Valve Block Architecture for Rapid Bus Kneeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bus suspension systems with kneeling functionality are slow and complex, making them inefficient for quick and cost-effective pressure regulation in air bellows, which complicates boarding and alighting for passengers with mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A device with a simplified valve block system comprising at least one 3/2 valve and two 2/2 valves, allowing for quicker emptying and repressurization of air bellows, reducing the number of components and using standard, cost-effective valve configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional valve blocks are used to regulate air pressure in bellows, then the system structure is relatively complicated and slow, but the pressure regulation function is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The valve block is divided into multiple independent valves (first valve, second valve, third valve) that can operate independently. Each valve controls specific air flow paths, allowing parallel operation to achieve faster pressure regulation while maintaining a modular, simplified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is pre-configured with multiple air flow paths and connections. When activation signal is received, the valves can immediately redirect air flow through predetermined paths, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making and enabling rapid kneeling response
2Productivity
If traditional valve blocks are used to regulate air pressure in bellows, then the pressure regulation function is achieved, but the system is slow and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The valve block is divided into multiple independent valves (first valve, second valve, third valve) that can operate independently. Each valve controls specific air flow paths, allowing parallel operation to achieve faster pressure regulation while maintaining a modular, simplified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter by providing multiple air flow paths with different resistance characteristics. The valves can select different paths depending on whether rapid emptying or controlled filling is needed, optimizing productivity without increasing structural complexity
3Speed
If more valves are added to speed up kneeling, then the kneeling speed improves, but the number of components and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valves are integrated into a single valve block assembly that shares common mounting structure, air inlet, and control circuitry. This merging approach enables the functionality of multiple valves while reducing the total component count and assembly complexity compared to using separate valve units
Solution Approach 2:
Each valve in the block is designed with multi-functionality to handle different air flow directions and pressure conditions. The valves can operate in various modes (emptying, filling, pressure equalization), reducing the need for specialized valves for each function and thereby reducing total component quantity
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 device enables faster kneeling and re-raising of the bus, simplifies the system, and reduces costs by minimizing components, enhancing the efficiency and affordability of pressure regulation in vehicle suspension systems.
Implementation Method 1
a valve which is situated between said pair of bellows and which in one position are adapted to emptying at least one of the pair of bellows
Implementation Method 2
at least one air connection or connections are arranged to supply compressed air to said pair of bellows via said at least one valve block
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for regulating the pressure in at least one pair of air bellows (106, 107; 109, 110, 108, 111; 112, 113), which device (100) comprises at least three pairs of bellows (106, 107; 109, 110, 108, 111; 112, 113) each situated between an axle (103, 104, 105) and the frame of a vehicle, two air connections (114, 115) and first and second valve blocks (101, 102) each comprising at least two valves (116, 117, 118; 119, 120, 121), which air connections (114, 115) are arranged to supply compressed air via said respective valve blocks to said pairs of bellows, which at least two valves in said valve blocks are arranged to regulate the pressure level in said pairs of bellows. According to the invention the device comprises a further valve (136, 137, 138) situated between a pair of bellows (106, 107; 109, 110, 108, 111; 112, 113), which further valve (136, 137, 138) in one position is arranged to empty one of a pair of bellows (106, 107; 109, 110, 108, 111; 112, 113). The invention relates also to a transport vehicle comprising a device according to the present invention.