Electronic Brake Hydraulic Backup Path Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic brake systems face instability in generating hydraulic pressure due to component failures, which can compromise safety and require a direct mechanical linkage to the wheel cylinder in abnormal modes, necessitating a method to quickly detect failures and ensure stable braking.
Innovation Solution
An electronic brake system with an integrated master cylinder, hydraulic pressure supply device, and inspection flow paths to detect leaks and failures, including pressure sensors and valves to ensure stable hydraulic pressure even in abnormal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electronic brake system is used to implement complex and various braking actions, then braking functionality is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential failures in electric component elements
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is divided into two independent pathways: an electronic brake system pathway (reservoir → hydraulic pressure supply device → hydraulic pressure control unit → wheel cylinders) and a direct mechanical linkage pathway (master cylinder → backup flow path → wheel cylinders). This segmentation allows the system to maintain complex braking functionality through the electronic pathway while ensuring reliability through the independent mechanical backup pathway that activates when electric components fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a backup flow path with a cut valve that remains dormant during normal operation but automatically activates when component failures are detected. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if electric component elements fail, the system can immediately switch to the direct mechanical linkage pathway, preventing total system failure and maintaining braking reliability.
2Reliability
If inspection mechanisms are added to quickly detect failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary inspection of the direct mechanical linkage pathway before normal braking operation begins. The inspection valve is opened to allow pressurized medium to flow through the backup flow path, and the ECU detects pressure changes to determine whether the pathway is通畅. This preliminary action ensures that the backup pathway is verified to be functional before it is needed, improving reliability without requiring complex continuous monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection mechanism utilizes the system's own hydraulic pressure supply to perform self-diagnosis. During inspection mode, the hydraulic pressure supply device generates pressure that flows through the backup flow path, and the ECU monitors pressure changes at the wheel cylinders to detect blockages or leaks. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate external inspection equipment, maintaining reliability while minimizing additional complexity.
3Reliability
If a direct mechanical linkage is provided from the master cylinder to the wheel cylinder in abnormal mode, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup flow path and cut valve are designed with multi-functionality: during normal operation, they remain closed and dormant; during inspection mode, they allow pressure testing; during abnormal mode, they activate to provide direct mechanical linkage. This universality allows the system to maintain braking safety through the direct mechanical pathway without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliability.
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 provides stable braking, quick failure detection, improved reliability, and reduced component load, enhancing safety and durability while reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a master chamber whose volume is varied by a displacement of the master piston
Implementation Method 2
a sealing member configured to seal the master chamber
Implementation Method 3
a simulator valve configured to control a flow of the pressurized medium between the reservoir and the master chamber
Implementation Method 4
a hydraulic pressure supply device configured to generate hydraulic pressure by operating a hydraulic piston by an electrical signal
Implementation Method 5
a hydraulic pressure control unit provided between the hydraulic pressure supply device and a plurality of wheel cylinders to control the flow of the pressurized medium
Implementation Method 6
a first pressure sensor configured to detect the hydraulic pressure provided by the hydraulic pressure supply device, a second pressure sensor configured to detect hydraulic pressure of the master chamber
Implementation Method 7
a cut valve provided on the backup flow path to control the flow of the pressurized medium
Implementation Method 8
an inspection valve provided on the inspection flow path to control the flow of the pressurized medium
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an electronic brake system and an operating method thereof. The electronic brake system according to the present embodiment comprises: a reservoir having a pressurization medium stored therein; an integrated master cylinder having a master piston, a master chamber of which the volume varies according to the displacement of the master piston, and a sealing member sealing the master chamber; a simulator valve that controls the flow of the pressurization medium between the reservoir and the master chamber; a hydraulic supply device that operates a hydraulic piston on the basis of an electrical signal output in response to a displacement of the brake pedal and generates hydraulic pressure; and a hydraulic control unit provided between the hydraulic supply device and a plurality of wheel cylinders, wherein whether a component element including the integrated master cylinder leaks may be determined on the basis of an inspection flow path connected to the master chamber and an inspection valve provided in the inspection flow path.