Brake Disk Cleaning Start Conditions for Energy-Efficient EV Braking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric vehicles face reduced energy efficiency due to frequent use of mechanical brakes for cleaning brake disks, which leads to corrosion, as recuperative braking is not possible during cleaning, and existing methods do not adapt to driving behavior or conditions effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method to determine a starting condition for cleaning the brake disk by assessing rust formation and energy requirements based on historic driving behavior and current drive cycle parameters, optimizing when and how brake energy is applied for cleaning during actual braking events, thereby enhancing energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the foundation brake is used to clean the brake disk by removing rust spots, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the energy efficiency of the electric vehicle deteriorates because the friction energy cannot be recuperated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of rust conditions and drive cycle characteristics before initiating brake cleaning. By predicting the distribution of brake energy in advance and evaluating rust amounts, the system determines optimal starting conditions for cleaning, ensuring that cleaning operations are timed to occur during drive cycles where sufficient brake energy is available without compromising overall energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the brake cleaning strategy based on real-time evaluation of driving behavior parameters, environmental conditions, and predicted brake energy distribution. The starting condition for cleaning is not fixed but adaptively determined based on current drive cycle characteristics and historic driving patterns, allowing the system to optimize the balance between cleaning effectiveness and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the foundation brake is used from time to time to prevent corrosion, then the brake disk cleanliness is improved, but the range and energy efficiency of the electric vehicle deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake disk cleanlinessVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors and evaluates driving behavior parameters, environmental conditions, and brake disk rust levels. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adaptively adjust the brake cleaning strategy, determining when and how to apply the foundation brake based on actual vehicle usage patterns and conditions, thereby optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining brake disk cleanliness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters dynamically by adjusting the timing and intensity of foundation brake application based on evaluated parameters such as drive cycle characteristics, historic driving behavior, and predicted brake energy distribution. This parameter adaptation allows the system to minimize energy loss while achieving necessary cleaning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If brake disk cleaning is performed according to a fixed schedule, then the cleaning process is simplified, but the energy efficiency deteriorates because cleaning is performed more often than necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning schedule simplicityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static fixed schedule to a dynamic adaptive scheduling approach. The cleaning timing is continuously adjusted based on evaluated driving behavior parameters, environmental conditions, and predicted brake energy distribution, allowing the system to optimize cleaning frequency according to actual vehicle usage patterns rather than following a rigid predetermined schedule

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This adaptive approach ensures effective brake disk cleaning while maximizing energy efficiency by aligning cleaning with braking events, reducing unnecessary energy use and maintaining high cleaning effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The friction between the brake pads and the brake disks leads to a deceleration of the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the abrasive surface of the brake pads is expected to remove the rust spots

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP4173912B1Method for determining a starting condition for cleaning a brake disk, method for cleaning a brake disk and data processing device
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 VOLVO CAR CORP
  • EP4173912B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4173912B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method for determining a starting condition for cleaning a brake disk. A first step (S1) of this method determines that an amount of rust on the brake disk exceeds a predefined threshold. Additionally, an energy quantity being necessary for removing the amount of rust from the brake disk is determined (S2). In a further step (S3), a distribution of brake energy over a current drive is estimated by using at least one parameter describing historic driving behavior and at least one parameter characterizing the current drive cycle. Subsequently, a starting speed and a starting brake force request is derived (S4). Additionally, a method for cleaning a brake disk is presented which comprises the determination of a starting condition for cleaning the brake disk by the method mentioned before. Moreover, a data processing device comprising means for carrying out said methods is explained.