Brake Pressure MUX Control With Fewer Valves and Faster Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving economic efficiency with high regulation quality and performance, particularly due to high costs and complex designs that require numerous valves and high motor dynamics, which limit their ability to minimize size and weight while maintaining dynamic regulation.
Innovation Solution
A brake system design featuring a compact configuration with minimal valves, utilizing a double-stroke piston pressure supply unit and intelligent multiplex methods for simultaneous pressure regulation in multiple wheel brakes, reducing the need for multiple outlet valves and simplifying motor requirements, and employing time-controlled pressure reduction strategies to enhance regulation quality and reduce cycle times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional brake system design with multiple inlet and outlet valves per wheel brake is used, then pressure regulation precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of inlet valve and outlet valve into a single switching valve per wheel brake. The switching valve integrates both pressure increase (from master brake cylinder) and pressure reduction (to accumulator) functions, eliminating the need for separate inlet and outlet valves. This merging reduces valve complexity while maintaining precise pressure regulation through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching valve is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it acts as an inlet valve during pressure build-up, as an outlet valve during pressure reduction, and can be controlled in different modes (MUX and PAB). This multi-functionality reduces the total number of valves required in the brake system while maintaining full pressure regulation capability.
2Productivity
If a brake system with high dynamic regulation capability is implemented, then regulation quality is improved, but motor requirements and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic regulation capability through electronic control of switching valves, allowing the system to adapt between different operating modes (MUX for normal operation, PAB for emergency braking). The system dynamically adjusts pressure regulation strategies based on real-time conditions, achieving high regulation quality without requiring oversized motor components, as the control system optimizes motor usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between MUX mode (multiplex pressure regulation) and PAB mode (pressure accumulation braking). In MUX mode, pressure is regulated sequentially across wheel brakes with lower motor power requirements. In PAB mode, pre-stored pressure is used for rapid braking. This parameter switching allows high regulation quality with reduced motor power requirements.
3Device complexity
If minimal valves are used in the brake system, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure regulation capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an accumulator as an intermediary component that stores pressurized brake fluid. The accumulator works in conjunction with the switching valves to provide pressure reduction capability without requiring separate outlet valves at each wheel brake. The accumulator acts as a mediator that enables pressure regulation with fewer valves while maintaining system reliability through its ability to supply and absorb pressure.
4Ease of manufacture
If a separate pressure supply unit is introduced, then modular structure is improved, but component cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure supply function into the existing master brake cylinder system, using the master cylinder as the primary pressure source. The accumulator serves as a supplementary pressure storage device rather than a completely separate pressure supply unit. This integration reduces the number of independent components while maintaining modular benefits for manufacturing and assembly.
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 results in a highly dynamic brake system with reduced costs, improved regulation quality, and shorter cycle times, enabling efficient pressure management across multiple wheel brakes with minimal valve complexity and lower motor requirements, thus enhancing safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first piston-cylinder unit (10), having at least one piston (3) and at least one working chamber (4) which is coupled via at least one hydraulic connecting line (5) to at least one wheel brake (20) of the brake circuits
Implementation Method 2
one outlet valve (25) which couples the brake circuits to a pressure medium storage container (23) only for pressure reduction
Implementation Method 3
respective switchable valves (21) connected in respective hydraulic connecting lines (5) coupled to respective wheel brakes (20) of the brake system, wherein the respective switchable valves are open when unpowered
Data Source
AI summary
A brake system for motor vehicles may include an actuation device (e.g., brake pedal), a travel simulator to generate a feedback force on the actuation device, a first piston-cylinder unit having at least one piston that separates two working chambers that are connected via at least one hydraulic line to at least one wheel brake of a brake circuit, a control device and a pressure supply unit driven by an electric motor. At least one wheel brake may be assigned to each brake circuit, and each wheel brake may be connected to its associated hydraulic connecting line via a controllable switching valve. An outlet valve may be assigned to a single wheel brake or to a single wheel brake of each brake circuit in a hydraulic connection between the wheel brake and a pressure medium storage container, without any further valve disposed as such.