ABS Valve Unit Using Hydraulic Piston Actuation Without Electrical Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-lock braking systems (ABS) rely on electrical actuators to control hydraulic pressure, which may fail in the absence of electrical power or during electrical failures.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic actuation mechanism using a piston and elastic elements within the ABS valve unit, where brake fluid pressure directly controls the piston's movement to modulate hydraulic pressure without electrical intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electrical actuators are used to control hydraulic pressure in ABS systems, then precise control and automation are achieved, but system reliability deteriorates due to dependence on electrical power which may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical actuator system with a purely mechanical-hydraulic control mechanism. The piston (18) is controlled by hydraulic pressure differences and elastic forces from spring (34) rather than electrical signals, eliminating dependence on electrical power while maintaining automated ABS functionality through pressure-sensitive operation
Solution Approach 2:
The ABS valve unit uses self-regulating mechanical-hydraulic principles where the piston (18) automatically responds to pressure changes in the primary chamber (15) and expansion chamber (16). The system serves itself by using the brake fluid pressure to control the valve operation without external electrical intervention, ensuring continuous operation even during electrical failures
2Reliability
If a purely mechanical-hydraulic ABS system is used, then reliability during electrical failures is improved, but measurement precision and control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical-hydraulic transduction mechanism where wheel speed sensors (not detailed in this patent but part of the broader ABS system) provide input that is converted into hydraulic pressure signals. This intermediary system translates rotational speed information into pressure differences that actuate the piston (18), bridging the gap between speed detection and pressure control without requiring direct electrical actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles throughout the control mechanism, using brake fluid pressure to actuate the piston (18) and control valve openings. The hydraulic system provides both the control medium and the actuation force, eliminating electrical components while maintaining precise pressure modulation capability through fluid dynamics
3Speed
If electrical actuators are used for valve control, then response speed is improved, but device complexity and failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical actuators with a mechanical-hydraulic actuation system where the piston (18) is directly controlled by pressure differences and elastic forces. This replacement eliminates motors, sensors, and control electronics, reducing device complexity while maintaining rapid response through direct hydraulic action on the valve mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes all electrical components from the valve control system, isolating the purely mechanical-hydraulic elements. By taking out the electrical actuators and their associated control systems, the patent simplifies the device structure while retaining the essential ABS functionality through pressure-sensitive mechanical operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective anti-lock braking by fluid pressure modulation, ensuring operation even without electrical power, and allows adjustable sensitivity to road conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (34) acting on the piston (18)
Implementation Method 2
the hydraulic thrust of the brake fluid present in the primary chamber (15)
Data Source
AI summary
A valve unit for an anti-lock braking system has a valve body, a piston, and an elastic element acting on the piston. The valve body has an outlet port, an inlet port, a primary chamber communicating with the outlet port, an expansion chamber with an outflow passage establishing fluid communication between the primary chamber and the expansion chamber, and a bypass passage between the inlet port and the outlet port. The piston is movable in the primary chamber and has a longitudinal through cavity, a first transversal surface facing the outlet port, and a second transversal surface facing away from the outlet port. The first transversal surface has an area smaller than the area of the second transversal surface. The elastic element exerts an elastic force to move the piston away from the outlet port. The valve unit is activatable by pressure of a brake fluid in the primary chamber.