Normally-Energized Solenoid for Automatic Heavy Vehicle Park Brake Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for heavy vehicles do not automatically set the park brakes during a failure of the service brakes holding function, requiring driver intervention which is not always feasible or safe.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a normally-energized solenoid coupled to the parking brake system and an electronic controller that monitors service brakes holding and fault conditions, de-energizing the solenoid to exhaust air pressure and set the park brakes when a fault is detected, allowing automatic engagement of the park brakes during a service brakes holding function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driver manually operates the parking switch to set park brakes, then the park brakes can be applied, but driver intervention is required which is not feasible or safe during certain fault conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects fault conditions and activates the park brakes without requiring driver intervention. The electronic controller monitors service brake holding function and fault conditions, then autonomously de-energizes the solenoid to exhaust air pressure and set the park brakes, allowing the system to serve itself during emergency conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller continuously monitors signals from sensors detecting service brake holding function and fault conditions. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to detect when the service brakes are not holding properly and automatically respond by activating the park brakes through the solenoid control logic.
2Extent of automation
If a normally-energized solenoid is used to control air pressure in the parking brake system, then automatic park brake setting is enabled, but the system requires monitoring of service brakes holding function and fault conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller continuously monitors signals from sensors detecting service brake holding function and fault conditions. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to detect when the service brakes are not holding properly and automatically respond by activating the park brakes through the solenoid control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of the parking switch is replaced with an electronic control system. The electronic controller uses electrical signals to monitor brake system status and control the solenoid, replacing the need for manual mechanical intervention with an automated electromechanical system.
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
Enables the automatic and safe setting of park brakes during a service brakes holding function failure, enhancing safety by eliminating the need for driver intervention in fault conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a normally-energized solenoid operatively coupled to components of the parking brake system and for, when de-energized, exhausting air pressure in at least some components of the parking brake system to set park brakes of the parking brake system
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for a vehicle having components of a parking brake system and components of a service brake system. The apparatus comprises a normally-energized solenoid operatively coupled to components of the parking brake system and for, when de-energized, exhausting air pressure in at least some components of the parking brake system to set park brakes. The apparatus further comprises an electronic controller arranged to (i) monitor a combination of one or more signals indicative of a service brakes holding function, (ii) monitor a combination of one or more signals indicative of a fault condition, and (iii) provide one or more signals to de-energize the normally-energized solenoid to exhaust air pressure in at least some components of the parking brake system and thereby to set park brakes when both signals indicative of a service brakes holding function and signals indicative of a fault condition of the vehicle are detected.