Brake Calliper Control Unit for Fail-Operational Wheel Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking systems for vehicles with electronic stability control are redundant, heavy, and complex, necessitating a solution that allows effective wheel braking even when the braking amplifier and/or electronic stability control fail.
Innovation Solution
A brake calliper with a control unit that can independently control wheel braking via electrical connections, incorporating hydraulic and electromechanical devices, and data exchange means, allowing operation even in the event of amplifier or electronic stability control failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a braking amplifier and electronic stability control are used to control braking, then braking performance and stability are improved, but system mass and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the braking control system into independent modular units, with each calliper containing its own control unit that can operate autonomously. This segmentation allows the system to maintain complex braking functionality while reducing overall system complexity and mass by eliminating the need for a centralized braking amplifier and electronic stability control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Each calliper control unit is designed to be self-sufficient, capable of independently controlling braking forces without requiring external control signals from a central controller. The control units can detect and respond to braking needs autonomously, eliminating the need for complex centralized control systems while maintaining reliable braking performance.
2Reliability
If a braking amplifier and electronic stability control are used, then braking control capability is improved, but system mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking control functionality is segmented and distributed to individual calliper control units rather than being concentrated in a heavy centralized amplifier and stability control system. This distribution eliminates the need for large power amplifiers and complex control electronics in a central location, significantly reducing system mass while maintaining full braking control capability at each wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential braking control functionality from the centralized amplifier and stability control system and embeds it directly into the calliper units. This extraction removes the heavy centralized control components while preserving the critical braking control functions, thereby reducing system mass without sacrificing control capability.
3Reliability
If independent control units are used in each calliper, then system reliability during failure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into independent calliper control units that can operate autonomously. This segmentation ensures that if one control unit fails, the others continue to function, providing inherent fail-operational capability. The modular design isolates failures to individual units rather than causing system-wide failure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each calliper control unit is designed as a self-contained system with integrated sensing, decision-making, and actuation capabilities. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex inter-unit communication and centralized control logic, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing reliability through independence.
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
Enables reliable wheel braking with reduced system mass and complexity by ensuring independent control of braking forces, including emergency and parking functions, even when the central control system fails.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic braking device (70) is configured to ensure the service braking of the wheel (10)
Implementation Method 2
The electromechanical braking device (72) is configured to ensure the parking braking and/or emergency braking of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A calliper for an electromechanical disc brake for a vehicle wheel. The calliper comprises a control unit configured to control the braking of the wheel, the control unit being intended to be electrically connected to a braking control line of the vehicle.