Brake Control Module Assembly With Acoustic Mount Failure Warning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake systems face challenges in quickly and reliably detecting storage loss of the brake control module, which can lead to increased load on fluid connections, potential damage, and a risk of total brake system failure.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical stop device is integrated with the brake control module, positioned at a defined distance from an adjacent vehicle component. Upon failure of the holding device, the stop device interacts with the vehicle component due to vibrations, producing a repetitive acoustic warning signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the brake control module is mounted directly on the vehicle's firewall, then the mechanical connection is strong and stable, but the position is fixed and limits design flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidpositioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is divided into separate components: a holding arm that can be positioned flexibly and a mounting bracket that attaches to the vehicle structure. This segmentation allows the brake control module to be mounted at different positions while maintaining stable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device incorporates adjustable and removable elements that allow the brake control module position to be changed or adapted to different vehicle configurations, providing dynamic positioning capability while maintaining secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the holding device is made robust to support the brake control module weight, then mounting stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding device strengthVSAvoidholding device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: mechanical support for the brake control module, positioning features, and mounting attachment points. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining adequate strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If no detection mechanism is added, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of detecting holding device failure decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidfailure detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brake control module itself serves as the detection mechanism through its integrated sensors and control electronics. The system monitors its own mounting status using existing computational resources and communication interfaces, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If a detection mechanism is added to detect holding device failure, then the reliability of failure detection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefailure detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system uses the brake control module's existing sensors, processors, and communication interfaces for multiple purposes: primary braking control and secondary mounting status monitoring. This multi-functionality enables failure detection without adding dedicated detection hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for early detection of holding device failure, reducing the risk of brake system damage and failure by triggering a noticeable acoustic warning, thus ensuring the integrity of the braking system.

Implementation Method 1

Upon failure of the holding device, the stop device interacts with the vehicle component due to vibrations, producing a repetitive acoustic warning signal.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4331932B1Assembly of a brake system
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 AUDI AG
  • EP4331932B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4331932B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (10) for an electro-hydraulic braking system of a vehicle, comprising at least one brake control module (12, 16) which has an electronically controlled pressure supply device that, in the installed state of the assembly (10), is fluidly coupled to at least one wheel brake of the vehicle, and wherein the brake control module (12, 16) is connected to a mounting device (30) for mounting on a vehicle body (32). The invention is characterized in that the brake control module (12, 16) has a mechanical stop device (34) which, in the installed state of the assembly (10), is spaced apart from an adjacent vehicle component and, by interacting with the vehicle component, issues a warning signal in the event of a bearing loss of the brake control module (12, 16).