Electric Release Bolt Control for Air-Loss Parking Brakes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trucks and buses require manual operation of release bolts for parking brakes when air pressure is lost, which is time-consuming and potentially dangerous, especially if the vehicle starts rolling.
Innovation Solution
An electrically controllable release bolt for parking brake actuators that adjusts the compression state of the parking brake spring based on air-pressure status and input signals, allowing automated control of the brake force without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of release bolts is used for parking brakes when air pressure is lost, then the parking brake can be released, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of release bolts with an automated electrical system. The electrically controllable release bolt receives activation signals from the control system and automatically adjusts the compression state of the parking brake spring, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the parking brake automatically releases when air pressure is restored or when hazard conditions are detected. The control system monitors system status and autonomously activates the release bolt without requiring driver intervention, making the system serve itself.
2Reliability
If manual operation of release bolts is used for parking brakes, then the parking brake can be released, but it is potentially dangerous if the vehicle starts rolling
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors system status including air pressure levels and vehicle motion state. When the vehicle starts rolling or motion is detected, the system receives feedback signals and automatically activates the release bolt to compress the parking brake spring, providing real-time hazard response without driver intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary safety checks by monitoring vehicle motion status before and during parking brake release operations. If motion is detected indicating potential rolling hazard, the system preemptively activates the release bolt to ensure the parking brake is properly engaged, preventing dangerous situations before they escalate.
3Productivity
If electrically controllable release bolt is used to automate parking brake control, then efficiency and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single automated unit that can detect air pressure status, monitor vehicle motion, determine hazard conditions, and control the release bolt operation. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, managing complexity while providing comprehensive automated control.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system has processing circuitry to control an electrically controllable release bolt of a parking brake actuator of a vehicle is provided. The electrically controllable release bolt adjusts a compression of a parking brake spring of the parking brake actuator. The processing circuitry is configured to determine an activation state for the electrically controllable release bolt based on a pressure status of an air-pressure supply of the parking brake actuator and/or based on a input. When the electrically controllable release bolt is active and in response to detecting a parking brake request or parking brake release request, the processing circuitry is configured to control or to adjust the electrically controllable release bolt to adjust a compression of the parking brake spring based on the detected parking brake request or parking brake release request.