Pressure Protection Valve for Trailer Air Brake Recharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicular air braking systems face limitations in airflow rate when recharging trailer air pressure due to the use of flow restrictors in the event of trailer connection failures, which slow down the recharge process and compromise system protection.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a double check valve and a pressure protection valve (PPV) configured to supply air from two service reservoirs to a trailer parking valve without a flow restrictor, where the PPV closes at a predetermined pressure threshold to maintain minimum air pressure and protect the tractor air brake system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow restrictor is used in the parking valve to protect the tractor air brake system during trailer connection failures, then the system protection is improved, but the trailer brake system recharge time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the protection function from the recharge function by using two distinct valves: a pressure protection valve (PPV) with a flow restrictor for system protection, and a quick charge valve for rapid recharge. This segmentation allows each valve to be optimized for its specific function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a trailer air supply valve as an intermediary component that directs airflow based on system conditions. This valve acts as a mediator between the PPV and the trailer brake system, enabling selective routing of air flow to achieve both protection and rapid recharge objectives
2Reliability
If an orifice is used in the parking valve to rely on pressure drop for protection, then the valve shuttling protection is improved, but the airflow rate to the trailer is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air flow control into two separate pathways: one through the PPV with flow restrictor for protected shutdown, and another through the quick charge valve for high-flow recharge. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both protection and high productivity in different operational modes
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between protection mode and recharge mode based on operational conditions. The trailer air supply valve dynamically directs airflow based on pressure conditions and system state, allowing the system to adapt between limited flow for protection and high flow for recharge
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
This solution eliminates the need for flow restrictors, allowing faster filling of the trailer air brake system and maintaining air pressure during trailer connection failures, thereby enhancing system protection and recharge efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The PPV is configured to have a predetermined closing pressure threshold, such that when an output pressure from the PPV drops below the closing pressure threshold, the PPV closes and maintains a minimum air pressure in the first and second service reservoirs
Implementation Method 2
a double check valve (DCV) configured to supply air received from a first service reservoir and a second service reservoir to a trailer parking valve
Data Source
AI summary
In the event of a pneumatic trailer connection failure between a tractor and trailer of, e.g., a commercial vehicle, a pressure protection valve (PPV) is provided on the air line between a double check valve that supplies air from one or more service reservoirs and a trailer parking valve without a flow restrictor, which transmits the air to the trailer connection for supplying the trailer brakes. When output pressure on the PPV drops below a predetermined closing pressure threshold due to the connection failure, the PPV closes to protect the tractor brake air supply. Upon restoration of the trailer connection and upon input pressure at the PPV exceeding a predetermined opening pressure threshold, the PPV opens and the trailer brake system is charged more quickly than can be achieved using a conventional trailer parking valve with a flow restrictor.