Centralized Electro-Pneumatic Control System for Truck Air Brakes

This paper describes the design process by which the air brake control valves of heavy and medium duty trucks were centralized to provide space behind the instrument panel for engine and transmission control modules.

Truck air brake control systems were reviewed and an advanced design was developed using dash mounted electrical controls and a floor mounted pneumatic application valve acting on a centrally located electro-pneumatic controller. The system performance was demonstrated on an operational truck and tested to the applicable system requirements of Federal brake regulations. In addition to providing increased space under the dash, this design exhibits improved serviceability, and reduced brake system assembly and maintenance costs.