Hydraulic Brake Booster Clearance Reduction via Preliminary Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic vehicle brake systems face inefficiencies in reducing wheel brake clearance quickly and reliably, particularly in anticipation of braking events, which can lead to longer brake actuation paths and reduced braking performance.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a controllable brake booster, actuated independently of muscle power, to reduce wheel brake clearance to zero by closing a valve and then returning the brake booster to its initial position, without relying on the hydraulic pump for clearance reduction, allowing for preloading of brake linings and shorter brake actuation paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the hydraulic pump is used to reduce wheel brake clearance, then the clearance is reduced, but the brake actuation path becomes longer and braking response is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The brake booster is actuated in advance to reduce the wheel brake clearance before actual braking is required. By pre-loading the brake linings against the brake discs through booster actuation, the system eliminates idle travel and ensures that when the driver applies the brake pedal, the brakes are already in contact position, significantly reducing brake actuation time and improving braking response.
2Length of stationary object
If the brake booster is actuated to reduce clearance, then the clearance is reduced to zero, but the brake actuation path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake booster is actuated preliminarily to bring the brake linings into contact with the brake discs, reducing clearance to zero. This preliminary action positions the braking system in optimal readiness state, where the mechanical advantage is maximized and the effective actuation path for subsequent braking is minimized, even though initial booster movement is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake booster serves as an intermediary mechanism that translates small movements at the master cylinder into sufficient force to preload the brake linings against the discs. By using the booster's force multiplication capability, the system achieves clearance reduction without requiring long actuation paths from the driver's pedal input.
3Length of stationary object
If the hydraulic pump is relied upon for clearance reduction, then clearance can be reduced, but the pump's workload increases and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The function of clearance reduction is extracted from the hydraulic pump and transferred to the brake booster. By using the booster's actuating force to preload the brakes, the system removes the burden of frequent clearance reduction operations from the hydraulic pump, allowing the pump to focus on its primary function of maintaining brake pressure and regulating brake fluid flow, thereby extending pump service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake booster utilizes its own actuating force and the existing hydraulic pressure in the system to reduce clearance, without requiring external assistance from the hydraulic pump. The booster self-regulates the brake lining contact force by controlling its valve, making the clearance reduction process independent of the pump's operational capacity and reducing overall system dependency on pump performance.
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 method enables faster brake actuation by eliminating clearance and providing a preload for quicker braking response, extending the service life of brake boosters and reducing the hydraulic pump's workload, thus enhancing braking efficiency and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a brake booster (13) to reduce a clearance (50) of a wheel brake (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a hydraulic vehicle brake system (1) comprising an especially electromechanical brake booster (13). According to the invention, the brake booster (13) and, using the same, a master brake cylinder (3) of the vehicle brake system (1) are actuated in response to a desire to brake, and a clearance in the wheel brakes (5) is reduced, preferably eliminated. A subsequent brake actuation is therefore carried out more quickly. The possible desire to brake can be for example a release or a rapid release of an accelerator pedal, the approach of a foot (21) of a driver to a brake pedal (15) or when a minimum distance to a vehicle ahead or an obstacle is not observed.