Trailer Service Brake Control Using Electropneumatic Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air brake systems on commercial vehicles require air to be routed through the dash for independent trailer service brake control, which is unsafe in certain situations and wastes air, while maintaining driver features like independent trailer brake control is essential in limited situations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a manually operated trailer brake switch, a first electropneumatic valve, and a controller with control logic that determines if predetermined conditions are met before actuating the trailer service brakes, ensuring safe and efficient operation by eliminating unnecessary air flow through the dash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air is routed through the dash for independent trailer service brake control, then driver control capability is maintained, but air wastage occurs and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional pneumatic control system with an electronic control system. The manual trailer brake switch sends an electrical signal to the controller, which then actuates the trailer service brakes through an electropneumatic valve. This substitution eliminates the need for air to physically travel through the dash, stopping air wastage while preserving driver control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent trailer service brake control is allowed, then driver operational flexibility is improved, but safety risks increase in certain situations
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors vehicle operating conditions such as speed and receives feedback from various sensors. Based on this feedback, the controller determines whether to permit independent trailer brake activation. For example, if the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller will not activate the trailer brakes even if the driver requests it, thereby preventing unsafe operations while maintaining flexibility when conditions are appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary checks of operating conditions before allowing independent trailer brake activation. The controller evaluates parameters such as vehicle speed, brake system status, and other safety criteria in advance. Only when all predetermined conditions are satisfied does the controller permit the trailer brakes to activate, ensuring safety is maintained while operational flexibility is preserved.
3Reliability
If air brake system is used for trailer control, then reliable brake actuation is achieved, but air consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct pneumatic actuation system with an electropneumatic valve system controlled by electronic signals. Instead of routing air from the brake system through the dash to actuate trailer brakes, the system uses electrical signals to control the valve, which then delivers air only when and where needed. This eliminates unnecessary air consumption while maintaining reliable brake actuation through the existing pneumatic brake components.
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
The system allows safe and independent control of trailer service brakes while preventing air wastage by only actuating the brakes when specific conditions are met, such as low speed, ensuring the trailer remains stationary and preserving brake component life.
Implementation Method 1
a first electropneumatic valve in communication with a pressure source and a controller. The controller has an input communicating with the trailer brake switch, an output communicating with the first electropneumatic valve and control logic. The control logic receives an input from the trailer brake switch indicating a driver's request to apply the trailer service brakes of the combination vehicle, determines if a predetermined condition exists and transmits a signal to the output to the first electropneumatic valve, wherein the first electropneumatic valve transmits pressure to a trailer service control line to actuate the trailer service brakes
Data Source
AI summary
A system on a tractor for controlling trailer service brakes comprises a manually operated trailer brake switch, a first electropneumatic valve in communication with a pressure source and a controller. The controller has an input communicating with the trailer brake switch, an output communicating with the electropneumatic valve and control logic. The control logic receives an input from the trailer brake switch indicating a driver's request to apply the trailer service brakes of the combination vehicle, determines if a predetermined condition exists and transmits a signal to the output to the electropneumatic valve. The electropneumatic valve transmits pressure to a trailer service control line to actuate the trailer service brakes in response to the trailer brake switch and existence of the predetermined condition.