Pneumatic Latching Valve Service Brake Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle air brake systems lack fail-safe operation in case of pneumatic or electrical failures, particularly for work brake functions, which can lead to unsafe conditions such as vehicles rolling away due to loss of compressed air or driver error.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle air brake system with an improved service work brake arrangement that includes a pneumatic latching valve and an electronic control unit to automatically engage and disengage the work brake function based on vehicle status, driver intent, and other input sources, providing fail-safe operation in both pneumatic and electrical failure scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring brakes are used to perform the park brake function, then the vehicle can be held stationary, but the system is not fail-safe and requires complex pneumatic fail-safe systems for work brake functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional pneumatic fail-safe system with an electronic control system that monitors vehicle conditions and automatically engages the service brakes when failure conditions are detected. This substitution of pneumatic control with electronic control simplifies the fail-safe mechanism while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects failure conditions (such as loss of compressed air pressure) and self-corrects by engaging the service brakes without requiring complex pneumatic fail-safe components. The electronic controller continuously monitors system status and autonomously activates the fail-safe function.
2Ease of operation
If traditional work brake systems are implemented, then basic braking function is achieved, but the system has complicated plumbing and numerous components
Solution Approach 1:
The service brake system is designed to perform multiple functions: normal service braking, work brake function for frequently stopping vehicles, and automatic fail-safe operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems, reducing component count and plumbing complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the work brake function and fail-safe function into the existing service brake system, controlled by an electronic controller that integrates multiple functions. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and plumbing connections required compared to traditional separate systems.
3Extent of automation
If electro-pneumatic brake systems are used, then electrical control capability is provided, but fail-safe operation in case of electrical failure or driver error is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller is programmed with logic that anticipates potential failure conditions (such as unintended brake application or electrical failure) and takes preliminary action to prevent unsafe conditions. The system monitors for abnormal patterns and automatically disengages or engages brakes to prevent rolling away, providing fail-safe operation despite electrical control.
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 system ensures reliable application and release of service work brakes and park brakes, maintaining vehicle safety by preventing rolling away in case of failures or driver errors, with reduced components and plumbing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The pneumatic latching valve opens upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from an electronically controlled valve and closes upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from another source or via spring return in absence of supply pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle air brake system is presented with an improved service work brake arrangement. The arrangement may provide a service work brake function or both a service work brake function and a parking brake function for the vehicle. The arrangement may provide an improved service work brake arrangement disposed within a housing for reducing the number of components and plumbing required to achieve this functionality versus prior known systems. The arrangement may utilize a pneumatic latching valve to deliver pressurized air for applying a vehicle's service brakes. The pneumatic latching valve opens upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from an electronically controlled valve and closes upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from another source. In addition, a controller and control logic may be provided for controlling the arrangement.