Trailer Braking Valve Switching Pressure for Thrust Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural trailers manufactured under previous regulations, with only one braking control joint, experience inadequate braking pressure when connected to newer towing vehicles, resulting in thrust on the tractor due to mismatched braking forces.

Innovation Solution

A device with a brake-trailer valve system and piloting elements that adjust braking rates by switching between single and double-line configurations based on the trailer's joint connections, allowing for flexible operation on various trailers and maintaining proper braking synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the braking pressure is reduced to match road vehicle regulations, then the braking rates are brought closer to those of road vehicles, but the trailer braking pressure becomes lower than the towing vehicle pressure, resulting in improper trailer braking and thrust action on the tractor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking synchronizationVSAvoidthrust action on tractor
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic braking system that can switch between different braking rates based on the type of trailer connected. The system uses a selectable braking rate mechanism that allows the operator to choose between a first braking rate (for trailers requiring higher pressure) and a second braking rate (for road vehicles with lower pressure requirements). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the braking pressure to match the specific trailer requirements rather than using a fixed reduced pressure for all cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the braking pressure parameter based on the trailer type. The system provides multiple braking rate options (first braking rate and second braking rate) that can be selected according to the trailer's requirements. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain proper braking synchronization with the towing vehicle while preventing thrust action by matching the trailer's specific braking pressure needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a single braking control line is used for simplicity, then the device structure is simpler, but the braking pressure cannot be properly adjusted for different trailer types, resulting in mismatched braking forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking control systemVSAvoidcompatibility with different trailers
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal braking control system that can handle multiple trailer types through a single device. The system incorporates both a first female joint and a second female joint that can selectively connect to different trailer configurations. The selectable braking rate mechanism allows the same device to provide appropriate braking pressure for both traditional trailers (requiring higher pressure) and road vehicles (requiring lower pressure), thus achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate braking systems for each trailer type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the braking control system into distinct functional components: a first female joint for traditional trailer connections, a second female joint for road vehicle connections, and a selectable braking rate mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific functions independently, enabling the system to adapt to different trailer types while maintaining overall system simplicity. The modular structure resolves the contradiction by providing specialized connection options without requiring entirely separate braking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3225473B1Device for the control of the braking of a trailer
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 SAFIM
  • EP3225473B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3225473B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3225473B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The device (1) for the control of the braking of a trailer, comprises: - a first male joint (2) connectable to the braking system of a trailer, there being provided first valve means (2a); - a second male joint (3) connectable to the automatic and/or parking brake of the trailer, there being provided second valve means (3a); - a brake-trailer valve (4) comprising a body (5) wherein is formed at least a seat (6) inside which is slidably housed a distributor (10); - piloting means (11) of the distributor (10) which are connectable to the braking system of a towed vehicle; where the piloting means (11) comprise a first and a second piloting element (11a, 11b) adapted to interact with the distributor (10) and where are provided control means (12) operable by the second valve means (3a) and operatively connected to one of the piloting elements (11a, 11b) to lock their displacement due to the opening of the second valve means (3a).