Solenoid Manifold Controller for Pneumatic Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial vehicles with pneumatic control systems face issues of incorrect solenoid activation due to common connectors and extensive part number management, necessitating an improved solenoid manifold assembly.

Innovation Solution

A controller with a first electrical connector for vehicle communications, a second electrical connector for transmitting messages to solenoids, and a processor with control logic to associate solenoids with vehicle functions, enabling efficient control of multiple solenoids through a unified communication protocol, reducing the need for multiple individual controllers and improving part management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solenoids are individually controlled by switches or different controllers with common connectors, then each solenoid can be controlled independently, but there is a chance of incorrect connections causing wrong solenoid activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolenoid activation accuracyVSAvoidconnector management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual controllers into a single integrated solenoid manifold controller that manages all solenoids through one unified device. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate controllers and their associated connectors, thereby reducing connection errors while maintaining independent control capability for each solenoid through internal routing logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The solenoid manifold controller is designed as a universal control device that can manage multiple different solenoids and air-operated accessory functions through a single unit. This multi-functional approach allows one controller to replace multiple specialized controllers, reducing the overall number of connectors and potential misconnection points while maintaining the ability to control each solenoid independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If each solenoid manifold receives a new part number based on the number of solenoids and functions controlled, then the system can be customized for different configurations, but it causes extensive part number management for the manufacturer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolenoid manifold configuration flexibilityVSAvoidpart number management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal solenoid manifold controller design that can accommodate different numbers of solenoids and function configurations through a single part number. The controller's internal software or configuration settings allow it to adapt to various manifold setups, eliminating the need for manufacturers to create and manage multiple part numbers for different configurations while maintaining full customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed with dynamic configurability, allowing it to be programmed or configured for different solenoid arrangements and functions after manufacture. This dynamic adaptation capability enables a single physical controller unit to serve multiple configuration purposes, thereby reducing part number proliferation while maintaining system versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple individual controllers are used to control solenoids, then each controller can be optimized for specific functions, but it increases bus traffic and reduces system efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system efficiencyVSAvoidcommunications bus traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual controllers into a single solenoid manifold controller that handles all communications with the vehicle's control network through one interface. This consolidation reduces the total amount of bus traffic by eliminating redundant communication protocols and handshaking that would occur with multiple separate controllers, thereby improving system efficiency and reducing network load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10496109B2Solenoid manifold device, controller and method of controlling a solenoid manifold

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments of a controller for controlling at least one solenoid comprise a first electrical connector for electrically communicating with a vehicle communications bus; a second electrical connector for transmitting messages to a plurality of solenoids; and a processor having control logic. The control logic is capable of associating each of a plurality of solenoids with a vehicle function when the plurality of solenoids are in electrical communication with the controller; receiving a control message at the first electrical connector in a first format to enable a first vehicle function; and electrically communicating a control message in a second format at the second electrical connector in response to receiving the control message in the first format to control one of the plurality of solenoids associated with the first vehicle function.