Vehicle Braking System Hydraulic Actuation and Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic control braking systems for racing cars face a technical contradiction where high instantaneous power requirements lead to large, massive electrical components, compromising performance, and there is a need for a system that ensures reliability and efficient braking, even in case of electrical malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
The braking system incorporates a master cylinder with dual output circuits, an automatic hydraulic actuation unit, and a processing and control unit that manages the actuation of floats within the system, allowing for efficient hydraulic actuation and ensuring reliable braking through a combination of manual and automatic operation, with a design that minimizes component mass and maximizes power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high instantaneous power is provided to meet braking requirements, then braking performance is improved, but component mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using a master cylinder with dual output circuits and floats that move in response to pressure changes. The hydraulic system transmits force efficiently through fluid pressure, enabling high instantaneous power delivery for braking without requiring massive electrical components. The first and second floats move along actuation strokes parallel to the axial direction, utilizing hydraulic pressure to generate the required braking force.
2Loss of time
If reduced actuation times are achieved for rapid braking response, then braking performance is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The master cylinder is segmented into dual output circuits with separate floats (first and second floats) that can move independently. This segmentation allows the system to handle different braking scenarios efficiently - the first float responds to manual actuation while the second float responds to automatic actuation. The undercut feature on the first float creates a mechanical linkage that ensures proper sequencing and reduces actuation time by pre-positioning components for rapid response.
Solution Approach 2:
The undercut feature on the first float performs a preliminary action by mechanically dragging the second float into position during the first float's actuation stroke. This pre-positioning ensures that when automatic braking is required, the second float is already ready to move rapidly, reducing overall actuation time. The system prepares components in advance to enable faster response when full braking power is needed.
3Productivity
If automatic control systems are implemented for braking management, then braking efficiency is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential electrical malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements local quality by providing different actuation mechanisms for different functions: manual actuation through the first float for normal operation and automatic hydraulic actuation through the second float for enhanced control. Each float and its associated circuit are optimized for its specific purpose, with the second circuit designed to take over in case of electrical malfunction. This localized specialization maintains reliability while improving overall braking efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system acts as an intermediary between the manual actuation device and the braking devices. The master cylinder with its dual floats and hydraulic circuits mediates between electrical control signals and mechanical braking force. This hydraulic intermediary provides a reliable mechanical backup that can operate independently of electrical systems, ensuring reliability while still allowing for efficient automatic control when electrical systems are functioning.
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 system achieves high power and reduced actuation times with minimal component mass, ensuring reliable braking in both automatic and manual modes, addressing the performance and safety concerns of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an automatic hydraulic actuation unit operatively connecting the master cylinder by means of a hydraulic actuation circuit (22) traversed by an actuation fluid different from the first and the second brake fluid
Implementation Method 2
the first float (32) is provided with an undercut with respect to an actuation direction of said first and second actuating strokes, the undercut being configured to drag with it in translation the second float
Implementation Method 3
dissipative braking is, instead, that 'traditional' one that consists in converting/dissipating the kinetic energy of the vehicle as thermal energy, i.e., the heating of the brakes
Data Source
AI summary
A braking system for vehicles having a master cylinder, and at least one braking device. The master cylinder may be provided with a first and a second output circuit, containing respectively a first and second brake fluid. The first output circuit may be fluidically connected to a braking simulator and the second output circuit may be fluidically connected to the at least one braking device for its actuation. An automatic hydraulic actuation unit operatively connected to the master cylinder by a hydraulic actuation circuit traversed by an actuation fluid distinct from the first and second brake fluid may be provided. A processing and control unit of the system that supervises the operation of the braking systems may also be provided.