Hydraulic Brake Boost With Three-Way Valve Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably providing hydraulic boost to both front and rear brakes during normal braking events, particularly in scenarios where one component fails, leading to potential loss of braking functionality.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic brake system incorporating a power transmission unit, electronic control unit, and two-position three-way valves that selectively control hydraulic fluid flow to both front and rear brakes, ensuring pressurized fluid is provided during normal braking events and allowing for manual push-through mode in case of failure, with a pedal simulator for predetermined brake pedal response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power transmission unit is added to provide hydraulic boost to both front and rear brakes, then braking performance during normal events is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic brake system is segmented into multiple independent circuits: a master cylinder circuit for front brakes and a power transmission unit circuit for both front and rear brakes. Each circuit can operate independently, allowing the system to maintain partial braking functionality even if one circuit fails. The three-way valves further segment the fluid flow paths to enable selective activation of different brake circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of hydraulic fluid by incorporating a power transmission unit that generates higher hydraulic pressure for boosted braking. This allows the rear brakes and front brakes to receive sufficient hydraulic pressure for effective braking, transforming the pressure level from manual master cylinder output to power-assisted levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If three-way valves are used to selectively control hydraulic fluid flow to front brakes, then braking control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-way valves are designed to perform multiple functions: they can route hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to front brakes, from the power transmission unit to front brakes, and can isolate failed circuits. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate valves for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maximizing braking mode adaptability.
3Power
If the system provides hydraulic boost to both front and rear brakes, then braking performance is improved, but loss of substance increases due to potential leakage points
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates redundancy in the hydraulic fluid supply paths with multiple circuits and three-way valves that can isolate leakage points. By providing alternative fluid pathways and isolation capabilities, the system cushions against the harmful effect of fluid leakage, maintaining braking functionality even when some fluid is lost or when a leakage point is isolated.
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 ensures reliable braking by providing hydraulic boost to both front and rear brakes during normal events and maintains functionality in case of component failure through manual push-through mode, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a master cylinder operable during a manual push-through mode by actuation of a brake pedal connected to the master cylinder to generate brake actuating pressure at a first output for hydraulically actuating the pair of front wheel brakes
Implementation Method 2
A power transmission unit is configured for selectively providing pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating the pair of front wheel brakes and the pair of rear wheel brakes during a normal non-failure braking event
Implementation Method 3
Each of the first and second three-way valves selectively controls hydraulic fluid flow from a chosen one of the master cylinder and the power transmission unit to the selected one of the pair of front wheel brakes
Data Source
AI summary
A brake system for actuating front and rear wheel brakes includes a reservoir and a master cylinder operable during a manual push-through mode by actuation of a brake pedal to generate brake actuating pressure at a first output for hydraulically actuating the pair of front wheel brakes. A power transmission unit is configured for selectively providing pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating the pair of front wheel brakes and the pair of rear wheel brakes during a braking event. First and second two-position three-way valves are provided. Each three-way valve is hydraulically connected with the master cylinder, the power transmission unit, and a selected one of the front wheel brakes. Each of the first and second three-way valves selectively controls hydraulic fluid flow from a chosen one of the master cylinder and the power transmission unit to the selected one of the pair of front wheel brakes.