Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to isolation valves. In particular, the present disclosure relates to isolation valves used with brake pipeline of trains.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, braking systems of trains may work on the principle of pneumatic system. The braking systems of trains may use compressed air in its operation. The braking system of trains may include various components, such as a compressor, actuators, valves, etc.

SUMMARY
[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to isolation valves. In particular, the present disclosure relates to isolation valves used with brake pipeline of trains.
[0004] An embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to an isolation valve. The isolation valve may include a body to house a plurality of components. The isolation valve may further include a plurality of zones. The plurality of zones may include a pilot zone, a supply zone, and a delivery zone. Each of the plurality of zones may implement an airflow across the isolation valve. The isolation valve may furthermore include a solenoid valve, a bush fastened onto the body, and a stem piston assembly. The stem piston assembly may be movable inside the body of the isolation valve and guided by the bush zone. Even further, the isolation valve may include a floating automaticity valve and a valve stem assembly. The valve stem assembly may be movable upon being pushed by the stem piston assembly.
[0005] In another aspect, the plurality of components housed inside the body may be closed using a top cover and a bottom cover.
[0006] In yet another aspect, the plurality of components housed inside the body may be secured using fasteners.
[0007] In yet another aspect, the pilot zone may include a first sub-pilot zone and a second sub-pilot zone.
[0008] In yet another aspect, the solenoid valve, in open state, may be configured to connect a first sub-pilot zone to a second sub-pilot zone pneumatically.
[0009] In yet another aspect, the solenoid vale, upon being actuated and in a closed state, may isolate a first sub-pilot zone and a second sub-pilot zone. The solenoid valve may further vent the pressure in the second sub-pilot zone and the pilot zone to atmosphere.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the stem piston assembly may include a piston, a stem, and a rubber insert.
[0011] In yet another aspect, the isolation valve may further include a first compression spring. The first compression spring may be configured to cause the moved stem piston assembly to return to its original position.
[0012] In yet another aspect, the automaticity valve may be guided in a stem of the stem piston assembly, and may be supported by a second compression spring and the valve stem assembly.
[0013] In yet another aspect, the isolation valve may further include a third compression spring. The third compression spring may be configured to cause the moved valve stem assembly to return to its original position.
[0014] In yet another aspect, the isolation valve may further include sealing members to seal and isolate pneumatic pressure among the plurality of zones and from atmosphere.
[0015] In yet another aspect, the sealing members may be O-rings and rubber inserts.
[0016] In yet another aspect, the isolation valve may be configured to operate in one of a normal charging mode, normal venting mode, supply isolation, and delivery isolation mode.
[0017] In yet another aspect, the isolation valve, upon being operated in the normal charging mode, may include receiving a supply of pilot pressure at the pilot zone. Based on the received pilot pressure, the stem piston assembly may be pushed. The pushed stem piston assembly may further push the valve stem assembly. The movement of the valve stem assembly is to connect the supply zone to the delivery zone and cause an airflow through an area in between the automaticity valve and the body of the isolation valve. The said area is to meet the downstream pressure requirements arising due to various downstream leakages.
[0018] In yet another aspect, the solenoid valve, upon the isolation valve being operated in the normal charging mode, may be configured to operate in an open state.
[0019] In yet another aspect, the pilot pressure may be received at the pilot zone through first sub-pilot zone and second sub-pilot zone.
[0020] In yet another aspect, the isolation valve, upon being operated in the normal venting mode, may include receiving a supply of pilot pressure at the pilot zone. Based on the received pilot pressure, the stem piston assembly may be pushed. The pushed stem piston assembly may push the valve stem assembly. The movement of the valve stem assembly is to connect the supply zone to the delivery zone. This, in turn, may cause the automaticity valve to be pushed upwards and the second compression spring to be compressed.
[0021] In yet another aspect, the solenoid valve, upon the solenoid valve being operated in the normal venting mode, is to operate in an open state.
[0022] In yet another aspect, the pilot pressure may be received at the pilot zone through first sub-pilot zone and second sub-pilot zone.
[0023] In yet another aspect, the operation of the isolation valve in the normal venting mode may further cause a full bore opening and a high flow discharge.
[0024] In yet another aspect, the isolation valve, upon being operated in the supply isolation mode, may cause the first sub-pilot zone and the second sub-pilot zone to be isolated. The stem piston assembly and the valve stem assembly may be caused to remain in their respective original positions. This may further cause the valve stem assembly to seal and isolate the delivery zone and the supply zone.
[0025] In yet another aspect, the solenoid valve, upon the isolation valve being operated in the supply isolation mode, may be actuated and in a closed state.
[0026] In yet another aspect, the isolation valve, upon being operated in the supply isolation mode, may further include venting pneumatic pressure from the second sub-pilot zone.
[0027] In yet another aspect, the stem piston assembly and the valve stem assembly may be caused to move back to their respective original positions, when the isolation valve may be operating in the supply isolation mode.
[0028] In yet another aspect, the isolation valve, upon being operated in the delivery isolation mode, may restrict the supply of pilot pressure to the isolation valve, thereby causing an absence of air pressure in the pilot zone. The stem piston assembly and the valve stem assembly may be caused to remain in their respective original positions. This may further cause the valve stem assembly to seal and isolate the delivery zone and the supply zone.
[0029] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary isolation valve, as per an implementation of the present subject matter;
[0032] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary isolation valve operating in a normal charging mode, as per an implementation of the present subject matter;
[0033] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary isolation valve operating in a normal venting mode, as per an implementation of the present subject matter;
[0034] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary isolation valve operating in a supply isolation mode, as per an implementation of the present subject matter; and
[0035] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary isolation valve operating in a delivery isolation mode, as per an implementation of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosures as defined by the appended claims.
[0037] Embodiments explained herein relate to an isolation valve. In particular, the present disclosure relates to isolation valves used with brake pipeline of trains.
[0038] A braking system may be a crucial aspect of the operation and functioning of trains. Generally, trains may employ a pneumatic system based braking system. As would be understood, pneumatic system based braking systems may specifically imply that the braking systems of trains may use compressed air.
[0039] Generally, the pneumatic system based braking systems of the trains may include a plurality of components. Examples of such components may include, but are not limited to, compressor, air reservoir, pneumatic hoses, valves, brake holders, and brake pads.
[0040] During operation, upon application of brakes, air pressure in the brake pipelines is changed. Specifically, the air pressure in the brake pipelines is made to drop. Change in the air pressure then causes the compressed air to move from a region of high pressure towards the low pressure. This movement of the air then causes the components of the braking system to actuate. Upon release of the brakes, the air pressure in the brake pipelines again build up, leading to the movement of the components of the braking system.
[0041] Therefore, as would be understood, the flow of air across various components of the braking system may be crucial for efficient implementation of the braking system. However, in conventional systems, owing to the design and structure, it may be the case that various portions may not be properly isolated from each other. As a result, it may cause a problem in the flow of air upon application of the brakes. Even further, it may also be the case there may be a leakage in certain components or valve or pipelines of the braking system.
[0042] To this end, an isolation valve is described. As would be appreciated, the proposed isolation valve may efficiently isolate the inlet side pressure from the delivery side. The proposed isolation valve may also isolate the delivery side pressure from the inlet side. Further, the proposed isolation valve may also compensate the leakages on delivery side corresponding to various flow diameters. Furthermore, the venting of delivery pressure may be done at a much faster rate through bigger flow diameter.
[0043] These and other aspects have been described in further details in conjunction with FIGs. 1-5. It may be noted that these figures are only illustrative, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject matter in any manner. It may be further noted that the figures have been explained together for describing the proposed isolation valve and its operation, and same reference numerals have been used wherever necessary.
[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary isolation valve 100, as per an implementation of the present subject matter. The isolation valve 100 may be a part of the braking system of the train, and may be in communication or coupling with other components of the braking system. Such components have not been depicted here for the sake of brevity, and may be well understood by a person skilled in the art. Specifically, the isolation valve 100 may be used in brake pipelines of the braking system of the train. It may be further noted that, although the present description has been explained with respect to the isolation valve 100 being implemented in a braking system of a train, the same is not to be construed to limit the scope of the present subject matter in any manner. The proposed isolation valve 100 may be implemented in any other braking system as well. Such examples would also be covered within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0045] As depicted in FIG. 1, the isolation valve 100 may include a body 102 to house a plurality of components. Examples of such components may include, but are not limited to, a solenoid valve 104, a bush 106, a stem piston assembly 108, a floating automaticity valve 110, and a valve stem assembly 112. It may be noted that the isolation valve 100 may include other components as well other than the aforementioned ones. Such components have not been explained and described here for the sake of brevity, and would be known to a person skilled in the art.
[0046] In one example, the plurality of the components housed inside the body 102 may be closed using a top cover 114 and a bottom cover 116. In another example, the plurality of components housed inside the body may be secured using fasteners. It may be further noted that these examples are only illustrative, and any other techniques or approaches may also be used to secure the components of the isolation valve 100. All such examples would lie within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0047] Continuing further, the isolation valve 100 may be such, that it may include a plurality of zones, such as a pilot zone, a supply zone, and a delivery zone. Each of such zones may be responsible for implementing an airflow across the isolation valve. The pilot zone may further include a first sub-pilot zone and a second sub-pilot zone. In one example, the isolation valve 100 may further include sealing members to seal and isolate pneumatic pressure amongst the plurality of zones and from the atmosphere. In another example, the sealing members may be O-rings and rubber inserts.
[0048] Continuing further, the isolation valve 100 may further include a solenoid valve 104. The solenoid valve 104 may be configured to actuate and alter a flow of air in the isolation valve 100. In open state, the solenoid valve 104 is to connect the first sub-pilot zone to the second sub-pilot zone pneumatically. Further, the solenoid valve 104, upon being actuated, may be closed and may isolate the first sub-pilot zone and the second sub-pilot zone. The solenoid valve 104, in closed state, may further vent the pressure in the second sub-pilot zone and the pilot zone to atmosphere.
[0049] Continuing, the isolation valve 100 may furthermore include a bush 106 fastened onto the body 102, and a stem piston assembly 108. The stem piston assembly 108 may be movable inside the body 102 of the isolation valve 100 and may be guided by the bush zone. The stem piston assembly 108 may include a piston 118, a stem 120, and a rubber insert 122. The isolation valve 100 may further include a first compression spring 124, which may be used to allow the moved stem piston assembly 108 to return to its original position.
[0050] The isolation valve 100 may further include a floating automaticity valve 110 and a valve stem assembly 112. The automaticity valve 110 may be guided in the stem 120 of the stem piston assembly 108, and may be supported by a second compression spring 126 and the valve stem assembly 112. The valve stem assembly 112 may be movable upon being pushed by the stem piston assembly 108. The isolation valve may further include a third compression spring 128, which may allow the moved valve stem assembly 112 to return to its original position.
[0051] In operation, the isolation valve 100 may be configured to operate in four different modes. Such modes may include normal charging mode, normal venting mode, supply isolation mode, and delivery isolation mode. Each of the aforementioned different modes may cause a different airflow in the isolation valve 100. These working modes will now be described in further details and in conjunction with FIGs. 2-5.
[0052] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary isolation valve operating in a normal charging mode, as per an implementation of the present subject matter. The isolation valve 100, while operating in the normal charging mode, may cause the air to flow across the isolation valve 100 in a certain manner across the different zones. Such airflow has been depicted in FIG. 2 by virtue of arrows.
[0053] While being operated in the normal charging mode, the solenoid valve 104 may operate in an open state. Thereafter, a supply of pilot pressure may be received at the pilot zone. The pilot pressure may be received at the pilot zone through the first sub-pilot zone and the second sub-pilot zone. The received pilot pressure may cause the stem piston assembly 108 to be pushed. The pushed stem piston assembly 108, in turn, may push the valve stem assembly 112. As would be noted, the movement of the valve stem assembly 112 may connect the supply zone to the delivery zone. This may cause an airflow through an area in between the automaticity valve 110 and the body 102 of the isolation valve 100. The said area is to meet the downstream pressure requirements arising due to various downstream leakages. As would be further noted, this, in turn, may develop a flow diameter.
[0054] FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary isolation valve operating in a normal venting mode, as per an implementation of the present subject matter. The isolation valve 100, while operating in the normal venting mode, may cause the air to flow across the isolation valve 100 in a certain manner across the different zones. Such airflow has been depicted in FIG. 3 by virtue of arrows.
[0055] While being operated in the normal venting mode, the solenoid valve 104 may operate in an open state. Thereafter, a supply of pilot pressure may be received at the pilot zone. The pilot pressure may be received at the pilot zone through the first sub-pilot zone and the second sub-pilot zone. The received pilot pressure may cause the stem piston assembly 108 to be pushed. The pushed stem piston assembly 108, in turn, may push the valve stem assembly 112. As would be noted, the movement of the valve stem assembly 112 may connect the supply zone to the delivery zone. This may cause the automaticity valve 110 to be pushed upwards and the second compressing spring 126 to be compressed. This, in turn, may cause a full bore opening and a high flow discharge in the isolation valve 100.
[0056] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary isolation valve operating in a supply isolation mode, as per an implementation of the present subject matter. The isolation valve 100, while operating in the supply isolation mode, may cause the air to flow across the isolation valve 100 in a certain manner across the different zones. Such airflow has been depicted in FIG. 4 by virtue of arrows.
[0057] While being operated in the supply isolation mode, the solenoid valve 104 may be actuated and may operate in a closed state. This may cause the first sub-pilot zone and the second sub-pilot zone to be isolated. In another example, pneumatic pressure, if any, may also be vented out from the second sub-pilot zone. Further, the stem piston assembly 108 and the valve stem assembly 112 may be caused to be in their respective original positions. In cases where the stem piston assembly 108 and the valve stem assembly 112 may be in a moved position, the same may be caused to move back to their respective original positions. This may further cause the valve stem assembly 112 to seal and isolate the delivery zone and the supply zone.
[0058] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary isolation valve operating in a delivery isolation mode, as per an implementation of the present subject matter. The isolation valve 100, while operating in the delivery isolation mode, may cause the air to flow across the isolation valve 100 in a certain manner across the different zones. Such airflow has been depicted in FIG. 5 by virtue of arrows.
[0059] While being operated in the delivery isolation mode, the supply of pilot pressure to the isolation valve 100 may be restricted. The supply may be restricted irrespective of the solenoid valve 104 being in an open state or a closed state. This may cause an absence of air pressure in the pilot zone. This may further cause the stem piston assembly 108 and the valve stem assembly 112 to remain in their respective original positions. This may, in turn, cause the valve stem assembly 112 to seal and isolate the delivery zone and the supply zone.
[0060] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
, Claims:1. An isolation valve (100) comprising:
a body (102) to house a plurality of components;
a plurality of zones, wherein the plurality of zones comprises a pilot zone, a supply zone, and a delivery zone, and wherein each of the plurality of zones is to implement an airflow across the isolation valve (100);
a solenoid valve (104);
a bush (106) fastened onto the body (102);
a stem piston assembly (108), wherein the stem piston assembly (108) is movable inside the body (102) of the isolation valve (100) and guided by the bush zone;
a floating automaticity valve (110); and
a valve stem assembly (112), wherein the valve stem assembly (112) is movable upon being pushed by the stem piston assembly (108).

2. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of components housed inside the body (102) are closed using a top cover (114) and a bottom cover (116).

3. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of components housed inside the body (102) are secured using fasteners.

4. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pilot zone comprises a first sub-pilot zone and a second sub-pilot zone.

5. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solenoid valve (104), in an open state, is to connect a first sub-pilot zone to a second sub-pilot zone pneumatically.

6. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solenoid valve (104), upon being actuated and in a closed state, is to:
isolate a first sub-pilot zone and a second sub-pilot zone; and
vent the pressure in the second sub-pilot zone and the pilot zone to atmosphere.

7. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stem piston assembly (108) comprises a piston (118), a stem (120), and a rubber insert (122).

8. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first compression spring (124), wherein the first compression spring (124) is to cause the moved stem piston assembly (108) to return to its original position.

9. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the automaticity valve (110) is guided in a stem (120) of the stem piston assembly (108) and is supported by a second compression spring (126) and the valve stem assembly (112).

10. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third compression spring (128), wherein the third compression spring (128) is to cause the moved valve stem assembly (112) to return to its original position.

11. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising sealing members to seal and isolate pneumatic pressure among the plurality of zones and from atmosphere.

12. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the sealing members are O-rings and rubber inserts.

13. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the isolation valve (100) is configured to operate in one of a normal charging mode, normal venting mode, supply isolation mode, and delivery isolation mode.
14. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 13, upon being operated in the normal charging mode, comprises:
receiving a supply of pilot pressure at the pilot zone;
based on the received pilot pressure, causing the stem piston assembly (108) to be pushed;
causing the pushed stem piston assembly (108) to push the valve stem assembly (112), wherein the movement of the valve stem assembly (112) is to connect the supply zone to the delivery zone; and
causing an airflow through an area in between the automaticity valve (110) and the body of the isolation valve (100), wherein the said area is to meet the downstream pressure requirements arising due to various downstream leakages.

15. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein upon being operated in the normal charging mode, the solenoid valve (104) is to operate in an open state.

16. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the pilot pressure is received at the pilot zone through first sub-pilot zone and second sub-pilot zone.

17. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 13, upon being operated in the normal venting mode, comprises:
receiving a supply of pilot pressure at the pilot zone;
based on the received pilot pressure, causing the stem piston assembly (108) to be pushed;
causing the pushed stem piston assembly (108) to push the valve stem assembly (112), wherein the movement of the valve stem assembly (112) is to connect the supply zone to the delivery zone; and
causing the automaticity valve (110) to be pushed upwards and the second compression spring (126) to be compressed.

18. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 17, wherein upon being operated in the normal venting node, the solenoid valve (104) is to operate in an open state.

19. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pilot pressure is received at the pilot zone through first sub-pilot zone and second sub-pilot zone.

20. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 17, further causing a full bore opening and a high flow discharge when being operated in the normal venting mode.

21. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 13, upon being operated in the supply isolation mode, comprises:
causing the first sub-pilot zone and the second sub-pilot zone to be isolated;
causing the stem piston assembly (108) and the valve stem assembly (112) to be in their respective original positions; and
causing the valve stem assembly (112) to seal and isolate the delivery zone and the supply zone.

22. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 21, wherein upon being operated in the supply isolation mode, the solenoid valve (104) is actuated and in a closed state.

23. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 21, upon being operated in the supply isolation mode, further comprising:
venting pneumatic pressure from the second sub-pilot zone.

24. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 21, wherein upon being operated in the supply isolation mode, the solenoid valve (104) is to further:
cause the stem piston assembly (108) and the valve stem assembly (112) to move back to their respective original positions.

25. The isolation valve (100) as claimed in claim 13, upon being operated in the delivery isolation mode, comprises:
restricting the supply of pilot pressure to the isolation valve (100) and causing an absence of air pressure in the pilot zone;
causing the stem piston assembly (108) and the valve stem assembly (112) to remain in their respective original positions; and
causing the valve stem assembly (112) to seal and isolate the delivery zone and the supply zone.