Vehicle Brake Apparatus Alternating Pump Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake systems for vehicles, especially in hybrid and electric vehicles, face inefficiencies in pump utilization and increased costs and weight due to the need for multiple pumps and a large number of valves, while also experiencing pulsation issues and inadequate braking performance.
Innovation Solution
A brake apparatus with a master cylinder unit, hydraulic pump unit, and wheel cylinder unit, utilizing an even number of hydraulic pumps that alternately perform suction and discharge operations, interconnected through flow paths and valves, including a pedal stroke sensor and control valves to optimize braking pressure and reduce valve count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of pumps is increased to improve braking performance, then braking performance is improved, but system cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple hydraulic pumps operating in alternating periodic cycles, where each pump performs suction and discharge operations in sequence. This periodic action ensures continuous hydraulic pressure supply while allowing individual pumps to be smaller and lighter, resolving the contradiction between braking performance and system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic pump system is segmented into multiple independent pump units that operate alternately. Each pump handles a portion of the braking demand, allowing the system to achieve high braking performance without requiring a single large, heavy pump. This segmentation enables better pump utilization efficiency while reducing overall system weight.
2Reliability
If the number of valves is increased to control hydraulic pressure, then braking performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pumps are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as pressure generation devices and as flow control elements through their alternating suction and discharge operations. This universal design reduces the need for separate dedicated valves, thereby controlling device complexity while maintaining braking performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple valves into integrated flow path units that connect the master cylinder outlets to the wheel cylinders. The alternating operation of pumps combined with merged flow control paths reduces the total valve count while ensuring precise hydraulic pressure control for optimal braking performance.
3Speed
If pump capacity is increased to improve braking response, then braking response is improved, but pump utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pumps operating in alternating periodic cycles ensure that while one pump is discharging hydraulic fluid, another is suctioning. This periodic coordination maintains continuous high-capacity output for rapid braking response while keeping each individual pump operating at optimal utilization efficiency, avoiding the waste associated with oversized single-pump systems.
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
Improves pump utilization efficiency, minimizes pulsation amplitude, implements a pedal simulator function, and secures required braking performance with a reduced number of valves, enhancing overall system efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump unit, which is configured to generate the braking hydraulic pressure separately from the master cylinder unit and which includes multiple hydraulic pumps installed so as to alternately perform a suction operation and a discharge operation by being interlocked with each other
Implementation Method 2
a master cylinder unit including a master cylinder, which has a first outlet and a second outlet and is configured to generate braking hydraulic pressure by receiving the operating force of a brake pedal
Implementation Method 3
a wheel cylinder unit configured to brake vehicle wheels by being supplied with the braking hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder unit or the hydraulic pump unit
Data Source
AI summary
A brake apparatus for a vehicle may include a master cylinder unit including a master cylinder, which has first and second outlets and is configured to generate braking hydraulic pressure by receiving the operating force of a brake pedal, and a storage tank configured to store brake oil and supply the same to the master cylinder; a hydraulic pump unit, which is configured to generate braking hydraulic pressure and which includes multiple hydraulic pumps installed to alternately perform a suction operation and a discharge operation; a wheel cylinder unit configured to brake vehicle wheels by receiving the brake hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder unit or the hydraulic pump unit; and first and second flow path units configured to supply the braking hydraulic pressure to the wheel cylinder unit by respectively connecting the first outlet and the second outlet of the master cylinder unit with the wheel cylinder unit.