Brake Fluid Leak Detection in Non-Braking Hydraulic Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake fluid leakage detection systems are ineffective in detecting small leaks in a non-braking state of a vehicle, leading to a loss of braking force and increased braking distance.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a storage tank, level sensor, braking state detection means, and control device that monitors brake fluid levels and generates controlled brake pressures in separate brake circuits to detect and locate small leaks by comparing fluid outflow rates in non-braking states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If brake fluid leakage detection is performed using pressure sensors in the master cylinder and wheel cylinders during braking, then leakage can be detected, but small leaks in non-braking state cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrake fluid leakage detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection coverage across different vehicle states

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of brake fluid leakage by monitoring fluid level changes in the storage tank before actual braking occurs. The level sensor continuously monitors the brake fluid level, and the control device calculates the rate of level change to detect leaks in advance, enabling preventive maintenance before braking performance is compromised.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing brake fluid level monitoring function to serve dual purposes: both normal brake fluid level indication and leakage detection. By analyzing the rate of level change over time, the system self-diagnoses leakage conditions without requiring separate detection mechanisms, making the existing system serve multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of energy

If the vehicle is in non-braking state, then fuel economy is improved, but brake fluid leaks become undetectable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidleakage detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brake fluid level monitoring and leakage detection operate continuously regardless of vehicle braking state. The level sensor continuously measures the fluid level, and the control device continuously calculates the rate of change, ensuring that leakage detection is maintained at all times without interrupting normal vehicle operation or increasing fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces mechanical braking-based detection with a sensor-based monitoring system that detects leakage through fluid level changes. This substitution allows leakage detection to occur independently of braking mechanical actions, enabling continuous detection during both braking and non-braking states without additional mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If brake pressure is generated to detect leakage, then leak position can be identified, but driver control may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage position identification accuracyVSAvoiddriver control responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system generates brake pressure selectively and partially - only in the specific brake circuit where leakage is suspected, and only at minimal levels sufficient for detection. The control device isolates the leakage detection process to specific circuits using wheel injection valves, applying pressure only where needed and only enough to observe fluid outflow rates, thereby maintaining driver control while enabling precise leakage location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The brake system is divided into separate brake circuits, each with its own wheel injection valve. The control device can isolate and test individual circuits independently by closing specific valves, allowing precise identification of which circuit has leakage without affecting other circuits or overall driver control of the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Effectively detects and locates small brake fluid leaks in a non-braking state, preventing loss of braking force and ensuring safe vehicle operation.

Implementation Method 1

A hydraulic brake in a vehicle generates hydraulic pressure for braking from a master cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pascal's Law

Implementation Method 2

generating a predetermined brake pressure in the second brake circuit to monitor an amount of outflow of the brake fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentUS12534058B2System and method for detecting brake fluid leakage

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 HL MANDO CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a system and method of detecting a brake fluid leakage for detecting whether a brake fluid of a vehicle is leaking and a position of the leakage. The method of detecting a brake fluid leakage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes detecting a level of the brake fluid stored, detecting whether the vehicle is braking, and diagnosing whether the brake fluid is leaking and the position of the leakage when the level of the brake fluid falls below a reference level and a state of the vehicle is detected as a non-braking state.