Brake System Axial Length Reduction via Integrated Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems have a complex structure and significant axial length due to the arrangement of the actuating components, which is disadvantageous for efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A simplified brake system design that reduces overall axial length by using a hydraulic piston actuated by a brake pedal, with a mechanical and hydraulic chain of action, electrically controllable pressure control valves, and mechanical control elements, along with a pedal travel simulator and an electronic control unit, allowing for 'brake-by-wire' operation and fallback modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex actuating arrangement with retaining piston and rod-shaped force transmission elements is used, then the brake system can be mechanically actuated, but the overall axial length increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retaining piston and rod-shaped force transmission elements from the actuating arrangement, removing the complex mechanical transmission components that caused the excessive axial length while preserving the essential brake actuation function through direct piston connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the retaining piston and force transmission elements into a integrated piston design where the piston directly transmits mechanical force from the brake pedal without requiring separate transmission rods, thereby reducing the overall axial length while maintaining mechanical actuation capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components (retaining piston, force transmission elements, hydraulic components) are arranged in sequence, then the brake system can perform both mechanical and hydraulic functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston design is made universal by enabling it to perform both mechanical force transmission and hydraulic pressure generation functions within a single integrated structure, allowing the brake system to operate in both mechanical and hydraulic modes without requiring separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where hydraulic components are positioned within or around the piston structure, allowing multiple functional elements to be compactly integrated in a concentric or layered configuration that reduces overall complexity while maintaining dual operational capabilities
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 reduces the axial length of the actuation arrangement while maintaining effective brake operation in both 'brake-by-wire' and fallback modes, ensuring reliable and efficient braking performance.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic piston (3) which can be actuated by means of a brake pedal (1) and which forms part of a piston-cylinder arrangement (2)... the pressure built up in the pressure chamber (36) by the displacement of the piston (3)
Implementation Method 2
Pedal travel simulator (13)... The pedal travel simulator 13 is actuated by actuating the aforementioned piston-cylinder arrangement 2, the pressure chamber (36) of which is connected to the simulator chamber (30) by means of hydraulic connections (18, 44)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a brake system for motor vehicles, comprising, amongst others, a piston-cylinder arrangement (2) which can be actuated by means of a brake pedal (1), a controllable pressure source (7) and brake pressure modulation valves (6a - 6d). In order to provide a piston-cylinder arrangement (2) which is easy to implement and axially short, the invention proposes that the piston (3) of the piston-cylinder arrangement (2) is directly guided in a housing (35) that accommodates further components of the brake system according to the invention.