Vehicle Braking Control Device Piston Return Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking control devices for vehicles require large electric motors to handle strong return springs, making them less compact, as pistons do not easily return to initial positions when the spring force is small.
Innovation Solution
A braking control device with an operation volume acquiring means, first and second wheel cylinders, pressure-regulating mechanisms driven by electric motors, and an opening/closing means on the connection fluid path between the wheel cylinders, allowing the control means to manage the electric motors and opening/closing state based on the operation volume to facilitate piston return with small spring force return springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If return springs with small spring force are employed, then the device can be made more compact, but the pistons do not return to initial positions easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the piston return function with the brake fluid pressure system by connecting the control cylinder to the wheel cylinder through a communication hole. The brake fluid pressure generated during braking automatically pushes the piston back to its initial position, combining the return spring function with the existing brake fluid pressure system, thereby eliminating the need for large return springs while maintaining compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces brake fluid as an intermediary substance to transmit force for piston return. Instead of relying solely on the return spring, the brake fluid pressure acts as a mediator to push the piston back to its initial position, allowing the use of smaller return springs while ensuring reliable piston return.
2Ease of operation
If large-sized electric motors are used to handle large spring force, then the pistons can return to initial positions, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the piston return function with the brake fluid pressure system, so that the same brake fluid pressure used for braking also serves to return the piston to its initial position. This eliminates the need for separate large electric motors dedicated to piston return, reducing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own brake fluid pressure to perform the piston return function, making the system self-servicing. The brake fluid pressure generated during normal braking operations automatically returns the piston without requiring additional external power sources or large motors.
3Reliability
If large spring force is used to ensure piston return, then reliable piston return is achieved, but larger electric motors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses brake fluid pressure as an intermediary to enhance piston return reliability. The brake fluid pressure works together with the return spring to push the piston back to its initial position, providing reliable piston return without requiring large spring forces that would necessitate large electric motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple force sources (brake fluid pressure and return spring force) to achieve reliable piston return. This combined approach provides sufficient force for piston return while keeping individual component sizes, including electric motors, relatively small.
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
Enables pistons to return to initial positions effectively using small spring force return springs, allowing for a more compact design by pressurizing one system to return the pistons in the other, reducing the need for large electric motors.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure-regulating mechanism (CA1) configured to pressurize brake fluid in the first wheel cylinder (WC1) by motion of a first control piston (PS1) inside a first control cylinder (SC1), the first control piston being configured to be driven by a first electric motor (MT1)
Implementation Method 2
a second pressure-regulating mechanism (CA2) configured to pressurize brake fluid in the second wheel cylinder (WC2) by motion of a second control piston (PS2) inside a second control cylinder (SC2), the second control piston being configured to be driven by a second electric motor (MT2)
Implementation Method 3
an opening/closing means (VRN) interposed on a connection fluid path (HRN) connecting the first wheel cylinder (WC1) and the second wheel cylinder (WC2), and configured to selectively produce a flowing state and an interrupted state of the brake fluid between the first wheel cylinder (WC1) and the second wheel cylinder (WC2)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises: a first pressure-regulating mechanism that pressurizes a first wheel cylinder on either the left or right front wheel side of a vehicle, by using the movement of a first control piston driven by a first electric motor; a second pressure-regulating mechanism that pressurizes a second wheel cylinder on the other side, out of the left and right front wheels, by using the movement of a second control piston driven by a second electric motor; an opening/closing means interposed in a connection fluid path that connects the first wheel cylinder and the second wheel cylinder; and a control means. If the operation amount for a braking operation member is less than a prescribed value, the control means puts the opening/closing means in a connected state, puts the first electric motor in an electricity-supplied state, and puts the second electric motor in a non-electricity-supplied state.