Trailer Brake Modulator Valve Self-Test via Control-Line Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems for trailers and towing vehicles face challenges in effectively assessing the operation of valves, which is crucial for ensuring proper braking functionality and safety, particularly in systems with complex configurations and varying pressure demands.
Innovation Solution
A braking system that includes an electronic control unit, a supply line, a control line, a modulator valve assembly, and an electrically operable valve arrangement, which undergoes a testing cycle with a predetermined test pulse duration to monitor pressure sensor signals, ensuring the valves are functioning correctly and maintaining optimal braking performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used in the braking system to handle complex pressure demands, then the system's adaptability and braking performance are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of assessing valve operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a self-test cycle before normal operation to assess valve operation. The electronic control unit activates the electrically operable valve arrangement and monitors pressure sensor signals to verify proper functioning, ensuring the complex multi-valve system is ready for operation without requiring external manual testing
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor provides feedback signals to the electronic control unit during the self-test cycle. The ECU monitors these signals to determine whether the electrically operable valve arrangement is functioning correctly, enabling automatic assessment of the complex valve configuration
2Reliability
If a self-test cycle is implemented to assess valve operation, then the reliability of braking system operation is improved, but the loss of time during system initialization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-test cycle applies a test pulse for a predetermined duration that is sufficient to assess valve operation but not excessively long. The electronic control unit monitors pressure sensor signals during this partial testing period to determine valve functionality, balancing reliability assessment with time efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The self-test cycle is performed periodically or at predetermined intervals to assess valve operation. This periodic testing ensures reliable operation without requiring continuous monitoring, optimizing the balance between reliability and time loss
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
This solution enables the system to assess valve operation effectively, ensuring reliable braking performance by confirming the electrically operable valve arrangement is working as intended, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in vehicle braking systems.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor positioned to monitor the pressure in the control line
Data Source
AI summary
A braking system (110, 1110) operable to assess valve operation and a method including: an electronic control unit (132), a supply line (116, 1116) for connection to a pressurised fluid supply, a control line (124, 1124) for connection to a pressure demand, a modulator valve assembly (113, 1113) for controlling fluid supplied to one or more brake actuators (112, 1112), an electrically operable valve arrangement, which has a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state, the control line (124, 1124) is connected to the modulator valve assembly (113, 1113), and in the second state, the supply line (116, 11116) is connected to the modulator valve assembly (113, 1113), and a pressure sensor (128, 1128) positioned to monitor the pressure in the control line (124, 1124), wherein the electronic control unit (132) is operable to perform a testing cycle in which the electrically operable apply valve arrangement is moved to its second state, for a predetermined test pulse duration, and wherein the electronic control unit (132) is operable to monitor a pressure sensor signal from the pressure sensor (128, 1128) after the test pulse has been applied.