailer control valve. This intermediary enables independent pressure regulation for the trailer control valve, decoupling it from the spring accumulator pressure control and enabling the stretch braking function without directly coupling the two pressure systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parking brake module designs are manufactured to adapt to different vehicle control systems, then adaptability to various systems is improved, but manufacturing and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The parking brake module is designed with a universal pressure control architecture that can accommodate different vehicle control systems (electronic braking systems, anti-lock braking systems, or systems without such protections) through a standardized controllable valve interface. This multi-functional design allows a single module type to serve multiple applications, reducing the need for multiple specialized designs and thereby lowering manufacturing and storage costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The module achieves adaptability to different vehicle control systems by allowing parameter changes in the controllable valve (such as electrical actuation signals, pressure regulation settings) rather than requiring structural redesigns. This enables the same hardware platform to adapt to various control systems through software or control parameter adjustments, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving system versatility.
3Ease of operation
If the pressure to the trailer control valve is independently adjustable, then the stretch braking function is enabled, but the system requires additional valve control mechanisms increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control function for the trailer valve is extracted from the spring accumulator control system and placed under independent control through a separate controllable valve. This extraction enables independent trailer braking capability while managing complexity by using a standardized valve component that can be integrated without fundamentally redesigning the entire pressure control architecture.
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 implementation of stretch braking, trailer control position, and hill holder functions, ensuring the vehicle remains braked without the brake pedal being actuated, while reducing the need for multiple module designs and minimizing manufacturing and storage costs.
Implementation Method 1
The relay valve (44) includes an inlet (46) connectable to a compressed air reservoir (24). Furthermore, the relay valve (44) has an outlet (50) which can be connected to at least one spring-actuated part (14) of a spring-actuated brake cylinder (12). The relay valve (44) also includes a control input (58). The pressure present at the control input (58) is controlled at the outlet of the relay valve (44), but with a significantly larger amount of air.
Implementation Method 2
The control pressure present at the control input of the relay valve can be adjusted with the aid of a holding valve and a bistable valve. In this way, the pressure at the outlet of the relay valve can also be adjusted.
Implementation Method 3
The second valve device (76) consists of a 3/2-way solenoid valve. A first connection of this 3/2-way solenoid valve leads to the line leading to the trailer control valve (22). A second port of this valve is connected to the outlet of the relay valve (44). A third connection can be connected to the compressed air reservoir (24). In a de-energized state, this 3/2-way solenoid valve connects the first to the second port, while the first port is blocked from the third port. In an energized state, on the other hand, the first connection is blocked off from the second connection and the first connection is connected to the third connection.
Implementation Method 4
The trailer control valve has a connection for a trailer service brake control line leading to the trailer vehicle. The trailer control valve inverts the pressure present at its input. This means that if there is a high pressure at the input coming from the parking brake module, a low service brake pressure is output and vice versa.
Implementation Method 5
The spring-loaded part implements the spring-loaded function in that, when the spring-loaded part is acted upon by compressed air, an accumulator spring is pretensioned and the braking effect of the spring-loaded device is thereby reduced. When the spring-loaded part is vented, the storage spring relaxes, so that a braking effect is exerted on the brake connected to the respective brake cylinder as part of the spring-loaded function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a parking brake module (10) for a pressure medium-operated brake system of a vehicle having a parking brake function by means of at least one spring brake cylinder (12). Said parking brake module (10) comprises a first valve device (44) which increases the amount of pressure medium and is fitted with an inlet (46) that can be connected to a pressure medium reservoir (24), an outlet (50) that can be connected to at least one spring-loaded part (14) of a spring brake cylinder (12), and a control input (58) that is connected to a control line (60). The parking brake module (10) further comprises a second valve device (76) encompassing at least one first connection (78) which is used as a trailer control valve connection and can be connected to a trailer control valve (22) in order to control a trailer brake. In order to provide a valve concept for different vehicle configurations, particularly including an anti-jackknifing function, a pressure prevailing at the first connection (78) of the second valve device (76) can be adjusted regardless of the pressure prevailing in the pressure medium reservoir (24) and a pressure prevailing at the outlet (50) of the valve device (44) that increases the amount of pressure medium.