Trailer Braking Control Device with Adjustable Fulcrum

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing braking control systems for trailers without suspensions cannot variably adjust the ratio between towing vehicle braking pressure and trailer braking pressure based on trailer load, limiting their ability to meet stringent new braking performance standards.

Innovation Solution

A device with a movable distributor and adjustable fulcrum system that changes the work fluid passage section within a braking control unit, allowing for continuous adjustment of the braking pressure ratio based on trailer load, compatible with mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic suspensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-type braking regulator is used to cut braking pressure based on trailer load, then the braking pressure can be limited to predefined positions, but the ratio between inlet pressure and outlet pressure cannot be adjusted continuously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking pressure adjustment capabilityVSAvoidbraking control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the distributor movable between different positions (braking position, balance position, intermediate positions) based on trailer load. The distributor's position dynamically adjusts the work fluid passage section, enabling continuous variation of the braking pressure ratio rather than fixed predefined positions. This resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through dynamic adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the work fluid passage section area through distributor positioning. The passage section can be adjusted continuously from maximum (in braking position) to virtually zero (in balance position), allowing continuous adjustment of the braking pressure ratio. This enables the system to adapt to different trailer loads while maintaining optimal braking performance without complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the work fluid passage section is reduced to adjust braking pressure ratio, then precise control is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking pressure control precisionVSAvoiddistributor and seat structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the pressure control function from complex valve mechanisms and implements it through a simple movable distributor that adjusts the work fluid passage section. By taking out the complexity of traditional pressure regulation valves and replacing them with a distributor that simply moves to change passage area, the system achieves precise braking pressure control with a simpler overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The distributor acts as an intermediary element between the inlet and delivery ports, controlling the work fluid flow through its position. By moving the distributor to different positions, the system precisely controls the passage section area and thus the braking pressure ratio without requiring complex direct control mechanisms between pressure sources and braking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a braking control system is designed for trailers without suspensions, then it meets specific requirements, but it cannot operate on trailers with mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic suspensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrailer type compatibilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a braking control device that can operate with trailers of different types (with or without suspensions, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic). The movable distributor mechanism and work fluid passage section adjustment capability provide a universal solution that adapts to various trailer configurations without requiring operationally complex adjustments or multiple specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise adjustment of trailer braking pressure in response to load changes, ensuring synchronized braking performance with towing vehicles, even under varying load conditions, and is simple, efficient, and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

at least a first command element (16), connected in a fluid-operated manner to the control line (6) and adapted to displace between a rest position and a thrust position by effect of the pressure increase of the work fluid along the control line itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure increase: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the braking port (5) is in communication with the delivery port (7), and at least one balance position, in which the braking port (5) is isolated from the delivery port (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Data Source

PatentEP3312066B1Device for controlling the braking of a trailer
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 SAFIM
  • EP3312066B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3312066B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3312066B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The device (1) for controlling the braking of a trailer, comprises: at least one body (2, 3) in which is formed a seat (4) having a braking port (5), communicating with a control line (6), and a delivery port (7), communicating with a delivery line (8); at least one distributor (9) housed sliding inside the seat (4); a driving channel (13) communicating with the delivery port (7) and acting on the distributor (9) to push it away from the braking position; command means (14) acting on the distributor (9), on the opposite side of said driving channel (13), and adapted to exert a force of variable intensity depending on the load of said trailer; wherein the command means (14) comprise: - a first command element (16) connected in a fluid-operated manner to said control line (6) and adapted to displace between a rest position and a thrust position; - a connecting element (18) adapted to transfer the force from the first command element (16) to the distributor (9) and interposed between them; - adjustment means (19) of the force transmitted by said connecting element (18) to the distributor (9), where the adjustment means (19) are likely to move between a position of maximum load and a position of minimum load, in which the force transmitted to the distributor (9) is minimum.