Trailer Brake Control with Electrical Pressure-Triggered Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer braking systems require complex hydraulic connections, leading to increased construction complexity, risk of oil leakage, and potential malfunctions, while also necessitating multiple hydraulic lines for service and emergency/parking braking.
Innovation Solution
A device with reduced hydraulic connections that uses a control line and an additional line for working fluid pressure, incorporating electrical detection and control signals to manage valve positions, eliminating the need for direct hydraulic connections between the additional line and the valve block, and utilizing mechanical and electrical driving means to activate emergency/parking braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hydraulic lines (control line and additional line) are used to handle service braking and emergency/parking braking, then the braking functions are complete and reliable, but the construction complexity increases and the risk of hydraulic leaks rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control line and additional line into a single hydraulic connection system. The additional line is integrated into the coupling device, allowing both service braking control and emergency/parking brake control to be achieved through one unified hydraulic interface rather than requiring separate independent lines, thereby reducing construction complexity while maintaining complete braking functions
Solution Approach 2:
The single hydraulic connection system is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls service braking through the braking valve and simultaneously controls emergency/parking brake activation through the same connection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated lines for each braking function, reducing the overall number of hydraulic connections required
2Reliability
If multiple hydraulic lines are used for service and emergency braking, then complete braking control is achieved, but the risk of oil leakage and malfunctions increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the control line and additional line into a single integrated hydraulic connection, the patent reduces the total number of potential leak points. Fewer connections mean fewer opportunities for oil leakage and hydraulic system malfunctions, while the integrated design ensures that both service and emergency braking functions remain fully operational
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the additional line from being a separate independent hydraulic connection and integrates it into the coupling device structure. This extraction and integration approach eliminates the need for the additional line to be a separate external connection, thereby reducing the overall number of hydraulic connections exposed to potential leakage risks
3Device complexity
If electrical detection and control signals are used to manage valve positions, then the construction is simplified and cost is reduced, but the system requires electrical infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical hydraulic control mechanisms with electrical detection and control signals. Electrical sensors detect pressure and position, and electrical signals control the valve positions, substituting purely mechanical hydraulic systems with an electro-hydraulic system that simplifies construction while reducing costs through easier implementation and maintenance
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
Simplifies the construction and operation of trailer braking systems, reduces the risk of hydraulic leaks and malfunctions, and allows for cost-effective implementation by using electrical signals to control the emergency and parking brake activation, ensuring reliable and proportional braking.
Implementation Method 1
detection means (11) of the second pressure arranged along the additional line (3)
Implementation Method 2
driving means (8, 18) of the valve means (7)... at least electrical driving means (8)
Implementation Method 3
valve means (7) positioned between the accumulator (6) and the braking line (5)... movable between at least one power supply position and one isolation position
Implementation Method 4
at least one accumulator (6) connected to the control line (2) in a fluid-operated manner
Implementation Method 5
the control line (2) is capable of feeding the working fluid, usually oil, at a pressure comprised between 0 and 150 bar that varies depending on the braking pressure of the tractor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device for the braking control of a trailer, comprising: - one control line connectable to a source of a working fluid at a first pressure; - one additional line connectable to a source of a working fluid at a second pressure; - one braking line connectable to the braking system of the trailer; - one accumulator connected to the control line in a fluid-operated manner, - valve means positioned between the accumulator and the braking line and movable between at least one power supply position, wherein the accumulator is placed in communication with the braking line, and one isolation position, wherein the accumulator is isolated from said braking line; - driving means of the valve means; wherein it comprises detection means of the second pressure arranged along the additional line and wherein the driving means comprise at least electrical driving means and at least one electrical driving line operationally connected to the detection means and adapted to send at least one electrical control signal to the electrical driving means depending on the measured pressure so as to command the displacement of the valve means.