Brake Piston Counterforce for Leak Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake systems for motor vehicles face reliability issues due to hydraulic leaks and failure to maintain braking force, particularly in regenerative drive systems where deceleration is primarily achieved through drive train torques, necessitating a method for reliable operation independent of the drive system.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic method for the brake system involves applying a diagnostic brake pressure to the wheel brake, coupled with a counterforce to prevent braking force buildup, using a brake piston and restoring device to maintain the brake shoe or pad at a distance from the brake disc or drum, allowing for a reliable assessment of system functionality without applying actual braking force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brake pressure source is used to apply brake pressure to the wheel brake, then braking force can be provided to decelerate the motor vehicle, but hydraulic leaks may occur causing failure to maintain braking force
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic method performs preliminary detection of hydraulic leaks and system defects before they cause actual braking failures. By regularly testing the brake system with diagnostic brake pressure and monitoring parameters such as brake fluid volume supplied, piston position, and pressure build-up characteristics, the system can identify leaks early and alert the driver or automatically activate the fallback level, preventing complete braking failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares compensatory measures in advance by establishing a fallback level with direct flow connection between master brake cylinder and wheel brake. This redundant pathway ensures that if the primary hydraulic system fails due to leaks, the alternative pathway is already in place to maintain braking capability, cushioning against the harmful effect of hydraulic leaks.
2Measurement precision
If diagnostic brake pressure is applied to the wheel brake to detect leaks and failures, then system functionality can be assessed, but unintended braking force buildup may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking device is introduced as an intermediary between the brake piston and the brake shoe/lining assembly. During diagnostic operations, this blocking device prevents the brake piston from actually contacting the brake disc or drum, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of unintended braking force while allowing diagnostic brake pressure to be applied and system parameters to be measured for accurate leak detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the brake piston from moving into a position that would generate braking force. This counter-action occurs before the harmful effect (unintended braking) can manifest, allowing safe diagnostic testing without the risk of actual wheel braking during the diagnostic process.
3Reliability
If the brake system operates independently of the drive system in regenerative drive systems, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the brake system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is designed with multi-functionality to operate independently while managing complexity. The same brake pressure source, control unit, and diagnostic system serve multiple functions: providing braking force, detecting leaks, monitoring system health, and managing the fallback level. This universal approach allows independent operation improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as existing components perform multiple roles.
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
This method enables a reliable diagnosis of brake system functionality, detecting potential leaks and failures automatically, ensuring high fail-safety and preventing unintended braking force application during diagnosis, thus enhancing driving safety and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a brake pressure source and at least one wheel brake which can be acted upon by a brake pressure provided by the brake pressure source and acting on a brake piston
Implementation Method 2
a counterforce directed against the force is applied to the brake piston, so that the build-up of a braking force on the wheel brake is prevented
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a braking system (1) for a motor vehicle, the braking system (1) having a braking pressure source and at least one wheel brake (2) to which a braking pressure which is provided by means of the braking pressure source and acts on a brake piston (3) can be applied. According to the invention, to perform diagnostics on the braking system (1), a braking pressure which corresponds to a diagnostic braking pressure and effects a particular force on the brake piston (3) is applied to the wheel brake (2), and a counter force directed counter to the force is applied to the brake piston (3), so that braking force is prevented from being built up at the wheel brake (2) and in particular a brake shoe (5) which is connected to the brake piston (3) remains at a distance from a brake disc (6) or a brake drum of the wheel brake (2). The invention also relates to a braking system (1) for a motor vehicle.