Description:TITLE OF THE INVENTION: A DEVICE FOR REGULATING PRESSURE IN AN AIR BRAKE ENVIRONMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure is generally related to air brake environments. Particularly, the present disclosure is related to the regulating of pressure, in air brake environments. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to a device for the regulating of pressure, in air brake environments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Devices for the regulating of pressure, in air brake environments, are known in the art. These devices control pneumatic pressures, in the air brake environments, by controlling loading and unloading of a compressor.
However, such devices suffer from at least the drawbacks of: differing behaviour, based on climatic and operating conditions, as the result of which, pressure acting areas may change substantially; and/or chances of misalignment.
There is, therefore, a need in the art, for a device for the regulating of pressure, in air brake environments, which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, is disclosed. Said device broadly comprises: a cavity that corresponds to pressure sensing volume; another cavity that corresponds to signalling volume; yet another cavity; an enclosing member; an at least a yoyoing member; an at least a compression member; an at least a motion halting member; an at least a regulating member; an at least a tapering member; a covering member; and an at least a fastening member.
Said cavity that corresponds to pressure sensing volume is disposed on (or is associated with) an outer portion of said at least one yoyoing member.
Said another cavity that corresponds to signalling volume is disposed on (or is associated with) an inner portion of said at least one yoyoing member.
Said enclosing member encloses (or covers, or houses) all components of said device. Said enclosing member broadly comprises: a first region; a second region; a third region; and a fourth region.
Said at least one yoyoing member is configured to move, from a rest position, to a non-rest position, and vice versa. Said at least one yoyoing member traverses at least: said first region of said enclosing member; and said second region of said enclosing member.
Said at least one yoyoing member comprises a hollow centre portion. Said at least one yoyoing member also broadly comprises: at least two pressure confining members; at least two sealing members; and an exhaust facilitating member.
Said at least one compression member is disposed on (or is associated with) said at least yoyoing member. Said at least one compression member is configured to be coaxial, with said at least one yoyoing member.
Said at least one motion halting member is disposed within (or is disposed inside) said enclosing member, to cover one face (or one portion) of said device.
Said at least one regulating member is disposed between: one end of said device; and a tapering end of said at least one tapering member. Said at least one regulating member is configured to abut said at least one yoyoing member, during compression of said at least one compression member, by said at least one yoyoing member.
Said at least one tapering member is disposed above one end of said at least one yoyoing member. Said tapering end of said at least one tapering member is configured to enter said hollow centre portion of said at least one yoyoing member, during compression of said at least one compression member, by said at least one yoyoing member.
Said covering member and said at least one fastening member hold said at least one compression member and said at least one tapering member, in their places.
When forces exerted, beneath said at least one yoyoing member, exceed forces exerted, in an opposing direction, by said at least one compression member, said at least one yoyoing member moves towards said tapering end of said at least one tapering member. This causes said another cavity that corresponds to signalling volume, to be associated with said yet another cavity. Said yet another cavity, in turn, is associated with an unloader signal. This also causes said cavity that corresponds to pressure sensing volume, to get charged.
Likewise, when said forces exerted, beneath said at least one yoyoing member, decrease, said at least one yoyoing member moves away, from said tapering end of said at least one tapering member. This causes said another cavity that corresponds to signalling volume, to be isolated. Said yet another cavity facilitates flow of exhaust, from said unloader signal, through a plurality of passages.
The disclosed device offers at least the advantage of separating both sensing volume and signalling volume, leading to comparatively high pilot signal response and smooth sliding behaviour. In addition, the disclosed device also offers the following advantages: operation is not affected by temperature; shifting of pressure acting area, to said at least one yoyoing member; and is configured to be retrofitted, onto existing commercial vehicles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates a device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an at least a yoyoing member, of a device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a circuit that comprises a device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates the forces exerted, beneath an at least a yoyoing member, said forces being in equilibrium with the forces exerted, in an opposing direction, by an at least a compression member, in a device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates further pressure build up, causing additional forces, to be generated, onto a second region of an enclosing member, from a first region of the enclosing member, in a device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates the sliding of one sealing member, among at least two sealing members, over one passage, among a plurality of passages, in a device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 illustrates: diameter of one sealing member, among at least two sealing members; and a diameter (D5), in a device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 is a Table that illustrates underlying calculations, involved in functioning of a device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9 and Figure 10 illustrate results obtained, upon testing a device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 11 illustrates retrofittability, of a device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, onto existing commercial vehicles, 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 “device” 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” or the suffix “two” 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” (likewise for the other suffix). 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 (likewise for the other suffix).
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 “air braking environment” and variations is to be construed as being inclusive of commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, and/or the like).
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.
Throughout this specification, the words “the” and “said” are used interchangeably.
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.
A device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment (also referred to as “device”), is disclosed. The device is configured to regulate the pressure, by: allowing a fluid (for example, air), from a compressor; and diverting the fluid, from the compressor. As illustrated in Figure 1, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, said device is configured as a valve.
Said device broadly comprises: an enclosing member (1; for example, a housing); an at least a yoyoing member (2; for example, a piston made of aluminium); an at least a compression member (3; for example, a spring); an at least a motion halting member (4; for example, a stopper); an at least a tapering member (5; for example, a cup); an at least a regulating member (6; for example, a screw); a covering member (7); and an at least a fastening member (8; for example, a circlip).
The device also comprises: a cavity (G1) that corresponds to pressure sensing volume; another cavity (G2) that corresponds to signalling volume; and yet another cavity (G3) that facilitates the flow of exhaust, from an unloader signal (g; Figure 3), to the atmosphere. Said cavity (G1) that corresponds to pressure sensing volume and said another cavity (G2) that corresponds to signalling volume are separated by sealing elements.
The cavity (G1) that corresponds to pressure sensing volume is disposed on (or is associated with) an outer portion of the at least one yoyoing member (2), while the another cavity (G2) that corresponds to signalling volume is disposed on (or is associated with) an inner portion of the at least one yoyoing member (2).
Said yet another cavity (G3) facilitates the flow of exhaust, from the unloader signal (g), to the atmosphere, through a plurality of passages (P1, P2, P3, and P4).
The enclosing member (1) encloses (or covers, or houses) all the components of the device.
The at least one yoyoing member (2) is configured to move: from one portion of the device (rest position), to another portion of the device (non-rest position), and vice versa; and comprise a hollow centre portion. The at least one yoyoing member (2): is disposed within (or is disposed inside) the enclosing member (1); and traverses at least a first region (D1) of the enclosing member (1) and a second region (D2) of the enclosing member (1).
The at least one compression member (3) is disposed on (or is associated with) the at least yoyoing member (2), at an outer surface of the at least one yoyoing member (2). The at least one compression member (3) is configured to be coaxial, with the at least one yoyoing member (2).
The at least one compression member (3) compresses and expands, during the back and forth movement of the at least one yoyoing member (2), between the rest position and the non-rest position of the at least one yoyoing member (2). The at least one compression member (3) may be of any suitable type known in the art.
The at least one motion halting member (4) is disposed within (or is disposed inside) the enclosing member (1), to cover one face (or one portion) of the device.
The at least one regulating member (6) is disposed between one end of the device and a tapering end of the at least one tapering member (5). The at least one regulating member (6) is configured to abut the at least one yoyoing member (2), during compression of the at least one compression member (3), by the at least one yoyoing member (2).
The at least one tapering member (5) is disposed above one end of the at least one yoyoing member (2). The tapering end of the at least one tapering member (5) is configured to enter the hollow centre portion of the at least one yoyoing member (2), during compression of the at least one compression member (3), by the at least one yoyoing member (2).
The at least one compression member (3) and the at least one tapering member (5) are held, in their places, by the covering member (7) and the at least one fastening member (8).
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, said another cavity (G2) that corresponds to signalling volume is smaller than said cavity (G1) that corresponds to pressure sensing volume.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, volume of said cavity (G1) that corresponds to pressure sensing volume ranges between about 0.85 cc and about 2.74 cc (about 0.85 cc in an embodiment).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, volume of said another cavity (G2) that corresponds to signalling volume is about 0.74 cc (tolerance of about +/- 10%).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, volume of said yet another cavity (G3) is about 3.49 cc (tolerance of about +/- 10%).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, major diameter of the first region (D1) is about 25 mm, while minor diameter of the first region (D1) has a reduction ratio of about 0.56% (+/- about 10% to about 15%).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, minor diameter of the second region (D2) is about 14 mm.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, effective force acting area is about 336.9 mm2.
As illustrated in Figure 2, the at least one yoyoing member (2) broadly comprises: at least two pressure confining members (2.1 and 2.4; for example, lip seals); at least two sealing members (2.2 and 2.3; for example, O-rings); and an exhaust facilitating member (2.5; for example, a passage).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in Figure 7, diameter of one sealing member (2.3), among the at least two sealing members (2.2 and 2.3), is higher than that of a diameter (D5). For example, the diameter of the one sealing member (2.3), among the at least two sealing members (2.2 and 2.3), is 2.5 times higher than that of the diameter (D5). Thus, penetration of the one sealing member (2.3), among the at least two sealing members (2.2 and 2.3), into the diameter (D5), is avoided. As a result, chances of failure are minimised.
Figure 3 illustrates a circuit that comprises the device. A supply member (a; for example, a supply port) is connected, from a vehicle’s compressor outlet. The supply member (a) connects an inlet member of an unloader member (b; for example, an unloader valve), with an inlet member of a desiccant cartridge (c), in parallel.
A delivery member (D; for example, a delivery port) is connected, with an inlet member of a non-return fluid flow facilitating member (for example, a non-return valve), while an outlet of the non-return fluid flow facilitating member (e) is connected, with an inlet of the device (F).
The method of operation of the device shall now be explained. During a first cycle of operation, compressed fluid enters into the device. As a result, pressure builds up, from the first region (D1) of the enclosing member (1), to the second region (D2) of the enclosing member (1). Likewise, pressure also builds up, from a third region (D3) of the enclosing member (1), to a fourth region (D4) of the enclosing member (1).
As illustrated in Figure 4, initially, the forces exerted, beneath the at least one yoyoing member (2), equal the forces exerted, in an opposing direction, by the at least one compression member (3). This results in equilibrium.
At one stage, as illustrated in Figure 5, further pressure build up happens and causes additional forces to be generated, onto the second region (D2) of the enclosing member (1), from the first region (D1) of the enclosing member (1).
When the forces exerted, beneath the at least one yoyoing member (2), exceed the forces exerted, in the opposing direction, by the at least one compression member (3), the at least one yoyoing member (2) moves rapidly, towards the tapering end of the at least one tapering member (5), until the one sealing member (2.3), among the at least two sealing members (2.2 and 2.3), slides over one passage (P1), among the plurality of passages (P1, P2, P3, and P4), as illustrated in Figure 6.
At this stage, the compressor delivery is associated with the atmosphere; no further pressure build up takes place, within the device. Said another cavity (G2) that corresponds to signalling volume is associated with said yet another cavity (G3). Said yet another cavity (G3), in turn, is associated with the unloader signal (g), while said cavity (G1) that corresponds to pressure sensing volume gets charged.
The unloader member (b) is operated by the unloader signal (g), as illustrated in Figure 3. When the unloader signal (g) reaches an unloader control member (for example, a control port 4/23), the supply member (a) is connected with the atmosphere (3). On the other hand, when the unloader signal (g) reduces, the pressure is exhausted, through an exhaust (h).
During a second cycle of operation, the forces exerted, beneath the at least one yoyoing member (2) gradually decrease, resulting in the at least one yoyoing member (2) moving away, from the tapering end of the at least one tapering member (5), until the one sealing member (2.3), among the at least two sealing members (2.2 and 2.3), slides over the one passage (P1), among the plurality of passages (P1, P2, P3, and P4).
At this stage, said another cavity (G2) that corresponds to signalling volume is isolated. Said unloader signal (g) gets exhaust, through the plurality of passages (P1, P2, P3, and P4). Said yet another cavity (G3) facilitates the flow of exhaust, from the unloader signal (g), to the atmosphere, through the plurality of passages (P1, P2, P3, and P4).
The above cyclic operations occur, based on the compressor pressure build up and pressure decrease, in the cavity (G1) that corresponds to signalling volume.
Figure 8 is a Table that illustrates underlying calculations, involved in functioning of the device, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 and Figure 10 illustrate results obtained, when the device was tested.
The disclosed device offers at least the advantage of separating both sensing volume and signalling volume, leading to comparatively high pilot signal response and smooth sliding behaviour. In addition, the disclosed device also offers the following advantages: operation is not affected by temperature; shifting of pressure acting area, to the at least one yoyoing member (2); and is configured to be retrofitted, onto existing commercial vehicles (as illustrated in Figure 11).
A person skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the device 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 device and its various components may be varied based on requirements.
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
1 - Enclosing Member
D1 - First Region of the Enclosing Member
D2 - Second Region of the Enclosing Member
D3 - Third Region of the Enclosing Member
D4 - Fourth Region of the Enclosing Member
D5 - Diameter
3.1 - Exhaust Member or Exhaust Port
4/23 - Control Member
21 - Another Delivery Member
22 - Regeneration Member or Regeneration Port
2 - At Least One Yoyoing Member
2.1, 2.4 - At Least Two Pressure Confining Members
2.2, 2.3 - At Least Two Sealing Members
2.5 - Exhaust Facilitating Member
3 - At Least One Compression Member
4 - At Least One Motion Halting Member
5 - At Least One Tapering Member
6 - At Least One Regulating Member
7 - Covering Member
8 - At Least One Fastening Member
G1 - Cavity Corresponding to Pressure Sensing Volume
G2 - Another Cavity Corresponding to Signalling Volume
G3 - Yet Another Cavity that Facilitates the Flow of Exhaust from the Device to the Atmosphere
P1, P2, P3, and P4 - Plurality of Passages
a or 1a - Supply Member
b - Inlet Member of an Unloader Member
c - Inlet Member of a Desiccant Cartridge
D - Delivery Member
e - Outlet of a Non-Return Fluid Flow Facilitating Member
F - Inlet of a Device for the Regulating of Pressure in Air Brake Environments
g - Device Delivery Pressure or Unloader Signal
h - Exhaust , Claims:1. A retrofittable device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, with separate sensing volume and signalling volume, said device comprising:
a cavity (G1) that corresponds to pressure sensing volume, said cavity (G1) that corresponds to pressure sensing volume being disposed on an outer portion of an at least a yoyoing member (2);
another cavity (G2) that corresponds to signalling volume, said another cavity (G2) that corresponds to signalling volume being disposed on an inner portion of said at least one yoyoing member (2);
an enclosing member (1), said enclosing member (1): enclosing all components of said device; and comprising a first region (D1), a second region (D2), a third region (D3), and a fourth region (D4);
said at least one yoyoing member (2) that comprises a hollow centre portion, said at least one yoyoing member (2) being configured to move, from a rest position, to a non-rest position, and vice versa, with:
said at least one yoyoing member (2) traversing at least: said first region (D1) of said enclosing member (1); and said second region (D2) of said enclosing member (1);
said at least one yoyoing member (2) comprising: at least two pressure confining members (2.1 and 2.4); at least two sealing members (2.2 and 2.3); and an exhaust facilitating member (2.5); and
diameter of one sealing member (2.3), among said at least two sealing members (2.2 and 2.3), being higher that of a diameter (D5);
an at least a compression member (3), said at least one compression member (3) being disposed on said at least yoyoing member (2), with:
said at least one compression member (3) being configured to be coaxial, with said at least one yoyoing member (2);
an at least a motion halting member (4), said at least one motion halting member (4) covering one face of said device;
an at least a regulating member (6), said at least one regulating member (5) being disposed between: one end of said device; and a tapering end of an at least a tapering member (5), with:
said at least one regulating member (6) being configured to abut said at least one yoyoing member (2), during compression of said at least one compression member (3), by said at least one yoyoing member (2);
said at least one tapering member (5) that is disposed above one end of said at least one yoyoing member (2), with:
said tapering end of said at least one tapering member (5) being configured to enter said hollow centre portion of said at least one yoyoing member (2), during compression of said at least one compression member (3), by said at least one yoyoing member (2); and
a covering member (7) and an at least a fastening member (8), said covering member (7) and said at least one fastening member (8) holding said at least one compression member (3) and said at least one tapering member (5), in their places,
with:
said at least one yoyoing member (2) moving towards said tapering end of said at least one tapering member (5), when forces exerted, beneath said at least one yoyoing member (2), exceed forces exerted, in an opposing direction, by said at least one compression member (3), causing:
said another cavity (G2) that corresponds to signalling volume, to be associated with yet another cavity (G3);
said yet another cavity (G3), to be associated with an unloader signal (g); and
said cavity (G1) that corresponds to pressure sensing volume, to get charged; and
said at least one yoyoing member (2) moving away, from said tapering end of said at least one tapering member (5), when said forces exerted, beneath said at least one yoyoing member (2), decrease, causing:
said another cavity (G2) that corresponds to signalling volume, to be isolated; and
yet another cavity (G3), to facilitate flow of exhaust, from said unloader signal (g), to said atmosphere, through a plurality of passages (P1, P2, P3, and P4).
2. The retrofittable device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, with separate sensing volume and signalling volume, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said at least one yoyoing member (2) is made of aluminium.
3. The retrofittable device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, with separate sensing volume and signalling volume, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: volume of said cavity (G1) that corresponds to pressure sensing volume ranges between 0.85 cc and 2.74 cc.
4. The retrofittable device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, with separate sensing volume and signalling volume, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: volume of said another cavity (G2) that corresponds to signalling volume is 0.74 cc.
5. The retrofittable device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, with separate sensing volume and signalling volume, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: volume of said yet another cavity (G3) is 3.49 cc.
6. The retrofittable device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, with separate sensing volume and signalling volume, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
major diameter of said first region (D1) is 25 mm;
minor diameter of said first region (D1) has a reduction ratio of 0.56%; and
minor diameter of said second region (D2) is 14 mm.
7. The retrofittable device for the regulating of pressure, in an air brake environment, with separate sensing volume and signalling volume, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
diameter of said one sealing member (2.3), among said at least two sealing members (2.2 and 2.3), is 2.5 times that of said diameter (D5).