Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The field of the invention generally relates to a brake apparatus for railway vehicles. More specifically, it relates to an air- distributor valve system and method for locomotive braking applications.

BACKGROUND
[002] The introduction of air-based braking systems marked a major step forward, as they provided greater control and responsiveness compared to the earlier systems. The need for air-proportional valves in air-based braking systems, the air-proportional valve serves as the key component in regulating the amount of compressed air that is sent to the brake cylinder. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and consistent functioning of the braking system, and its ability to maintain constant pressure when the brake is released has made it an essential component in modern locomotive braking systems.
[003] The use of air-proportional valves has continued to evolve, with the introduction of new technologies aimed at improving its performance, reliability and ease of maintenance. These advancements have resulted in air-proportional valves becoming an integral part of modern locomotive braking systems, and their importance cannot be overstated.
[004] The rail industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, and with this growth, the demand for reliable and efficient braking systems has increased. This has led to an increased focus on the development and use of air-proportional valves, as they provide an effective solution for regulating the amount of compressed air sent to the brake cylinder.
[005] Currently, existing systems do not succeed in the locomotive reservoir for brake applications (Source of air) brake cylinder pressure cannot be regulated as required.
[006] Thus, in light of the above discussion, it is implied that there is need for a system and method for an air- distributor valve system and method for locomotive braking applications, which is reliable and does not suffer from the problems discussed above.

OBJECT OF INVENTION
[007] The principal object of this invention is to provide an air- distributor valve system and method for locomotive braking applications.
[008] A further object of the invention is to provide an air- distributor valve system and method for locomotive braking applications configured to adjust the amount of compressed air to be stored in the regulating valve to send compressed air to the brake cylinder for activating the locomotive brake.
[009] Another object of the invention is to provide precise and consistent braking performance.
[0010] Another object of the invention is to reduce maintenance costs associated with brake control.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to maintain a constant pressure of compressed air to activate the brakes.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a reliable solution for controlling the brakes in a locomotive.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to improve the overall performance and efficiency of the braking system in a locomotive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0014] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which, like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures.
[0015] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0016] Figure 1 depicts/illustrates a system for an air- distributor valve for locomotive braking applications, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] Figure 2 depicts/illustrates outline of air- distributor valve connected to a locomotive, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0018] Figure 3 depicts/illustrates a flowchart for operating an air- distributor valve for locomotive breaking applications, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0019] The present invention discloses an air- distributor valve system and method used for controlling the brakes in a locomotive. The system uses compressed air to activate the brakes.
[0020] The system comprises a brake valve, check valve, self-lapping valve, inlet valve, regulating valve, and brake release valve. These components are connected in a specific manner to regulate the amount of compressed air sent to the brake cylinder to activate the brakes.
[0021] The brake valve is configured to receive a constant pressure of compressed air from a compressor. The check valve stores the compressed air from the brake valve. The self-lapping valve and inlet valve regulate the amount of compressed air sent to the brake cylinder to activate the brakes, and the regulating valve adjusts the amount of compressed air stored to be sent. The brake release valve releases air manually under maintenance activities.
[0022] The air-proportional valve system provides precise control over the brakes, improving safety and reducing maintenance costs. The constant pressure of compressed air ensures consistent braking performance, and the ability to adjust the amount of compressed air stored enhances the overall efficiency of the system.
 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0024] The present invention discloses an air- distributor valve system and method for locomotive braking applications that uses compressed air to activate the brakes on a locomotive. The system comprises a brake valve, check valve, self-lapping valve, inlet valve, regulating valve, and brake release valve. The brake valve is configured to receive a constant pressure of compressed air from a compressor to activate the brakes. The check valve stores the compressed air from the brake valve. The self-lapping valve and inlet valve are connected to the brake valve and regulate the amount of compressed air sent to the brake cylinder to activate the brakes. The regulating valve adjusts the amount of compressed air stored to be sent to the brake cylinder, and the brake release valve releases air manually under maintenance activities. The air-distributor valve provides precise control over the brakes, improving safety and reducing maintenance costs. The air distributor valve is a crucial component of the air brake system and is often referred to as the air-proportional valve due to its ability to regulate the flow of compressed air proportionally. Its proper functioning is critical to ensure the safe operation of heavy vehicles like locomotives and trucks.
[0025] Figure 1 depicts/illustrates a system 100 comprising a brake valve 102, a check valve 104, a regulating valve 106, a self-lapping valve 108, an inlet valve 110, and a brake release valve 122, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] In an embodiment, the brake valve 102 receives a predefined amount of compressed air from a compressor through a brake pipe to maintain a constant pressure when a locomotive brake is released. The brake valve 102 is operatively connected to the check valve 104 and the self-lapping valve 108, wherein the brake valve 102 comprises a brake diaphragm 112 and a spindle valve 114 which controls the flow of air from the compressor to the self-lapping valve 108.
[0027] In an embodiment, the check valve 104 is configured to receive a predefined amount of compressed air from the brake valve 102. The check valve 104 is connected to the brake valve 102 and a brake release valve 122, wherein the check valve 104 comprises a non-return check valve 118 configured to send the compressed air to the check valve 104 to store the compressed air to store the compressed air in a control reservoir and send it to the brake valve 102 when the locomotive brakes are released. In an embodiment, the self-lapping valve 108 is operatively connected to the brake valve 102 and the inlet valve 110. The self-lapping valve 108 comprises a brake cylinder diaphragm 116 connected to the inlet valve 110 and the spindle valve 114, which activates the inlet valve 110 to pass air to the brake cylinder.
[0028] In an embodiment, the inlet valve 110 is operatively connected to the regulating valve 106 and the self-lapping valve 108 to send the stored air from the regulating valve 106 to the brake cylinder to activate the locomotive brake.
[0029] In an embodiment, the regulating valve 106 is operatively connected to the inlet valve 110 and stores the compressed air received from the compressor and stores in a master reservoir for activating the locomotive brake. The regulating valve 106 comprises an adjusting screw 120 configured to adjust the amount of compressed air to be send to the brake cylinder for activating the locomotive brake is done by a locomotive pilot or may be done automatically.
[0030] In an embodiment, the brake release valve 122 is connected to the check valve 104 to release air manually from the check valve 104 under locomotive maintenance activities.
[0031] Figure 2 illustrates an outline of air-distributor valve connected to a locomotive, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] The air-distributor valve system 100 regulates the flow of compressed air from the compressor to activate the locomotive brake. The brake valve receives a predetermined amount of compressed air from the compressor 128 through a train brake pipe 134 and directs it to the check valve 104 for storage in the control reservoir 124 to maintain constant pressure in the brake valve, when the locomotive brakes are released. When the locomotive pilot reduces the train brake pipe pressure to activate the locomotive brake by an automatic brake valve 124, the reduction in pressure in the brake valve causes an increase in pressure in the brake diaphragm. This activates the self-lapping valve 108 and the inlet valve 110, allowing compressed air from the regulating valve 106 to flow compressed air to the brake cylinder 110 through a double check valve 132 and activate the locomotive brake.
[0033] The automatic brake valve 134 is used when the locomotive is attached to the train and is configured to activate and release the train brakes and the locomotive brakes. An independent brake valve 132 is connected to the double check valve 130 which is used when the locomotive is alone, and the locomotive brake is to be activated.
[0034] In an embodiment the independent brake valve 132 which is designed to activate the locomotive brake when the locomotive is not attached to a train. However, in some situations, users may prefer to use the automatic brake valve 134 to activate the locomotive brake, depending on their specific needs and requirements.
[0035] For example, if the locomotive is being operated as part of a train, the automatic brake valve 134 is used to activate and release the train brakes as well as the locomotive brakes. On the other hand, if the locomotive is being operated alone, the independent brake valve 132 is used to activate the locomotive brake.
[0036] The decision to use either the independent brake valve 132 or the automatic brake valve 134 depends on various factors, including the operational environment, the type of locomotive, the type of brake system being used, and the preferences of the operator or user. Some users may prefer the convenience and ease of use of the automatic brake valve 134, while others may prefer the simplicity and reliability of the independent brake valve 132.
[0037] Figure 3 illustrates a method 300 for operating an air-distributor valve for locomotive breaking applications, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.. The method begins with configuring a brake valve 102 to receive a predefined amount of compressed air from a compressor 128 through a brake pipe 126 to maintain constant pressure, as depicted at step 302. Subsequently, the method 300 discloses receiving the compressed air from the brake valve 102 by a check valve 104 through a non-return valve 118, to matin constant pressure in the brake valve 102 when a locomotive brake is released, wherein the check valve 104 is operatively connected to the brake valve 102, as depicted at step 304. Thereafter, the method 300 discloses activating a self-lapping valve 108 by a brake diaphragm 112 when the locomotive brake is applied, wherein the brake diaphragm 112 is connected inside the brake valve 102, as depicted at step 306. Thereafter, the method 300 discloses enabling the inlet valve 110 by the self-lapping valve 108 to pass the compressed air from a regulating valve 106 to a brake cylinder, wherein the self-lapping valve 108 is operatively connected to the brake valve 102, as depicted at step 308. Thereafter, the method 300 discloses adjusting the amount of compressed air to the brake cylinder for activating the locomotive brake by an adjusting screw 120, wherein the regulating valve 106 is operatively connected to the inlet valve 110, as depicted at step 310.
[0038] The advantages of the current invention are to control and regulate the brakes in a locomotive using compressed air.
[0039] An additional advantage is to provide precise and consistent braking performance.
[0040] An additional advantage is to reduce maintenance costs associated with brake control.
[0041] An additional advantage is to maintain a constant pressure of compressed air to activate the brakes.
[0042] An additional advantage is to adjust the amount of compressed air stored to enhance efficiency.
[0043] An additional advantage is to provide a reliable solution for controlling the brakes in a locomotive.
[0044] An additional advantage is to ensure safety by providing accurate control over the braking system.
[0045] An additional advantage is to improve the overall performance and efficiency of the braking system in a locomotive.
[0046] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described here.
, C , C , C , C , Claims:I claim:
1. An air-distributor valve system for locomotive breaking applications, comprises:
a brake valve (102) is configured to receive a predefined amount of compressed air from a compressor (128) though a brake pipe (126) to maintain a constant pressure;
a check valve (104) operatively connected to the brake valve (102), wherein the check valve (104) configured to receive the compressed air from the brake valve (102) through a non-return valve (118), to matin constant pressure in the brake valve (102) when a locomotive brake is released;
a brake diaphragm (112) operatively connected inside the brake valve (102), wherein the brake diaphragm (112) is configured to activate a self-lapping valve (108) when the locomotive brake is applied;
the self-lapping valve (108) operatively connected to the brake valve (102), and an inlet valve (110), wherein the self-lapping valve (108) is configured to enable the inlet valve (110) to pass the compressed air from a regulating valve (106) to a brake cylinder (130); and
the regulating valve (106) operatively connected to the inlet valve (110), wherein the regulating valve (106) comprises an adjusting screw (120) configured to adjust the amount of compressed air to the brake cylinder (130) for activating the locomotive brake.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brake diaphragm (112) comprises a spindle valve (114) connected to the self-lapping valve (108), wherein the spindle valve (114) is configured to activate the self-lapping valve (108) which enable the inlet valve (110).

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the self-lapping valve (108) comprises a brake cylinder diaphragm (116) connected to the inlet valve (110) and the spindle valve (114), wherein the brake cylinder diaphragm (116) is configured to activate the inlet valve (110) to pass air to the brake cylinder (130).

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-return check valve (118) connected to the brake valve (102), wherein the non-return check valve (118) is configured to send the compressed air to the check valve (104) to store the compressed air in a control reservoir (124) to maintain constant pressure in the brake valve (102).

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the regulating valve (106) comprises: a master reservoir configured to store the compressed air from the compressor (128) which is used for activating the locomotive brake; and
a double check valve (132) is connected in between the regulating valve (106) and the brake cylinder (130), wherein the double check valve (132) is configured to send compressed air to the brake cylinder (130).

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet valve (110) is operatively connected to the regulating valve (106) and the self-lapping valve (108), wherein the inlet valve (110) is configured to send the compressed air from the regulating valve (106) to the brake cylinder (130) to activate the locomotive brake.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a brake release valve (122) connected to the check valve (104), wherein the brake release valve (122) is configured to release air manually from the air-distributor valve (100) under locomotive maintenance activities.

8. A method for operating an air-distributor valve for locomotive breaking applications, comprises:
configuring a brake valve (102) to receive a predefined amount of compressed air from a compressor (128) through a brake pipe (126) to maintain constant pressure;
receiving the compressed air from the brake valve (102) by a check valve (104) through a non-return valve (118), to matin constant pressure in the brake valve (102) when a locomotive brake is released, wherein the check valve (104) is operatively connected to the brake valve (102);
activating a self-lapping valve (108) by a brake diaphragm (112) when the locomotive brake is applied, wherein the brake diaphragm (112) is connected inside the brake valve (102);
enabling the inlet valve (110) by the self-lapping valve (108) to pass the compressed air from a regulating valve (106) to a brake cylinder, wherein the self-lapping valve (108) is operatively connected to the brake valve (102);
adjusting the amount of compressed air to the brake cylinder for activating the locomotive brake by an adjusting screw (120), wherein the regulating valve (106) is operatively connected to the inlet valve (110).

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising configuring the brake diaphragm (112) to activate the self-lapping valve (108) which enable the inlet valve (110), and the brake diaphragm (112) comprised of a spindle valve (114) connected to the self-lapping valve (108).

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising configuring the self-lapping valve (108) to activate the inlet valve (110) to pass air to the brake cylinder (130), and the self-lapping valve (108) comprised of a brake cylinder diaphragm (116) connected to the inlet valve (110) and the spindle valve (114).

11. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising configuring the non-return check valve (118) to send the compressed air to the check valve (104) to store the compressed air in a control reservoir (124) to maintain constant pressure in the brake valve (102) wherein the non-return check valve (118) connected to the brake valve (102).

12. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising providing the regulating valve (106) comprises:
storing the compressed air to a master reservoir from the compressor (128) which is used for activating the locomotive brake; and
configuring a double check valve (132) to send compressed air to the brake cylinder (130), wherein the double check valve (132) is connected in between the regulating valve (106) and the brake cylinder (130).

13. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising configuring the inlet valve (110) to send the compressed air from the regulating valve (106) to the brake cylinder to activate the locomotive brake, wherein the inlet valve (110) operatively connected to the regulating valve (106).

14. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising configuring a brake release valve (122) to release air manually from the check valve (104) under locomotive maintenance activities, wherein the brake release valve (122) is connected to the check valve (104).