Trailer Brake Valve Actuating Rod Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking systems for vehicle trailers without significant suspension cannot utilize continuously adjustable braking pressure due to the mechanical linkage requiring spring deflection, which is not feasible for unsprung or almost unsprung trailers.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism is added to the actuating rod of the brake control valve, allowing the lockable element to be fixed in multiple positions on a console attached to the trailer's chassis, enabling continuous adjustment of braking pressure without relying on spring deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical linkage connection between the actuating element and vehicle chassis is used to achieve continuous braking pressure adjustment, then braking pressure can be continuously adjusted, but the system cannot be applied to vehicle trailers without significant suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the spring deflection dependency from the system by removing the mechanical linkage connection between the actuating element and vehicle chassis. The actuating element is instead connected to an actuating rod that can be manually positioned, eliminating the requirement for suspension spring deflection while preserving continuous adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism consisting of the actuating rod and locking element that transfers the adjustment command from the operator to the brake control valve. This intermediary system replaces the direct mechanical linkage to the chassis, allowing adjustment without requiring suspension movement.
2Device complexity
If three fixed positions are provided on the actuating rod for discrete braking pressure adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the braking pressure cannot be continuously adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static fixed-position adjustment mechanism into a dynamic continuous adjustment system. The actuating element can be rotated to any position within its range, and the actuating rod can be locked at any point along its length, enabling continuous braking pressure adjustment rather than discrete steps.
3Extent of automation
If the actuating element is mechanically linked to the vehicle chassis through spring deflection, then automatic braking pressure adjustment is achieved, but the system requires sufficient suspension spring deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the automatic mechanical linkage system (which relies on spring deflection) with a manual positioning system. The actuating rod can be manually positioned and locked at desired positions, substituting the automatic spring-deflection-driven mechanism with a manual control mechanism that does not require suspension movement.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A braking device for a vehicle trailer with hydraulically actuated wheel brakes and a brake control valve (3) is proposed. This valve comprises a valve housing (4) attached to a chassis part of the vehicle trailer and an actuating element (7) rotatable about an axis (A) within the valve housing (4). The actuating element (7) is part of a continuously variable throttle and is rigidly connected to an actuating rod (8) that is arranged transversely to the axis (A) and extends away from the valve housing (4) outside of it. To further develop the braking device, which operates with continuously adjustable brake pressure, so that it is also suitable for vehicle trailers without significant suspension, it is proposed that the actuating rod be provided with a locking element (20) at its end facing away from the valve housing.The lockable element (20) can be fixed in one of several different positions on a console (12) by positive locking, the console (12) being attached to a chassis part of the vehicle trailer.