Trailer Brake Valve Switching for Dual-Regulation Tractor Hydraulics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer brake systems in agricultural vehicles face challenges in adapting to both the CUNA and Mother Regulation requirements, necessitating modifications to ensure compliance and safety across European Union standards.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic brake arrangement with a trailer brake valve module and control valve system that allows for the integration of both single-line (CUNA) and dual-line (Mother Regulation) trailer architectures, utilizing proportional and electro-actuated valves, safety valves, and an electronic control unit to manage fluid flow and pressure based on detected trailer types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-line hydraulic braking system is used for CUNA regulation trailers, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot comply with Mother Regulation requirements for dual-line braking systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in a first configuration for CUNA regulation trailers (single-line braking) and in a second configuration for Mother Regulation trailers (dual-line braking). This multi-functionality allows a single hydraulic system to comply with different regulatory standards without requiring separate dedicated systems for each regulation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve is made dynamically configurable through an electronic control unit that receives signals about the trailer type and automatically switches the valve between its first and second configurations. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to transform its hydraulic circuit topology based on the connected trailer's requirements, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and compliance.
2Reliability
If the hydraulic system is modified to support both CUNA and Mother Regulation trailers, then regulatory compliance is achieved, but the cost and complexity of modifications increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than manufacturing different hydraulic systems for different regulations, the invention provides a universal control valve that can be manufactured as a single standard component. This valve incorporates all necessary configurations and is controlled electronically to adapt to different trailer types, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving regulatory compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with electronic control. The electronic control unit receives digital signals about the trailer type and actuates the control valve accordingly, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable compliance with both CUNA and Mother Regulation standards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing trailer brake circuits are adapted to support both regulation types, then versatility is improved, but the risk of malfunction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an electronic control unit that receives feedback signals about the connected trailer type (CUNA or Mother Regulation). Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically configures the control valve to the appropriate mode, ensuring that the hydraulic system is always correctly matched to the trailer requirements. This feedback mechanism eliminates the risk of incorrect configuration and maintains high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit acts as an intermediary between the trailer identification system and the hydraulic control system. It processes the trailer type information and translates it into the appropriate valve configuration commands, thereby mediating the interaction between different regulation requirements and the unified hydraulic system while ensuring safe and reliable operation.
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
Enables seamless adaptation to different trailer configurations, ensuring compliance with various regulatory standards while minimizing modifications and enhancing safety through redundancy and efficient pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
a source 5 of pressurized fluid and a discharge 6 and a trailer brake system 10 and is configured to modulate the fluid flow coming from source 5 towards brake system 10
Implementation Method 2
control valve 4. Trailer brake valve 3 is preferably a four ways- three position proportional valve configured to allow passage of fluid among source 5, discharge 6 and trailer brake system 10
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Hydraulic brake arrangement (1) for a tractor brake system configured to allow the hydraulic connection to a trailer brake system (10), comprising a selection valve (21) configured to either allow communication of a fourth hydraulic signal (Sʺʺ) towards a trailer brake valve (3) or to send such fourth hydraulic signal (Sʺʺ) to a discharge (6) thereby allowing the control of the trailer brake valve (3) solely by a control valve (4) via a first hydraulic signal (S').