Brake Drive Short-Circuit Control After Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical brake systems face damage due to uncontrolled high-speed movement of electric drives when disconnected from power supply, as stored energy is rapidly converted into rotational energy, exceeding mechanical construction stability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving monitoring and short-circuiting the electric drive upon disconnection from the supply source to decelerate it before reaching critical speed, using a control circuit with a controllable switch to manage the phases of the electric drive, preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric drive is designed to be self-releasing, then the brake system can be operated reliably, but the stored energy is released immediately upon disconnection causing high-speed movement and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit detects voltage drop or disconnection before the electric drive reaches dangerous speeds and preemptively short-circuits the drive phases. This preliminary protective action prevents the uncontrolled high-speed movement that would otherwise occur upon power loss, thereby preventing damage to the electric drive and mechanical components while maintaining reliable brake system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit continuously monitors the voltage supply to the electric drive and prepares the short-circuiting mechanism in advance. When disconnection is detected, the control circuit immediately activates the short-circuiting of the drive phases, ensuring the electric drive is decelerated before it can reach critical speeds. This preliminary preparation and immediate response prevents damage while maintaining system reliability.
2Loss of energy
If the electric drive is disconnected from the supply voltage, then energy consumption is reduced, but the electric drive moves at high speed towards its back stop converting stored energy into rotational energy
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the stored energy in the electric drive to become harmful when power is disconnected, the control circuit converts this situation into a beneficial protective measure by immediately short-circuiting the drive phases. This transforms the potentially dangerous uncontrolled energy release into a controlled deceleration process, dissipating the stored energy safely through the short-circuit path rather than through mechanical impact.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the electric drive is short-circuited upon disconnection, then damage is prevented, but additional control circuitry and monitoring are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs multiple functions: it monitors the voltage supply to the electric drive, detects disconnection or voltage drop, and executes the short-circuiting of the drive phases. By integrating these functions into a single control circuit, the patent prevents damage without requiring separate monitoring and protection systems, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive protection.
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
Prevents damage to the electric drive and brake system by ensuring controlled deceleration and maintaining system integrity during sudden power disconnections, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
short-circuiting the electric drive upon disconnection from the supply source to decelerate it before reaching critical speed
Implementation Method 2
a majority of the stored energy is converted into a rotational energy of the drive motor rotating with its moment of inertia and at its high rotational speed
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a brake system of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The brake system comprises a drive arrangement for applying and/or boosting a brake force, wherein the drive arrangement has an electric drive. The method comprises the step: short-circuiting the electric drive as soon as the electric drive has been disconnected from a supply source and/or a voltage drop and/or current drop has taken place. A computer program, control circuit and a control unit or system having multiple control units is also disclosed.