Brake Control Assembly Merging Manual and Electrical Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular braking systems are complex and expensive, requiring duplicated components for split brake circuits and lacking a cost-effective solution for simultaneous manual and electrical control.
Innovation Solution
A braking system with a valve assembly and actuator assembly that includes first and second valve elements movable between positions to control pressurized fluid flow in dual brake circuits, where the first valve element moves the second valve element through abutment surfaces, and an electrical control signal operates the first valve element to apply or release brakes, reducing component count and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If duplicated components are used to actuate split brake circuits, then reliability of brake control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of first and second brake circuits into a single valve assembly where one valve element controls both circuits. The first valve element has first and second control portions that respectively control first and second brake circuits, eliminating the need for separate valve elements for each circuit while maintaining reliable control of the split brake system.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve element is designed with multi-functionality to control both brake circuits. The first valve element includes multiple control portions (first control portion for first brake circuit, second control portion for second brake circuit) that can independently regulate each circuit, allowing one component to perform multiple functions that previously required separate components.
2Ease of operation
If manual brake control is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The manual brake control mechanism is merged with the electrical control system into a unified valve assembly. The brake control (foot pedal) is mechanically linked to the first valve element, allowing manual operation to directly move the valve element and control both brake circuits through the same mechanism that also receives electrical control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The first valve element serves dual control modes: it can be manually operated via the brake control (foot pedal) and also controlled by electrical control signals from the controller. This multi-functional design allows a single control mechanism to handle both manual and electrical braking without requiring separate control systems.
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 solution provides a simple, cost-effective braking control system with reduced component count, enabling efficient dual manual and electrical control of split brake circuits, enhancing reliability and ease of installation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The first valve element is configured to move the second valve element from the first position to the second position by abutment of the first abutment surface against the second abutment surface as the first valve element moves from the first position to the second position
Implementation Method 2
The actuator assembly is operable by an electrical control signal to move the first valve element from the first position to the second position
Implementation Method 3
first and second pressurised fluid brake circuits acting respectively on first and second brakes of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A vehicular braking system (10) is controlled by a valve assembly (40) including first and second valve elements (42', 42") movable in first and second valve housings (41', 41") from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) to apply fluid pressure respectively to first and second brake circuits (11, 12) of the vehicle (1). The first valve element (42') is movable from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) by user input via a brake control (50), e.g. a foot brake pedal, and by an actuator assembly (60) responsive to an electrical control signal (21) from an electronic controller. An abutment surface (52') of the first valve element (42') abuts a corresponding abutment surface (52") of the second valve element (42") to move the second valve element (42") from the first position to the second position as the first valve element (42') moves from the first position to the second position.