Brake Control Housing Leak Detection for Automated Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems, particularly those with electric brake pedals, lack reliable detection of internal leaks in the brake fluid system, leading to impaired braking capacity and lack of feedback to the driver, which can compromise safety, especially in partially or fully automated driving modes.
Innovation Solution
A braking device with a container housing an electronic brake control device and a sensor element to detect fluid ingress, allowing early detection of leaks and triggering warnings or switching to redundant control systems, ensuring continued operation and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an electric brake pedal is used, then the braking system can be simplified and automated driving is enabled, but the driver loses direct feedback about brake system impairments and internal leaks cannot be reliably detected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is positioned to detect fluid ingress at an early stage, before it reaches the electronic brake control device. This preliminary detection allows the system to identify internal leaks before they cause damage, maintaining reliability while enabling automated driving operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element provides continuous feedback about the presence of brake fluid in the container. This feedback mechanism restores the ability to detect brake system impairments even though the driver no longer has direct mechanical feedback through the brake pedal, thereby maintaining system reliability.
2Reliability
If the electronic brake control device is arranged in a container, then protection against fluid ingress is improved, but the complexity of the braking device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device is segmented into separate functional areas: the container housing the electronic brake control device is separated from the hydraulic block. This segmentation isolates the electronics from potential fluid ingress paths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element acts as an intermediary between the hydraulic system and the electronic control device. It detects fluid ingress early and provides warning before the fluid reaches the electronics, reducing the need for complex sealing structures.
3Reliability
If brake fluid accumulates inside the braking device, then detection by external switches becomes impossible, but damage to the electronic brake control device occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is positioned to detect brake fluid accumulation at an early stage, before the fluid reaches the electronic brake control device. This preliminary detection prevents damage while enabling detection of internal fluid accumulation that would otherwise be undetectable.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical detection method (external brake fluid switch) is replaced with a sensor element integrated into the container or hydraulic block. This substitution enables detection of internal fluid accumulation in locations where external switches cannot reach.
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
Enhances safety by promptly detecting fluid leaks and initiating appropriate responses, maintaining braking functionality, and ensuring reliability in both manual and automated driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor element that is designed to detect a fluid is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A braking device for a vehicle with increased operating safety and to a method for operating a braking device for a vehicle with increased operating safety is described. The proposed braking device comprises a container with a cavity, a hydraulic block and an electronic brake control device that is configured to control the pressure supply device. The brake control device is arranged in the container. Furthermore, at least one sensor element that is designed to detect a fluid is provided.