Brake-by-Wire Switching Device with Non-Electromagnetic Valve Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current switchable braking systems for vehicles with regenerative and dissipative braking require large, expensive, and energy-consuming solenoid valves for switching between direct and indirect braking configurations, leading to reduced operating range and increased system size.
Innovation Solution
A braking system utilizing a hydraulic selector valve with a non-electromagnetic switching preservation system and amplification system, including a potential energy accumulator, to maintain switching positions without continuous electrical energy consumption, ensuring precise and safe switching between direct and indirect braking modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solenoid valve is used to directly control switching between direct and indirect braking configurations, then the switching function is achieved, but the electrical energy consumption increases and the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve is activated only during the switching transition period rather than continuously. The electronic controller activates the solenoid valve only when switching between direct and indirect braking configurations is required, and deactivates it when the desired configuration is achieved. This periodic activation dramatically reduces electrical energy consumption while maintaining reliable switching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing hydraulic pressure differential between the master brake pump and controlled brake pump to automatically return the selector valve to the direct braking configuration when the indirect braking is deactivated. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous electromagnetic field maintenance and reduces energy consumption.
2Reliability
If a solenoid valve is used to directly control switching between direct and indirect braking configurations, then the switching function is achieved, but the system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid valve is designed to provide only the minimal necessary switching force to transition the selector valve between positions, rather than continuously maintaining full switching capability. The hydraulic pressure differential provides the remaining force needed to complete and maintain the switching, allowing the solenoid to be smaller and less expensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic fluid acts as an intermediary that transmits the pressure differential force to the selector valve, assisting the solenoid valve in achieving and maintaining the switching position. This intermediary mechanism allows the use of a smaller, less expensive solenoid valve while maintaining reliable switching function.
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 reduces energy consumption, size, and cost while ensuring precise and safe switching, maintaining the braking system in the desired configuration without unplanned hybrid positioning.
Implementation Method 1
an amplification system (30) comprising: a non-electrical accumulator of potential energy (31), and a switchable connector (32) to disconnect and connect the potential energy accumulator (31) with the hydraulic selector valve (21)
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic compliance chamber (14), which internally delimits a compliance volume expandable against an elastic bias of an elastic reaction member (15), e.g., an elastic spring
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a switching device (16) for a switchable braking system (1) comprises a hydraulic selector valve (21) switchable to a first switching position and a second switching position, a switching actuation device (28), electrically triggerable, for switching the hydraulic selector valve (21) from the first switching position to the second switching position, wherein the switching device (16) comprises at least one of: • i) a switching preservation system (29), which stops the hydraulic selector valve (21) in the second switching position by means of a non-electromagnetic stopping force, chosen from the group consisting of fluid-mechanical forces, elastic forces, mechanical forces, permanent magnetic forces, OR • ii) an amplification system (30) comprising: • - a non-electrical accumulator of potential energy (31), and • - a switchable connector (32) to disconnect and connect the potential energy accumulator (31) with the hydraulic selector valve (21), wherein an actuator (33) applies an actuating force to the switchable connector (32) to connect the potential energy accumulator (31) to the hydraulic selector valve (21), wherein said actuating force is less than a switching force applied by the potential energy accumulator (31) onto the hydraulic selector valve (21) to switch it and maintain it in the second switching position. Other aspects of the invention relate to a braking system (1) and to a brake-by-wire module (56).