Electro-Mechanical Brake Control with Redundant Power Modules

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electro-mechanical braking systems require numerous wirings and dedicated mounting spaces for each electronically controlled braking device, and they are prone to failures that can lead to serious accidents.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus for controlling an electro-mechanical braking system is designed with independently configured additional and main braking modules, each with its own power module and control module, and an integrated switch to manage power distribution and ensure linked control even in case of failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple electronically controlled braking devices are combined to implement an electro-mechanical braking system, then braking performance and stability are improved, but the number of wirings and mounting spaces required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking performanceVSAvoidnumber of wirings

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple braking control functions (parking brake, service brake, emergency brake) into a single integrated control module that houses multiple independent control units. This merging approach maintains the functional independence needed for braking performance while reducing the number of separate wirings and mounting spaces required for each individual braking device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control module is designed to perform multiple braking functions simultaneously through a single unit. The module can operate as a parking brake controller, service brake controller, and emergency brake controller depending on the activation signal received, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated control devices for each braking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking performanceVSAvoidmounting space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple braking control functions into a single integrated control module, thereby reducing the total mounting space required. Instead of providing separate mounting locations for parking brake controllers, service brake controllers, and emergency brake controllers, all functions are housed within one compact module mounted in a single location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control module employs a nested structure where multiple independent control units are housed within a single outer casing. Each control unit (parking brake, service brake, emergency brake) is contained within the modular housing, allowing them to share the same mounting space while maintaining functional independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If electronically controlled braking devices are used, then braking stability is improved, but the risk of system failure leading to serious accidents increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking stabilityVSAvoidsystem failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated control module is divided into multiple independent control units, each responsible for a specific braking function (parking brake, service brake, emergency brake). This segmentation ensures that a failure in one control unit does not affect the operation of other units, as each has independent control circuits and actuators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates an emergency brake function that automatically activates when a failure is detected in the primary braking system. This beforehand cushioning mechanism ensures that even if the main electronically controlled braking system fails, the vehicle can still be stopped safely through the backup emergency braking capability built into the same integrated module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250058747A1Apparatus for controlling electro-mechanical braking system and method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for controlling an electro-mechanical braking system includes a first braking control module configured to receive at least one of an electronic parking brake (EPB) switch signal, a braking control signal, or a cylinder pressure value and to operate a parking brake and an additional braking valve; a second braking control module configured to receive at least one of a brake pedal signal, the braking control signal, or the cylinder pressure value and to operate a braking motor and a main braking valve, a first power module configured to supply power to the first braking control module, a second power module configured to supply power to the second braking control module, an integrated switch configured to integrate output powers of the first power module and the second power module, and a connection bus configured to transfer transmission and reception signals, and a method thereof.