Brake Pedal Zero Position Adjustment via Hydraulic Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake pedal adjustment mechanisms for motor vehicles are complex, delicate, and expensive, particularly in vacuum-independent braking systems where ergonomic adjustments are needed without constant vacuum supply.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a separating valve in the braking system's secondary circuit to reduce and then re-establish the volume of brake fluid, shifting the brake pedal to a new zero position by altering the resting positions of tandem brake cylinders' pistons, allowing for robust and weight-optimized ergonomic adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical devices are used for adjusting the brake pedal zero position, then the adjustment precision and ergonomics are improved, but the device complexity, cost, and delicacy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the adjustment function from complex mechanical devices and implements it through a simple hydraulic volume reduction method. By removing brake fluid from the secondary circuit through the separating valve, the brake pedal zero position is adjusted without requiring any mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby eliminating device complexity while maintaining adjustment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical adjustment system with a hydraulic control approach. Instead of using mechanical devices to physically move the brake pedal, the system uses hydraulic pressure changes achieved by varying the brake fluid volume in the secondary circuit to achieve the same adjustment effect, thereby simplifying the mechanical structure.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical adjustment mechanisms are implemented, then the brake pedal position can be adjusted, but the weight of the braking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for separate mechanical adjustment mechanisms by integrating the adjustment function into the existing hydraulic system. The separating valve, which is already part of the hydraulic circuit, is used to control brake fluid volume and achieve position adjustment, thereby eliminating additional mechanical components and reducing overall system weight.
3Reliability
If vacuum-dependent brake systems are used, then braking performance is achieved, but the system requires constant vacuum supply which reduces reliability in electromotive or hybrid drives
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the braking system universal by making it independent of vacuum supply. The secondary circuit with the separating valve can be controlled purely hydraulically, allowing the same braking system to be used in both internal combustion engine vehicles (with vacuum) and electromotive or hybrid drives (without constant vacuum), thereby improving both reliability and adaptability.
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
Enables quiet, technically robust, and maintenance-free adjustment of the brake pedal's zero position, improving ergonomics and accessibility without requiring constant vacuum, suitable for vacuum-independent systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one separating valve arranged between a main brake cylinder and respective wheel brakes of the braking system is opened in order to reduce a volume of the braking fluid in a secondary circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting a zero position of a brake pedal of a brake system of a motor vehicle. A separating valve arranged at least between a main brake cylinder and the respective wheel brakes of the brake system is opened in order to reduce a volume of the brake fluid in a secondary circuit of the brake system. At least one separating valve is then closed again after the volume of the brake fluid of the secondary circuit has been reduced by the predetermined volume amount, and the brake pedal is moved to a new zero position.