Autonomous Brake-Apply System Using Vacuum Booster and Solenoid Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle brake systems require driver intervention, which can lead to accidents when maneuvering on sloping surfaces or in tight spaces, as they lack autonomous control to apply sufficient braking force consistently.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle autonomous brake-apply system incorporating a hydraulic brake assembly, vacuum booster, solenoid valve, and automatic controller, which uses input signals from sensors like distance, speed, and acceleration to autonomously apply and maintain braking force, including engagement of the parking brake when stopped.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If driver intervention is required for braking, then the driver can estimate and control braking force, but the driver may fail to apply sufficient braking force timely on sloping surfaces or in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle to brake autonomously without driver intervention. The controller automatically activates the vacuum booster and hydraulic brake assembly based on sensor inputs (distance, speed, acceleration), allowing the system to serve itself by detecting obstacles and applying braking force independently of driver action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical braking system with an automated electro-hydraulic system. The controller uses electrical signals to activate the vacuum booster, which then hydraulically actuates the brake assembly, substituting the driver's mechanical foot pressure with an automated electromechanical-hydraulic control chain.
2Reliability
If autonomous brake-apply system is implemented, then braking force is applied consistently and timely, but the system complexity increases with multiple components and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes inputs from various sensors (distance, speed, acceleration), determines braking necessity, activates the vacuum booster, and coordinates the hydraulic brake assembly. This multi-functional control unit reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum booster acts as an intermediary between the controller's electrical signal and the hydraulic brake assembly. It converts electrical activation into hydraulic pressure, which then actuates the brakes. This intermediary component simplifies the control architecture by providing a clear signal transformation chain while ensuring consistent and reliable braking force application.
3Stability of the object's composition
If hydraulic pressure is maintained after stopping, then the vehicle remains stationary, but the driver must manually engage the parking brake on sloping surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically maintains hydraulic pressure in the brake assembly after the vehicle stops, eliminating the need for the driver to manually engage the parking brake. The controller monitors vehicle status and sustains braking pressure autonomously, allowing the system to self-maintain the stationary position without further driver intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic pressure generated during braking is maintained continuously after the vehicle stops, ensuring uninterrupted braking force. This continuous pressure sustains the vehicle's stationary position without requiring a separate parking brake action, thereby eliminating the need for additional driver attention or manual intervention.
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
The system effectively maintains a safe distance from obstacles, keeps all tires on the road, and ensures a vehicle remains stationary, reducing the risk of accidents by providing autonomous control over braking forces.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum booster assembly operatively connected to the vehicle hydraulic brake assembly
Implementation Method 2
a vehicle hydraulic brake assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A first vehicle autonomous brake-apply system includes a vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a vacuum booster assembly operatively connected to the vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a solenoid valve operatively connected to the vacuum booster assembly, and an automatic controller including an output signal operatively connected to the solenoid valve. A second system uses a lateral-acceleration-sensor assembly in place of the automatic controller. A third system includes a braking controller, an electrical braking device, and at least one distance sensor. A method for assisting driving of a vehicle includes applying a braking force to stop the vehicle before the vehicle strikes an obstacle whose distance to the vehicle is measured using at least one distance sensor.