Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION: AN APPARATUS FOR AVERTING INGRESS OF PERFORMANCE DEGRADING MEMBERS IN A SPRING BRAKING ENVIRONMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure is generally related to spring braking environments. Particularly, the present disclosure is related to averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to an apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Spring braking environments typically comprise breath facilitating members (for example, breather valves). However, there is a drawback of performance degrading members possibly entering the breath facilitating members (and/or the spring braking environments), leading to performance degradation.
There is, therefore, a need in the art, for: an apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments, is disclosed. Said apparatus broadly comprises: an at least an air flow facilitating member; an at least a lateral movement preventing member; an at least a compression member; an at least a closure member; an at least a cap; and an at least an occluding member.
Said at least one air flow facilitating member is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) said at least one closure member, at one side of said at least one closure member. Said at least one air flow facilitating member broadly comprises an at least a first grotto. An at least a first accommodating member is configured to accommodate said at least one air flow facilitating member.
Said at least one first grotto is configured to accommodate an at least a snibbing member, among a plurality of snibbing members.
An at least a load receiving member of said at least one air flow facilitating member is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) a top portion of said at least one lateral movement preventing member. Said at least one load receiving member is configured to receive load, for example, under compounding conditions, together with said top portion of said at least one lateral movement preventing member.
An at least a third grotto is configured to accommodate said at least one lateral movement preventing member.
Said at least one compression member is also disposed on (or is also disposed at, or is also associated with) said at least one closure member, at a bottom portion of said at least one closure member. Said at least one compression member facilitates opening of said apparatus, under vacuum conditions. An at least a compression member sanctuary facilitating member of said at least one air flow facilitating member is configured to hold one end of said at least one compression member.
Said at least one closure member broadly comprises an at least one another compression member sanctuary facilitating member. Said at least one another compression member sanctuary facilitating member is configured to hold another end of said at least one compression member.
An outer portion of said at least one closure member is associated with an inner portion of said at least one air flow facilitating member, for example, through a radial association. This radial association, together with an at least a first orifice (of said at least one air flow facilitating member) and an at least a second orifice, facilitates flowing of air, into said apparatus, and out of said apparatus.
A top portion of said at least one closure member is configured to facilitate steeking, between a face of said at least one air flow facilitating member and an at least a steeking member of said at least one closure member.
Said at least one cap broadly comprises an at least a second grotto. Said at least one second grotto is configured to accommodate an at least one another snibbing member, among said plurality of snibbing members. An at least a second accommodating member is configured to accommodate said at least one second grotto.
Method of operation of said apparatus is also disclosed.
The disclosed apparatus offers at least the following advantages: is simple in construction; is cost-effective; facilitates avoiding of seal slippages, seal damages, leakages, and/or corrosion; and/or improved life.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 and Figure 3 illustrate an apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an at least an air flow facilitating member, of an apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 and Figure 5 illustrate an at least a closure member, of an apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates disposing of an apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, within a spring braking environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 and Figure 10 illustrate functioning of an apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, within spring braking environments, when an at least a vehicle halting member is applied, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 and Figure 11 illustrate functioning of an apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, within spring braking environments, when an at least a vehicle halting member is released, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9 and Figure 12 illustrates functioning of an apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, within spring braking environments, under compounding conditions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 13 illustrates results of testing an apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, within spring braking environments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Throughout this specification, the use of the words “comprise” and “include”, and variations, such as “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, and “including”, may imply the inclusion of an element (or elements) not specifically recited. Further, the disclosed embodiments may be embodied, in various other forms, as well.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “apparatus” is to be construed as: “a set of technical components (also referred to as “members”) that are communicatively and/or operably associated with each other, and function together, as part of a mechanism, to achieve a desired technical result”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the words “communication”, “couple”, and their variations (such as communicatively), is to be construed as being inclusive of: one-way communication (or coupling); and two-way communication (or coupling), as the case may be, irrespective of the directions of arrows, in the drawings.
Throughout this specification, where applicable, the use of the phrase “at least” is to be construed in association with the suffix “one” i.e. it is to be read along with the suffix “one”, as “at least one”, which is used in the meaning of “one or more”. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the phrase “at least one” is a standard term that is used, in Patent Specifications, to denote any component of a disclosure, which may be present (or disposed) in a single quantity, or more than a single quantity.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “plurality” is to be construed as being inclusive of: “at least one”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “spring braking environment”, and its variations, is to be construed as being inclusive of: “environments, in commercial vehicles, in which, pneumatic pressure energy is converted into mechanical output force” (for example, in: trucks; buses; and/or the like).
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “averting”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “preventing; stopping; hindering; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “performance degrading members”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “external performance affecting agents, including, but not limited to: dust; mud; dirt; soil; water; pressure; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, within spring braking environments”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “apparatus, which averts entry of performance degrading members, into spring braking environments”. For example, the apparatus may be configured as an internal breather valve (IBV), and may prevent entry of the performance degrading members, into a spring braking environment’s alcove.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “occluding”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “sealing; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “snibbing”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “sealing; fastening; securing; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “grotto”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “groove; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the phrase “compounding conditions”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “application of both an at least a vehicle slowing member and an at least a vehicle halting member”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “sanctuary”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “accommodation; holding; seating; disposing; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “steeking”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “locking; securing; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “bowering”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “enclosing; covering; protecting; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “alcove”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “cabin; room; compartment; receptacle; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the use of the word “orifice”, and its variations, is to be construed as: “aperture; slit; hole; vent; slot; and/or the like”.
Throughout this specification, the words “the” and “said” are used interchangeably.
Throughout this specification, the phrases “at least a”, “at least an”, and “at least one” are used interchangeably.
Throughout this specification, the disclosure of a range is to be construed as being inclusive of: the lower limit of the range; and the upper limit of the range.
Also, it is to be noted that embodiments may be described as a method. Although the operations, in a method, are described as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A method may be terminated, when its operations are completed, but may also have additional steps.
An apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments (also referred to as “apparatus”), is disclosed. As illustrated, in Figure 1, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, said apparatus (100) broadly comprises: an at least a lateral movement preventing member (14; for example, a circlip); an at least an air flow facilitating member (15; for example, a cup); an at least a cap (18); and an at least an occluding member (21; for example, a seal).
The at least one air flow facilitating member (15) is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) an at least a closure member (16; for example, a plug), at one side of said at least one closure member (16).
Likewise, an at least a compression member (17; for example, a conical spring) is also disposed on (or is also disposed at, or is also associated with) said at least one closure member (16), at a bottom portion of said at least one closure member (16). The at least one compression member (17) facilitates opening of the apparatus (100), under vacuum conditions.
An at least a snibbing member (19; for example, an O-ring), among a plurality of snibbing members (19 and 20), is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) the at least one air flow facilitating member (15). Likewise, an at least one another snibbing member (20; for example, an O-ring), among the plurality of snibbing members (19 and 20), is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) the at least one cap (18).
As illustrated, in Figure 2, the at least one air flow facilitating member (15) broadly comprises an at least a first grotto (15a). The at least one first grotto (15a) is configured to accommodate the at least one snibbing member (19), among the plurality of snibbing members (19 and 20).
An at least a load receiving member (15b; Figure 3) of the at least one air flow facilitating member (15) is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) a top portion (14a; Figure 3) of the at least one lateral movement preventing member (14). The at least one load receiving member (15b) is configured to receive load, for example, under compounding conditions, together with the top portion (14a) of the at least one lateral movement preventing member (14).
An at least a compression member sanctuary facilitating member (15c) of the at least one air flow facilitating member (15) is configured to hold one end (for example, a larger diameter end) of the at least one compression member (17).
As illustrated, in Figure 4, the at least one closure member (16) broadly comprises an at least one another compression member sanctuary facilitating member (16a). The at least one another compression member sanctuary facilitating member (16a) is configured to hold another end of the at least one compression member (17).
An outer portion (16c) of the at least one closure member (16) is in radial relationship (or is radially associated) with an inner portion (15d; Figure 2 and Figure 3) of the at least one air flow facilitating member (15).
The radial association, between the outer portion (16c) and the inner portion (15d), together with an at least a first orifice (15f; for example, a vented hole) of the at least one air flow facilitating member (15) and an at least a second orifice (9d; for example, a hole), facilitates flowing of air, into the apparatus (100), and out of the apparatus (100).
As illustrated, in Figure 3, Figure 4, and Figure 5, a top portion (16e) of the at least one closure member (16) is configured to facilitate steeking, between a face (15e) of the at least one air flow facilitating member (15) and an at least a steeking member (16d) of the at least one closure member (16).
Referring back to Figure 3, the at least one cap (18) broadly comprises an at least a second grotto (18a). The at least one second grotto (18a) is configured to accommodate the at least one another snibbing member (20), among the plurality of snibbing members (19 and 20).
The at least one closure member (16) is guided, by an at least a slot (16b) and an at least a projecting member (18b). Said at least one slot (16b) and said at least one projecting member (18b) also helps to avoid a sticky effect, during actuation.
Figure 6 illustrates disposing of the disclosed apparatus (100), within a spring braking environment. The spring braking environment broadly comprises: an at least a vehicle slowing member (1; for example, a service brake); and an at least a vehicle halting member (2; for example, a parking brake).
The at least one vehicle slowing member (1) broadly comprises: an at least a blockading member (3; for example, a diaphragm), which generates force, for vehicle braking; an at least a second displacing member (4; for example, a push rod), which also generates force, along with the at least one blockading member (3), for said vehicle braking; an at least a supporting member (5; for example, a non-pressure plate); an at least a first yoyoing member (6; for example, a spring); and an at least a second connecting member (13; for example, a clevis).
The at least one blockading member (3) is disposed between the at least one vehicle slowing member (1) and the at least one vehicle halting member (2). The at least one blockading member (3) is traversed (for example, in a latitudinal direction), by the at least one second displacing member (4).
The at least one first yoyoing member (6) is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) the at least one second displacing member (4), at an outer surface (or at an outer periphery) of the at least one second displacing member (4). The at least one second connecting member (13) is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) the at least one second displacing member (4), at one end of the at least one second displacing member (4).
The at least one vehicle halting member (2), on the other hand, broadly comprises: an at least a bowering member or a housing (7; for example, a shell); an at least a second yoyoing member (8; for example, a spring); an at least a displacing member (9; for example, a ram); an at least a first connecting member (10; for example, a flange); an at least an alcove (11); an at least a guiding and sealing member (12); and the apparatus (100).
The at least one second yoyoing member (8) is compressed, between the at least one bowering member (7) and the at least one displacing member (9). The at least one guiding and sealing member (12) is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) the at least one displacing member (9), at one end of the at least one displacing member (9).
For example, the at least one guiding and sealing member (12) is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is associated with) the at least one displacing member (9), at the one end of the at least one displacing member (9), by press fitting.
The at least one guiding and sealing member (12) guides the at least one displacing member (9). The at least one guiding and sealing member (12) also facilitates avoiding of metal-to-metal contact, between the at least one displacing member (9) and the at least one bowering member (7), thereby, reducing friction, between the at least one displacing member (9) and the at least one bowering member (7).
The at least one displacing member (9) is configured to slide over the at least one bowering member (7) and the at least one first connecting member (10).
Referring back to Figure 3, the at least one displacing member (9) broadly comprises: an at least a third grotto (9a); and the at least one second orifice (9d). The at least one third grotto (9a) is configured to accommodate the at least one lateral movement preventing member (14).
An at least a first accommodating member (9b) of the at least one displacing member (9) is configured to axially accommodate the at least one air flow facilitating member (15). Likewise, an at least a second accommodating member (9c) of the at least one displacing member (9) is configured to axially accommodate the at least one second grotto (18a).
The apparatus (100) is disposed on (or is disposed at, or is disposed in, or is disposed within, or is associated with) the at least one displacing member (9).
As illustrated, in Figure 7 and Figure 10, when the at least one vehicle halting member (2) is applied, the at least one second yoyoing member (8) expands, causing displacement of the at least one displacing member (9). As a result, volume increase occurs, in the at least one alcove (11), resulting in vacuum creation.
Atmospheric air flows to the at least one alcove (11), via a dynamic-type balanced valve (or via a relay valve, or via a modulator valve, or via a quick release valve, or via a hand control valve), through the at least one second orifice (9d), the outer portion (16c), the inner portion (15d), and the at least one first orifice (15f). The vacuum, in the at least one alcove (11), is depleted.
As illustrated, in Figure 8 and Figure 11, when the at least one vehicle halting member (2) is released, an air load gets applied, over the at least one displacing member (9), causing compression of the at least one second yoyoing member (8). As a result, volume reduction occurs, in the at least one alcove (11), resulting in building of pressure.
This pressure that is built is released, via the dynamic-type balanced valve (or via the relay valve, or via the modulator valve, or via the quick release valve, or via the hand control valve), through the at least one second orifice (9d), the outer portion (16c), the inner portion (15d), and the at least one first orifice (15f). The pressure that is built, in the at least one alcove (11), is depleted.
When the at least one vehicle halting member (2) is applied and/or released, the apparatus (100) may be configured to be in an open condition.
As illustrated, in Figure 9 and Figure 12, under compounding conditions, air pressure flows, through the at least one second orifice (9d), the at least one air flow facilitating member (15), and the at least one closure member (16). The top portion (16e) of the at least one closure member (16) is subjected to air load.
Compression of the at least one compression member (17) occurs, resulting in the steeking, between the face (15e) and the at least one steeking member (16d).
Further, under compounding conditions, the at least one snibbing member (19), among the plurality of snibbing members (19 and 20), is configured to radially snib the at least one first accommodating member (9b) (or the at least one snibbing member (19), among the plurality of snibbing members (19 and 20), is configured to radially snib pressure delivery).
Likewise, under compounding and the at least one vehicle slowing member (1) applying (1) conditions, the at least one another snibbing member (20), among the plurality of snibbing members (19 and 20), is configured to radially snib the at least one second accommodating member (9c) (or the at least one another snibbing member (20), among the plurality of snibbing members (19 and 20), is configured to radially snib pressure delivery).
When the at least one vehicle slowing member (1) is applied, pressurised air acts, on the at least one blockading member (3), is converted to linear mechanical force, and is transferred to a “S” cam, through the at least one second displacing member (4), the at least one second connecting member (13), and an at least a slack adjuster.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, closing pressure of the apparatus (100) is less than about 2.5 bar.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure that is built ranges between about 1.3 bar and about 2.2 bar.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, pressure corresponding to the vacuum creation, is less than about 0.8 bar.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure: radial clearance, between the inner portion (15d) and the outer portion (16c), ranges between about 0.1 mm and about 0.7 mm.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, diameter of the at least one first orifice (15f) ranges between about 3 mm and about 5 mm.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, diameter of the at least one second orifice (9d) ranges between about 1 mm and about 2.5 mm, and the apparatus comprises between about two second orifices and about four second orifices.
The disclosed apparatus (100) has been tested, and the results are illustrated, in Figure 13.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the apparatus (100) and its various components may be made of any suitable materials known in the art. Likewise, a person skilled in the art will also appreciate the fact that the configuration of the apparatus (100) and its various components may be varied, based on requirements.
The disclosed apparatus (100) offers at least the following advantages: is simple in construction; is cost-effective; facilitates avoiding of seal slippages, seal damages, leakages, and/or corrosion; and/or improved life.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements, without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the disclosure, may be made, by a person skilled in the art. Such modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements should be construed as being within the scope of this disclosure.  
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 - Apparatus for Averting Ingress of Performance Degrading Members in Spring Braking Environments or Apparatus
1 - At Least One Vehicle Slowing Member
2 - At Least One Vehicle Halting Member
3 - At Least One Blockading Member
4 - At Least One Second Displacing Member
5 - At Least One Supporting Member
6 - At Least One First Yoyoing Member
7 - At Least One Bowering Member
8 - At Least One Second Yoyoing Member
9 - At Least One Displacing Member
9a - At Least One Third Grotto
9b - At Least One First Accommodating Member
9c - At Least One Second Accommodating Member
9d - At Least One Second Orifice
10 - At Least One First Connecting Member
11 - At Least One Alcove
12 - At Least One Guiding and Sealing Member
13 - At Least One Second Connecting Member
14 - At Least One Lateral Movement Preventing Member
14a - Top Portion of the At Least One Lateral Movement Preventing Member
15 - At Least One Air Flow Facilitating Member
15a - At Least One First Grotto
15b - At Least One Load Receiving Member
15c - At Least One Compression Member Sanctuary Facilitating Member
15d - Inner Portion of the At Least One Air Flow Facilitating Member
15e - Face of the At Least One Air Flow Facilitating Member
15f - At Least One First Orifice
16 - At Least One Closure Member
16a - At Least One Another Compression Member Sanctuary Facilitating Member
16b - At Least One Slot
16c - Outer Portion of the At Least One Closure Member
16d - At Least One Steeking Member
16e - Top Portion of the At Least One Closure Member
17 - At Least One Compression Member
18 - At Least One Cap
18a - At Least One Second Grotto
18b - At Least One Projecting Member
19 - At Least One Snibbing Member
20 - At Least One Another Snibbing Member
19 and 20 - Plurality of Snibbing Members
21 - At Least One Occluding Member , Claims:1. An apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments (100), comprising:
an at least an air flow facilitating member (15), said at least one air flow facilitating member (15) being associated with an at least a closure member (16), at one side of said at least one closure member (16), with:
said at least one air flow facilitating member (15) comprising an at least a first grotto (15a);
said at least one first grotto (15a) being configured to accommodate an at least a snibbing member (19), among a plurality of snibbing members (19 and 20); and
an at least a first accommodating member (9b) being configured to accommodate said at least one air flow facilitating member (15);
an at least a lateral movement preventing member (14), with:
an at least a load receiving member (15b) of said at least one air flow facilitating member (15) being associated with a top portion (14a) of said at least one lateral movement preventing member (14);
said at least one load receiving member (15b) being configured to receive load, together with said top portion (14a) of of said at least one lateral movement preventing member (14); and
an at least a third grotto (9a) being configured to accommodate said at least one lateral movement preventing member (14);
an at least a compression member (17) that is associated with said at least one closure member (16), said at least one compression member (17) facilitating opening of said apparatus (100), under vacuum conditions, with:
an at least a compression member sanctuary facilitating member (15c) of said at least one air flow facilitating member (15) being configured to hold one end of said at least one compression member (17); and
said at least one closure member (16) comprising an at least one another compression member sanctuary facilitating member (16a) that is configured to hold another end of said at least one compression member (17);
said at least one closure member (16), with:
an outer portion (16c) of said at least one closure member (16) being associated with an inner portion (15d) of said at least one air flow facilitating member (15);
said association, between said outer portion (16c) and said inner portion (15d), together with an at least a first orifice (15f) of said at least one air flow facilitating member (15) and an at least a second orifice (9d), facilitating flowing of air, into said apparatus (100), and out of said apparatus (100); and
a top portion (16e) of said at least one closure member (16) being configured to facilitate steeking, between a face (15e) of said at least one air flow facilitating member (15) and an at least a steeking member (16d) of said at least one closure member (16);
an at least a cap (18) that comprises an at least a second grotto (18a), with said at least one second grotto (18a) being configured to accommodate an at least one another snibbing member (20), among said plurality of snibbing members (19 and 20), with:
an at least a second accommodating member (9c) being configured to accommodate said at least one second grotto (18a); and
an at least an occluding member (21).
2. The apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein: closing pressure of said apparatus (100) is less than 2.5 bar.
3. The apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
radial clearance, between said inner portion (15d) and said outer portion (16c), ranges between 0.1 mm and 0.7 mm.
4. The apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
diameter of said at least one first orifice (15f) ranges between 3 mm and 5 mm.
5. The apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
diameter of said at least one second orifice (9d) ranges between 1 mm and 2.5 mm.
6. The apparatus, for averting ingress of performance degrading members, in spring braking environments (100), as claimed in claim 1 or claim 5, wherein:
said apparatus (100) comprises between two second orifices and four second orifices.