Valve Housing Cover Bracket for Pneumatic Brake Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing valve units for pneumatic brake systems require a cost-effective and space-efficient method to fix the housing cover to the main housing, as bolted flange connections are expensive and increase the overall dimensions, necessitating a more compact and affordable solution.
Innovation Solution
A bracket element with a planar pressure plate generates an elastic prestressing force to securely attach the housing cover to the main housing, replacing the traditional bolted flange connection, allowing for easier assembly and reduced dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bolted flange connection is used to fix the housing cover to the main housing, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the overall dimensions of the valve housing increase and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into a bracket element with articulated arms that can be independently positioned and secured, allowing the housing cover to be fixed without requiring a large flange connection across the entire housing interface
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket element with articulated arms is nested within the space between the main housing and housing cover, utilizing the existing structural space rather than adding external flange connections that would increase overall dimensions
2Reliability
If a bolted flange connection is used to fix the housing cover to the main housing, then the connection is secure and reliable, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is segmented from the main housing structure, allowing the bracket element to be manufactured separately and attached, simplifying the main housing manufacturing process and reducing overall production costs
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of integrating the connection function directly into the housing structure (which requires expensive multi-piece construction and bolting), the connection function is inverted by using a separate bracket element that achieves secure fixation with simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing
3Volume of stationary object
If a compact fixing method is used to reduce valve housing dimensions, then the overall size is reduced, but the connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arms provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the bracket element to accommodate minor misalignments and maintain secure contact between the pressure plate and housing cover, ensuring connection reliability despite the compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket element acts as an intermediary between the main housing and housing cover, providing a dedicated connection mechanism that ensures reliable fixation without requiring large dimensions, thereby mediating between compact size requirements and connection reliability
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 solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces the overall size of the valve housing, and facilitates servicing by providing a secure and compact attachment method that prevents compressed air leakage, while being cost-effective and space-saving.
Implementation Method 1
A bracket element with a planar pressure plate generates an elastic prestressing force to securely attach the housing cover to the main housing
Data Source
AI summary
A valve unit (1, 1′) for modulating the pressure in a pneumatic brake system, has a brake pressure inlet (3), a brake pressure outlet (4) and a venting outlet (5), a pneumatically controllable main valve (6, 7) and a pilot valve (8, 9), embodied as a solenoid valve and assigned to the main valve (6, 7), which are arranged in a valve housing (2, 2′) subdivided by a plane of division (10), into a main housing (11, 11′) and a housing cover (12). For fixing the housing cover (12) on the main housing (11, 11′) a bracket element (62.1) is fixed to the main housing (11, 11′) and bears with a largely planar pressure plate (63) generating an elastic prestressing force on a planar outside wall (64) of the housing cover (12) oriented parallel to the plane of division (10) of the valve housing (2, 2′).