Redundant Brake Power Supply Paths for Module Failure Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles with electromechanical brake systems face the risk of losing braking functionality due to failures in the power supply, necessitating redundant power supply systems to ensure reliable and safe braking performance.
Innovation Solution
A redundant power supply system with at least two independent power supply paths, each containing two energy storage devices, is implemented, with smart fuses and switches to protect against component failures, ensuring continued operation and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single power supply system is used for electro-mechanical brake systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of braking function is compromised due to potential power supply failures
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into multiple independent power supply paths (at least two), each capable of independently supplying power to the brake actuators. This segmentation ensures that if one path fails, the other can continue to operate, maintaining braking functionality and thus improving reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant power supply paths as a preventive measure against potential failures. By designing the system with built-in redundancy beforehand, the patent ensures that power supply failures are cushioned against, maintaining braking reliability without requiring complex real-time failure detection and response mechanisms
2Reliability
If redundant power supply components are added to ensure safety, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant power supply system is segmented into modular power supply paths with clear functional divisions. Each path contains necessary components (energy storage devices, switches, protection devices) organized in a standardized configuration, which reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability through redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply paths are designed with universal components and standardized configurations that can serve multiple functions. The same modular design can be used across different paths, reducing the variety of unique components needed and thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining redundant functionality
3Reliability
If protection devices like smart fuses and switches are implemented, then the reliability and safety improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Protection devices are segmented and placed at specific strategic points within each power supply path rather than throughout the entire system. This targeted placement provides necessary safety and reliability while minimizing the number of protection devices needed, thereby reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Smart fuses and switches act as intermediary protection devices that automatically isolate faults without requiring complex control systems. These intermediaries simplify the protection mechanism by providing automatic, localized response to failures, reducing the need for complex system-wide protection logic
Data Source
AI summary
A redundant power supply system delivers the power required by an electro-mechanical braking system. This is achieved through at least two independent power supply circuits, each containing energy storage device modules, e.g. batteries, which are supplied from the vehicle's board network. Additionally, a partitioning of the energy storage device modules in each supply path is provided, such that in case of failure in one or two of the energy storage device modules there is still adequate power to supply the braking system as well as other safety critical components.