Vehicle Braking System with Dynamic Clearance Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional disc brake systems for motor vehicles experience residual braking torque and increased energy consumption due to friction between brake pads and discs when not in use, and have long reaction times during braking due to clearance between pads and discs.

Innovation Solution

A braking system with a return element, such as a spring with a V-shaped elastic loop, is used to maintain a positive geometric clearance between brake pads and discs, and a braking regulation device that reduces clearance upon accelerator pedal release, utilizing a hydraulic pump, sensors, and an electronic control unit to quickly adjust brake fluid volume and pressure for improved response time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a return element (spring) is used to maintain clearance between brake pads and disc, then residual friction is reduced, but braking response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual frictionVSAvoidbraking response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The braking control device performs preliminary action by detecting accelerator pedal release and automatically reducing the clearance between brake pads and disc before actual braking is needed. This pre-positioning eliminates the delay that would otherwise occur when the driver presses the brake pedal, while the return element maintains adequate clearance during normal operation to prevent residual friction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the clearance between brake pads and disc based on operating conditions. During normal operation, the return element maintains a positive geometric clearance. Upon detecting accelerator release, the braking control device activates to reduce clearance to a minimal value, creating a dynamic transition that optimizes both residual friction reduction and braking response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If brake pads remain in contact with disc when not braking, then braking response time is improved, but energy consumption increases due to residual braking torque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking response timeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the brake pads near the disc surface (reducing clearance) upon detecting accelerator release, so that when braking is initiated, the pads are already in optimal position for immediate contact. This eliminates the need for continuous contact while maintaining readiness, thus reducing energy consumption during coasting while preserving braking response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If a braking control device is added to reduce clearance dynamically, then braking response time is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking response timeVSAvoidbraking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The braking control device performs multiple functions: it monitors accelerator pedal position, controls the reduction of brake pad clearance, and manages the return element operation. By integrating these functions into a single control unit that leverages existing sensors and hydraulic components, the system achieves dynamic clearance adjustment without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 residual friction, improves braking response time, and minimizes energy consumption by maintaining pads in a ready position for immediate contact with the disc during braking, thus enhancing vehicle performance and reducing wear and emissions.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic return loop, and whose free end of the arm is folded towards the arm so as to form a V

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a braking regulation device that reduces clearance upon accelerator pedal release, utilizing a hydraulic pump, sensors, and an electronic control unit to quickly adjust brake fluid volume and pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

friction between brake pads and discs when not in use

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3074286B1Braking system and method
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 RENAULT SA
  • EP3074286B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3074286B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3074286B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a braking system and method (1) for a motor vehicle, the braking system (1) comprising at least one brake module (2) of a wheel provided with at least one return element (19) exerting a force which makes it possible to position the brake module in a state with play (j1, j2) making it possible to reduce any residual friction, characterised in that it comprises a braking adjustment device capable of reducing the play (j1, j2) of the brake module (2) in the event of detecting a release of the accelerator pedal in order to reduce the response time of the brake module in the event of braking.