Redundant Brake Power Supply Using Wheel Generator Standby
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrically operated brake systems lack redundancy in power supply, making them potentially non-functional in case of battery voltage failure, which is a safety concern given the critical nature of brakes in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A brake system with a redundant power supply is implemented, where each wheel is coupled with an electric generator providing a standby power supply to its local control unit, and a central control unit generates control signals for local units, with switches allowing backup power distribution between wheels to ensure continuous operation even if primary power or generator power is lost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single battery power supply is used for the brake control unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent sources: a main battery connection and a generator connection, each capable of independently powering the brake control unit. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through redundancy while keeping each power supply pathway relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a standby power supply connection to the generator that is prepared in advance but remains dormant during normal operation. This standby connection acts as a pre-prepared cushion against potential battery failure, allowing seamless takeover without compromising normal system simplicity.
2Reliability
If a redundant power supply with generator connection is implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main battery power supply and generator standby power supply are merged into a single brake control unit with a common power management architecture. Both power sources connect to the same control unit through separate but integrated pathways, allowing the system to gain redundancy benefits while maintaining a unified, manageable structure rather than completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake control unit is designed with universal power acceptance capability, able to operate from either the main battery or the generator. This multi-functionality in power source acceptance allows the control unit to serve the same brake control purposes regardless of which power source is active, reducing the need for separate specialized systems.
3Reliability
If the generator provides standby power to the local control unit, then the reliability is improved, but the use of energy increases due to generator operation
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically transitions between battery-powered normal operation and generator-powered standby/emergency operation based on real-time battery status. This dynamic adaptation ensures the generator operates only when necessary, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining power supply availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator is configured to provide continuous standby power capability to the local control unit, ensuring uninterrupted operation. By maintaining the generator as a ready standby source rather than cycling it on and off, the system ensures continuous power availability while the generator consumes minimal energy in standby mode, activating fully only when the battery fails.
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 design ensures that the brake system remains operational even if the primary battery power or generator power is unavailable, enhancing safety by providing a redundant power supply and fault-tolerant operation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generator for each of the wheels. The generators are coupled to the respective wheels and are designed to provide a standby power supply
Data Source
AI summary
A local control unit for a brake system is described. The control unit serves to actuate an electromechanical brake of the brake system of a wheel and according to one exemplary embodiment has a first connection for a main power supply and a second connection for a generator which is coupled to the wheel and which provides a standby power supply for the control unit.