Integrated Electronic Brake Control With Controller Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electronic brake systems in vehicles require numerous wirings and mounting space, which complicates their installation and increases the risk of malfunction during vehicle operation, potentially leading to accidents.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electronic brake apparatus with a control module configured as a main controller and a sub-controller in two separate areas within an enclosure, connected via an internal connection bus, allowing for real-time information exchange and cooperative control to ensure seamless braking operations even in case of controller failures, where the sub-controller cuts off power to additional braking valves and controls main braking valves and motors, and vice versa.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate electronic control brake apparatuses are used, then braking functionality is achieved, but the number of wirings and mounting space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate electronic control brake apparatuses into a single integrated brake apparatus. The main controller and sub-controller are housed within the same enclosure, sharing common mounting space and reducing the number of separate wiring harnesses needed. This merging approach maintains full braking functionality while significantly reducing device complexity and installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated brake apparatus is designed with multi-functional capability through the main controller and sub-controller configuration. The main controller handles primary braking control, while the sub-controller manages additional braking functions and monitors system status. This universal design allows a single apparatus to perform multiple braking functions that previously required separate devices.
2Device complexity
If a single controller is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability during controller failure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller function is segmented into two independent units: the main controller and the sub-controller. Each controller is positioned in a separate area within the enclosure and can independently perform braking control functions. This segmentation ensures that if one controller fails, the other can take over and maintain braking operations, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a failover mechanism where the sub-controller is prepared in advance to take over braking control if the main controller fails. The sub-controller includes redundant control capabilities and can immediately assume control of the braking motor and valves, providing a cushion against system failure and ensuring continuous safe operation.
3Area of stationary object
If controllers are positioned close together, then space is saved, but control independence during failure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The main controller and sub-controller are positioned in separate areas within the enclosure, creating spatial distinction between the two control units. This local separation ensures that physical damage or failure in one area does not directly affect the other controller, maintaining control independence. At the same time, both controllers share the same enclosure, optimizing the use of mounting space within the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an integrated electronic brake apparatus and a control method thereof. The integrated electronic brake apparatus includes a main controller provided in a first area and configured to: drive a braking motor according to an operation of a pedal, drive an additional braking valve for additional braking, and generate a main control monitoring signal; the sub-controller provided in a second area and configured to: drive a main braking valve for braking of a vehicle and the braking motor according to the operation of the pedal, control a power of the additional braking valve, and generate a sub-control monitoring signal; and a connection bus configured to transfer a transmission/reception signal between the main controller and the sub-controller by connecting the first area and the second area within an enclosure with each other.