Trailer Control Valve Integrating Relay and Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tractor-trailer braking systems require separate relay and tractor protection valves, increasing complexity, cost, and part count, and lack efficient fluid pressure sensing across the fluid circuit.
Innovation Solution
A trailer control valve integrating a relay valve and a pressure sensing solenoid with a single pressure sensor to monitor and control fluid pressures, reducing the need for multiple sensors and valves by switching between fluid signals based on brake control and pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate relay and tractor protection valves are used, then fluid routing and delivery control is achieved, but device complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the relay valve and tractor protection valve into a single integrated trailer control valve assembly. The relay valve portion handles fluid routing to trailer brakes while the tractor protection valve portion monitors and protects the tractor's fluid supply, eliminating the need for separate valve components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated trailer control valve performs multiple functions within a single component: it routes fluid to trailer brakes, monitors trailer brake pressure, protects the tractor's fluid supply from contamination or over-pressurization, and provides diagnostic information about trailer brake system status. This multi-functional design reduces the number of parts while maintaining comprehensive control capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensing components are used, then fluid pressure monitoring is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pressure sensor within the trailer control valve assembly serves multiple monitoring functions simultaneously. It detects fluid pressure in the relay valve circuit, monitors tractor protection valve conditions, and provides diagnostic information about overall system status, eliminating the need for multiple separate pressure sensors while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure sensor acts as an intermediary that indirectly monitors multiple aspects of the fluid system through strategic placement and multi-functional design. By positioning the sensor to detect pressure changes that reflect the state of multiple subsystems, it provides comprehensive monitoring information without requiring direct sensing in every circuit.
3Reliability
If separate relay and protection valves are used, then fluid control functions are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve functions into a single manufactured component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be produced, inventoried, and assembled. The combined trailer control valve assembly can be manufactured as a unified unit or pre-assembled module, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining all necessary brake control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional integrated valve provides comprehensive brake control, pressure monitoring, and system protection capabilities in a single component, reducing the bill of materials and assembly requirements. This consolidation maintains full functional capability while reducing the number of discrete parts that need to be manufactured and assembled.
4Reliability
If multiple pneumatic connections are used, then fluid routing control is achieved, but ease of operation and installation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated trailer control valve consolidates multiple pneumatic connection functions into a single component interface. By combining the relay valve and tractor protection valve into one assembly, the number of separate pneumatic connections and fittings required is reduced, simplifying installation and reducing potential leak points while maintaining comprehensive fluid routing control.
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
This integration improves fluid pressure sensing in the braking system, reduces parts and costs, and enhances plausibility checking, allowing for accurate detection of trailer presence and efficient brake operation.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensing solenoid that receives fluid signal from the first and second delivery ports, and selectively switches between transmitting fluid signal from the first and second delivery ports
Implementation Method 2
A relay valve is supported within the body, the relay valve including a valve member configured to move between a first position preventing fluid communication between the supply port and the second delivery port and a second position permitting fluid communication
Data Source
AI summary
A trailer control valve for a tractor includes a body defining a supply port and first and second delivery ports. The supply port is configured for fluid communication with a fluid source on the tractor. The first and second delivery ports are configured for fluid communication with glad-hand connectors through which fluid is supplied from the tractor to a trailer. A pressure sensing solenoid receives fluid signal from each of the first and second deliver ports and selectively passes fluid signal therefrom to a pressure sensor as a function of a brake control signal received by a controller that controls the pressure sensing solenoid.