Trailer Valve Assembly Distributor Pressure Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer braking valve assemblies experience variability in braking pressure due to the stiffness of elastic means and are affected by changes in pump flow or pressure, leading to inconsistent braking performance.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly design featuring a distributor with interconnected chambers and elastic means, including a connecting element with a reduced cross-section and progressive orifice structures, allows the distributor to maintain desired braking pressure independently of supply and user port pressures, stabilizing the braking force and reducing the impact of flow and pressure variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spring packages are used in the valve assembly, then the distributor can be actuated to control braking pressure, but the stiffness of the springs causes variability in braking pressure and inconsistent braking performance
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting element with reduced cross-section is introduced as an intermediary between the driving means and the distributor. This connecting element acts as a mediator that filters out the adverse effects of spring stiffness on the distributor, allowing the driving means to actuate the distributor without the full impact of spring force variations, thereby stabilizing braking pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional area of the connecting element is specifically reduced compared to traditional designs. This parameter change allows the connecting element to be less sensitive to pressure variations and spring stiffness, enabling it to transmit only the necessary actuating force to the distributor while filtering out destabilizing force variations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the valve assembly responds to pump flow and pressure variations, then it can adapt to different operating conditions, but this causes changes in braking pressure and inconsistent braking performance
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element with reduced cross-section serves as a buffer that decouples the distributor from direct exposure to pump flow and pressure variations. It allows the valve assembly to maintain stable braking pressure by filtering out unnecessary pressure signals while still responding to legitimate braking demands
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing the distributor to directly respond to all pressure variations from the pump, the invention inverts the approach by using the connecting element to selectively block or filter certain pressure variations, allowing only the relevant braking signals to reach the distributor
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
The valve assembly effectively manages braking pressure, reducing the negative effects of elastic stiffness and flow variations, ensuring consistent braking performance and stability, regardless of supply pressures, by utilizing a system of interconnected chambers and elastic means to balance forces and stabilize fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
first elastic means (16) operating on the first end (9a) and adapted to counteract the displacement of the distributor (9) from the home position
Implementation Method 2
Inside the seat are defined two thrust chambers which are communicating to each other, which act on the opposite ends of the distributor and inside which are housed the relative groups of springs
Implementation Method 3
supply port (4) connectable to a source of a pressurized work fluid... first chamber (11) communicating with the braking port (6)... second chamber (12) communicating with the driving port (8)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Valve assembly (1), comprising:a body (2) inside which a seat (3) is obtained communicating with at least one supply port (4), at least one braking port (6) and at least one drain port (7); at least one distributor (9) housed in a sliding manner inside said seat (3) and movable between a home position and at least one braking position; within the distributor (9) being defined at least one connecting channel (10) which is adapted to place the braking port (6) in communication with at least a first chamber (11) and with at least a second chamber (12) operating on opposite ends (9a, 9b) of the distributor (9); first elastic means (16) operating on a first end (9a) and adapted to counteract the displacement of the distributor (9) from the home position towards a braking position; driving means (18) connectable to the braking system of a towing vehicle and operating on a second end (9b) to push the distributor (9) from the home position towards a braking position; where the driving means (18) comprise valve means (19) provided with at least one shutter element (20) adapted to place/insulate the second chamber (12) in communication with/from at least a third chamber (21) communicating with a further drain tank, and where the valve means (19) comprise at least one connecting element (22) movable by the shutter element (20) and adapted to interact with the distributor (9).