Brake Actuating Unit Orthogonal Motor Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake systems for motor vehicles, particularly in brake-by-wire systems, face challenges in achieving a compact design that allows for efficient integration of brake actuation and pressure modulation, leading to increased weight, complex installation, and potential safety issues in crash situations.

Innovation Solution

The brake actuating unit integrates the driver-operable cylinder piston arrangement, printhead center, and valve arrangement within a single housing with orthogonal alignment of the electric motor, allowing for a compact and lightweight design that reduces the overall construction length and enhances safety by minimizing space requirements and facilitating easier installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If brake actuation and pressure modulation are integrated into a single module, then weight is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the arrangement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidarrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the brake actuation unit and pressure modulation unit into a single common housing, combining previously separate modules. This merging reduces overall weight, simplifies manufacturing processes, and decreases the number of connection points required, while the orthogonal arrangement manages the internal complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs orthogonal arrangement where the axis of the electric motor is positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first cylinder-piston assembly. This dimensional reorganization allows compact integration of multiple components within the single housing, managing arrangement complexity through spatial optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If the electric motor axis is arranged perpendicular to the first cylinder-piston assembly, then the overall length is reduced for better crash performance, but the installation precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall lengthVSAvoidinstallation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By arranging the electric motor axis perpendicular to the first cylinder-piston assembly, the patent reduces the overall length in the primary direction while utilizing the orthogonal dimension for component placement. This dimensional change achieves compactness for crash performance while the standardized orthogonal interface manages installation precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The common housing serves multiple functions: it contains the first cylinder-piston assembly, the pressure supply device with second cylinder-piston assembly, the valve assembly, and provides mounting surfaces for electrical and hydraulic connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional precision-machined interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are integrated into a single housing, then adaptability to vehicle packaging is improved, but the internal space utilization challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to vehicle packagingVSAvoidinternal space utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The orthogonal arrangement of the electric motor perpendicular to the first cylinder-piston assembly allows the components to be packed more efficiently within the housing volume. This spatial reorganization improves adaptability to various vehicle packaging constraints while optimizing internal space utilization through three-dimensional component layout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration results in weight savings, improved safety during crashes, and enhanced adaptability to various vehicle packaging, while providing a comfortable brake pedal feel through integrated simulation devices and efficient hydraulic and electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

an electric motor (7), which can be actuated by electrical signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly (3), which can be actuated by a driver by means of a push rod (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure transmission: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentEP2744691B2Brake actuating unit
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO OHG
  • EP2744691B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2744691B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2744691B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Brake actuating unit (1, 1') for a motor-vehicle brake system of the "brake-by-wire" type having a housing (10), a first hydraulic cylinder/piston arrangement (3) with an actuating piston which is displaceably guided in the housing (10) and delimits a hydraulic pressure chamber, to which wheel brakes of the motor vehicle can be connected, wherein the actuating piston can be actuated by means of a push rod (2) which transmits actuating forces, the brake actuating unit further having an electrically controllable pressure supplying device (6) which is designed as a second hydraulic cylinder/piston arrangement (12), the piston of which can be displaced by an electric motor (7) by means of a rotational/translational gear mechanism (9), and a valve arrangement (4) including a number of valves (41, 42, 43) for setting wheel-individual brake pressures and for disconnecting or connecting the wheel brakes from/to the first cylinder/piston arrangement (3) or from/to the pressure supplying device (6), wherein the valve arrangement (4) and the pressure supplying device (6) are arranged at least partially within the housing (10), and wherein the axis of the electric motor (7) of the pressure supplying device (6) is arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (30) of the first cylinder/piston arrangement (3).