Trailer Brake Actuator Anti-Lock Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer braking systems face challenges in providing anti-lock functionality during emergency braking using spring actuators, which is complex and lacks the anti-lock function without additional components, and existing solutions either disable ABS or complicate the system.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle braking system with a brake actuator that includes a spring brake chamber and an emergency brake apply valve, which automatically connects the spring brake chamber to a low-pressure region when pressure falls, and an electrically operable override valve to prevent fluid pressure loss, allowing for controlled emergency braking and integration with anti-lock braking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If emergency braking is implemented using spring actuators without additional components, then the system remains simple, but anti-lock functionality cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the emergency braking function with the existing service braking circuit by allowing pressurised fluid from the service circuit to be supplied to the spring brake chamber. This merging of functions enables anti-lock control through the existing EBS/ABS system without requiring separate control mechanisms for spring brakes, thus achieving reliability improvement without proportional complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The service braking circuit is designed to serve dual purposes: normal service braking and emergency braking with anti-lock control. By enabling the service circuit to supply pressurised fluid to the spring brake chamber during emergency conditions, the system achieves multi-functionality where one circuit handles both routine and emergency braking scenarios with anti-lock capability
2Reliability
If the emergency brake apply valve automatically activates when pressure falls, then emergency braking is triggered, but fluid pressure loss cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency brake apply valve incorporates a control port that continuously monitors the pressure in the spring brake chamber. When pressure falls below a predetermined level, the valve automatically activates to supply pressurised fluid from the service circuit to the spring brake chamber, restoring pressure. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable emergency braking response while preventing unnecessary fluid pressure loss by only activating when actually needed
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency brake apply valve is designed to automatically detect and correct low pressure conditions in the spring brake chamber without requiring external intervention. By self-monitoring pressure levels and autonomously activating to restore pressure when needed, the system achieves reliable emergency braking response while minimizing fluid pressure loss through precise, demand-based activation
3Reliability
If additional components are added to provide anti-lock function to spring actuators, then anti-lock functionality is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emergency braking function with the existing service braking circuit by allowing pressurised fluid from the service circuit to be supplied to the spring brake chamber. This merging of functions enables anti-lock control through the existing EBS/ABS system without requiring separate control mechanisms for spring brakes, thus achieving reliability improvement without proportional complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The service braking circuit is designed to serve dual purposes: normal service braking and emergency braking with anti-lock control. By enabling the service circuit to supply pressurised fluid to the spring brake chamber during emergency conditions, the system achieves multi-functionality where one circuit handles both routine and emergency braking scenarios with anti-lock capability
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 controlled emergency braking with anti-lock functionality by preventing fluid pressure loss and integrating with conventional ABS algorithms, maintaining system simplicity and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
supply of pressurised fluid to the spring brake chamber causes the brake actuator to move against the biasing force of the spring to the brake release position
Implementation Method 2
release of pressurised fluid from the spring brake chamber causes the brake actuator to move under the action of the spring to the brake apply position
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle braking system (10) comprising a brake actuator (23) which is operable to adopt a brake apply position in which the actuator (23) may apply a braking force to a vehicle wheel and a brake release position in which the actuator (23) may release any braking force applied to a vehicle wheel, the brake actuator (23) having a spring brake chamber (23a) and a spring and being configured such that supply of pressurised fluid to the spring brake chamber (23a) causes the brake actuator (23) to move against the biasing force of the spring to the brake release position and release of pressurised fluid from the spring brake chamber (23a) causes the brake actuator (23) to move under the action of the spring to the brake apply position, the system (10) further including a supply line (2) whereby the spring brake chamber (23a) is, in use, connected to a supply of pressurised fluid, and an emergency brake apply valve (20) which has a control port (20c) which is connected to the supply line (12), the emergency brake apply (1) valve (20) being configured automatically to connect the spring brake chamber (23a) to a low pressure region when the pressure at the control port (20c) falls below a predetermined level, wherein the system further includes an electrically operable emergency braking override valve (36), (36') which has a first port (36a), (36a') which is connected to the supply line (12) and a second port (36b), (20) (36b') which is connected to the control port (20c) of the emergency brake apply valve (20) and which, when supplied with sufficient electrical power, acts to prevent loss of fluid pressure at the control port (20c) of the emergency brake apply valve (20).