Brake Fluid Transfer Between Partial Reservoirs for Leak Standby
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems face challenges in maintaining brake fluid volume during leaks, particularly in standby states, due to gravitational pressure and limited battery energy, leading to potential loss of hydraulic pressure and reduced system readiness.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a two-circuit brake system design where brake fluid is transferred from a first partial chamber to a second partial chamber using a linear actuator, even in a de-energized state, to prevent fluid loss and maintain system readiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circuit separation is maintained during standby state to protect against leaks, then brake fluid loss is reduced, but battery energy is consumed and the system cannot operate in pure hydraulic mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by transferring brake fluid from the first partial chamber to the second partial chamber before the vehicle enters standby mode. This pre-positioning of brake fluid ensures that when the vehicle wakes up from standby, the first partial chamber is already filled, eliminating the need to maintain circuit separation (and thus battery power) throughout the entire standby period.
2Reliability
If the extended run-on period is limited to preserve battery charge, then system readiness is maintained, but brake fluid can still be lost through gravitational pressure during the limited period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the brake fluid transfer operation before the vehicle enters standby mode, proactively protecting the brake fluid from gravitational pressure losses during the entire standby period rather than relying on a limited run-on period with energized valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the brake fluid protection function from the energized valve system and implements it through a passive mechanical arrangement where the linear actuator transfers fluid before standby, eliminating the need for continuous electrical power during standby while still achieving 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
The method effectively protects brake fluid from leakage, ensuring the brake system remains operational even in sleep mode by transferring fluid between partial chambers, thus enhancing system readiness and reducing fluid loss.
Implementation Method 1
A linear actuator is activated to take a brake fluid volume out of the first partial reservoir via the open circuit isolating valve and to displace it into the second partial reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a brake system in the case of leaks is provided. The brake system has a mechanically actuable master brake cylinder, which is connected to a first partial reservoir of a brake fluid vessel, and has an electric linear actuator, which is connected to a second partial reservoir of the brake fluid vessel. The master brake cylinder and the linear actuator are connected via an electrically closable circuit isolating valve. In order to protect the brake fluid, in the event of a leak during a transition to a standby state, the linear actuator is activated to take a brake fluid volume out of the first partial reservoir via the open circuit isolating valve and to displace it into the second partial reservoir.