Brake Creep Groan Noise Control via Adaptive Pressure Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Brake creep groan noise is generated when the vehicle starts to move from a stopped condition due to vibrations between the brake friction pads and the mating brake surface, which is undesirable and can be perceived by vehicle occupants.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for controlling the braking system to avoid brake creep groan noise by monitoring for an upper target pressure condition associated with a noise zone and controlling the inlet and outlet valves in the conduit system to avoid brake pressures that generate noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the brake pressure is increased to improve braking performance, then the braking force is improved, but brake creep groan noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking forceVSAvoidbrake creep groan noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the brake pressure control adaptive and time-varying. The controller dynamically adjusts the brake pressure based on real-time detection of groan noise conditions, transitioning between different pressure control modes (normal mode and groan avoidance mode) to optimize both braking performance and noise reduction throughout the braking process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the brake pressure parameter dynamically based on detected conditions. When groan noise is detected, the system modifies the pressure parameter by preventing it from entering the groan generation range, thus changing the pressure profile to avoid the harmful noise while maintaining effective braking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the brake pressure is reduced to avoid groan noise, then the brake creep groan noise is reduced, but the braking performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake creep groan noiseVSAvoidbraking force
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between normal braking mode and groan avoidance mode based on real-time noise detection. During groan conditions, pressure is temporarily adjusted to avoid the noise generation range, then returns to normal pressure control when groan ceases, maintaining optimal braking performance throughout

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller proactively prevents brake pressure from entering the groan generation range by detecting upper target pressure conditions associated with noise zones and adjusting pressure before groan occurs, rather than reacting after noise is generated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the physical elements of the vehicle are changed to eliminate groan noise, then the brake creep groan noise is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake creep groan noiseVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces potential mechanical modifications (such as changing friction materials or brake component designs) with an electronic control system that uses sensors and a controller to detect and manage groan conditions through pressure regulation, avoiding physical changes to the brake hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the brake actuator and the hydraulic pressure system, using inlet and outlet valves to mediate pressure delivery and release, thereby eliminating groan noise without modifying the fundamental mechanical brake components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively reduces brake creep groan noise without changing the physical elements of the vehicle, ensuring a quieter and more comfortable driving experience.

Implementation Method 1

Braking generally involves using friction to avert movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

A controller is provided to monitor for an upper target pressure condition in the system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure control: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

An inlet valve in the conduit system controls a fluid pressure delivered to the brake actuator. An outlet valve in the conduit system controls the fluid pressure released from the brake actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow control: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS20250065859A1Brake creep groan countermeasure systems and methods
Publication Date: 2025.02.27 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US20250065859A1 patent drawing
  • US20250065859A1 patent drawing
  • US20250065859A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for controlling braking to avoid groan noise in a braking system. The system has a brake actuator configured to apply a friction force to a moving member, a conduit system coupled with the brake actuator, an inlet valve in the conduit system configured to control fluid pressure delivered to the brake actuator, and an outlet valve in the conduit system configured to control fluid pressure released from the brake actuator. The system includes a controller to monitor for an upper target pressure condition in the braking system, wherein the upper target pressure condition is associated with a noise zone; and operate, when the upper target pressure is detected and in a noise zone avoidance mode, the inlet valve and the outlet valve to avoid brake pressures that generate a brake noise from the friction force.