Pneumatic Control Unit Self-Reset Mechanism for Trailer Brakes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic systems in trailer vehicles require manual reset of actuators for raising and lowering the vehicle body, which is inconvenient, especially when the trailer is moved away from a loading bay, necessitating a self-resetting mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic control unit with a housing, manually movable actuators, and a reset mechanism that uses pneumatic confirmation pressure to automatically reset the actuators to a predetermined position, incorporating a locking mechanism to control pneumatic pressure and a reset element to transmit force or torque to the actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If actuators are made lockable to maintain position, then positioning reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual reset requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The reset mechanism enables the actuator to reset itself automatically without manual intervention. When the pneumatic confirmation pressure is supplied, the reset element moves the actuator back to its initial position, allowing the system to service itself and eliminating the need for manual reset operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic confirmation pressure as a feedback signal to trigger the reset operation. When the confirmation pressure is detected, it activates the reset element, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically responds to system state changes and initiates the reset sequence.
2Device complexity
If manual reset operation is required, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic reset mechanism allows the actuator to perform its own reset function without requiring external manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates time loss and increases productivity while the reset mechanism integrates seamlessly into the existing actuator structure, minimizing additional complexity.
3Ease of operation
If reset mechanism is added for automatic resetting, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reset element acts as an intermediary component that translates the pneumatic confirmation pressure into mechanical motion to move the actuator. This intermediary mechanism allows automatic resetting functionality to be added without requiring complex control systems, maintaining relatively simple device architecture while improving ease of operation.
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 automatic resetting of actuators, reducing manual intervention and ensuring consistent operation of the pneumatic system, allowing for efficient adjustment of the trailer's height without manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
The predetermined reset condition is the appearance of a pneumatic confirmation pressure. This pneumatic confirmation pressure is preferably configured to unlock a reset element or to generate a force which is applied to the reset element.
Implementation Method 2
The reset mechanism is comprising a reset element configured to transmit a reset force or a reset torque to the at least one actuator. The reset force or the reset torque is further preferably configured to move the at least one actuator into a position
Implementation Method 3
The pneumatic control unit is preferably comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock the at least one actuator in at least one locking position along the total distance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A pneumatic control unit (15) for a raise/lowering valve of a vehicle brake and air suspension system is disclosed comprising: - a housing (6), - at least one actuator (1, 1a) configured to be manually moved along a total distance (14) within the housing (6) and configured to control a pneumatic pressure depending on its position on the total distance (14), and - a reset mechanism (9) configured to reset the at least one actuator (1, 1a) into a position along the total distance (14) if at least one predetermined reset condition is met. Further, a component of a pneumatic vehicle brake and air suspension system and such a system are disclosed.