Redundant Brake-by-Wire Control Circuit for Trailer Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing by-wire brake systems lack redundancy in their electro-pneumatic control circuits, making them vulnerable to failure if internal components fail, which is critical for ensuring continuous operation of trailer brakes.
Innovation Solution
A brake-by-wire system with a trailer brake control circuit that includes two parallel electro-pneumatic solenoid-operated proportional valves and two solenoid-operated pneumatic shutoff valves, providing redundancy to maintain trailer brake functionality even if internal components fail, with each side of the circuit having a proportional valve for braking and a shutoff valve to prevent unintended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single electro-pneumatic control circuit is used in the by-wire brake system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the system cannot function if internal components fail
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is divided into two independent parallel circuits (first and second electro-pneumatic control circuits), each capable of independently controlling the trailer brakes. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even if one circuit fails, thereby improving reliability without requiring a complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundant parallel circuits as a preventive measure against component failure. By having backup circuits ready before failure occurs, the system ensures continuous operation and maintains reliability even when internal components fail in one of the circuits.
2Reliability
If redundant electro-pneumatic control circuits are implemented, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first and second electro-pneumatic control circuits perform the same function of controlling the trailer brakes. This multi-functionality allows either circuit to take over if the other fails, providing redundancy while using identical component designs, which manages complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control circuit is designed with specific local characteristics (first solenoid operated proportional valve, first solenoid operated shutoff valve for the first circuit; second solenoid operated proportional valve, second solenoid operated shutoff valve for the second circuit) that allow independent operation and failure isolation, managing overall system complexity through modular local designs.
3Reliability
If multiple proportional valves are used for redundancy, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a duplicate (copy) of the electro-pneumatic control circuit, with the second circuit being a replica of the first. This copying approach ensures reliability through redundancy while simplifying manufacturing by using identical, standardized components that can be produced using the same processes and specifications.
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
Ensures continuous operation of trailer brakes by providing redundancy, allowing the system to function even if one internal component fails, while maintaining the requirements of a hydraulic or pneumatic trailer brake system, ensuring safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid operable to move the first valve member to its second position
Implementation Method 2
a spring biasing the first valve member to its first position
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a brake-by-wire system (210). There is a need for a trailer brake control circuit (210) for a by-wire brake system. A brake control circuit (210) for a trailer service brake (212) and a trailer park brake (213) in a by-wire brake system includes a supply of pressurized air (214), an air vent (216), a pair of solenoid operated proportional valves (218,220) for controlling communication between the supply of pressurized air (214), the air vent (216) and the trailer brakes (212,213), and a pair of solenoid operated shutoff valves (222,224), each controlling communication between the trailer brakes (212,213) and a corresponding one of the proportional valves (218,220).