Trailer Brake Control Module With Integrated Tow Parking Brake Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current trailer control modules for pressure-medium operated braking systems of tow vehicles do not efficiently actuate the parking brakes of the tow vehicle, requiring additional manual or complex automatic systems, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a coupling device within the trailer control module that allows the parking brakes of the tow vehicle to be operated via the parking brake valve, enabling synchronization with the wheel brakes of the trailer vehicle, and optionally including a test valve for safety checks, all integrated in a single housing to simplify installation and reduce errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate manual or complex automatic system is used to actuate the parking brakes of the tow vehicle, then the parking brake functionality is achieved, but the system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The parking brake valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the wheel brakes of the trailer vehicle and the parking brakes of the tow vehicle. By connecting the parking brake valve to both the relay valve of the trailer control module and the parking brake cylinders of the tow vehicle, a single valve accomplishes what previously required separate systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full parking brake functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control of tow vehicle parking brakes with the existing trailer wheel brake control system. The parking brake valve integrates multiple control functions into one component, combining the actuation of trailer wheel brakes and tow vehicle parking brakes through a unified valve assembly, which simplifies the overall braking system architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional manual or automatic actuation systems are added for parking brakes, then complete brake control is achieved, but installation complexity and potential errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control module integrates multiple brake control functions into a single housing unit. The parking brake valve, relay valve, and other control components are combined in one integrated assembly, which simplifies installation by reducing the number of separate components that need to be mounted and connected, thereby improving ease of manufacture and installation while maintaining complete brake control capability
3Productivity
If the parking brake valve is connected to both the relay valve and parking brake cylinders, then a single system controls both wheel and parking brakes, but the valve assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parking brake valve is designed as a multi-functional component that handles both trailer wheel brake control and tow vehicle parking brake actuation. This universal valve design, while increasing individual valve complexity, actually reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby improving system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly employs a nested structure where the parking brake valve is integrated within the trailer control module housing. Multiple valve functions are nested within a single compact assembly, with the parking brake valve connected to both the relay valve and parking brake cylinders through integrated port configurations, which organizes complexity within a unified structural framework
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 allows for the efficient operation of both wheel and parking brakes of the tow vehicle through a single system, reducing the need for additional manual or automatic actuation systems, thereby saving costs and simplifying installation while ensuring safe parking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatically controlled relay valve with an inverted control input... a corresponding brake control pressure is set in a pressure-controlled relay valve of the trailer control valve. This brake control pressure is conducted to the 'brake' coupling head (yellow)
Implementation Method 2
the wheel brakes are operated in the parking brake function, in the trailer control valve of the tow vehicle, with a pressureless direct control input via the control pressure present at an inverted control input of the relay valve
Implementation Method 3
at least one magnetic switching valve, which is operated, for example, in a tow vehicle with automatic transmission, depending on the position of a gear selector lever
Implementation Method 4
a brake control pressure for the trailer vehicle is set in the pressure-controlled relay valve of the backup valve via a brake pressure taken from a brake line of the tow vehicle, and this is conducted to the 'brake' coupling head (yellow)
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer control module (94) of a pressure-medium operated braking system of a tow vehicle has a valve assembly for controlling a pneumatic braking system of a trailer vehicle The valve assembly includes the following: an electronically controlled trailer control valve (6) which contains a pneumatically controlled relay valve (18) with an inverted control input (34); a pressure-medium controlled backup valve (8) which contains a pressure-medium controlled relay valve (54); and at least one electronically controlled parking brake valve (68, 70), via which the relay valve (18) of the trailer control valve (6) can be actuated pneumatically at its inverted control input (34). In addition, a coupling device (98) is present, by which the parking brakes of the tow vehicle can also be operated via the parking brake valve (68, 70).