Vehicle Braking System With Secondary Unit For Quick Start
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems face inefficiencies in pressure modulation, particularly in quick start conditions, due to longer fluid paths and the lack of a secondary braking unit that can expedite fluid transfer, leading to increased stopping times and pressure regulation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle braking system incorporating a primary and secondary braking unit with distinct pressure generating and reservoir systems, where the secondary unit is positioned between the primary unit and the wheel cylinder, and an electronic control unit directs fluid flow through a shorter path to the secondary reservoir upon detection of quick start conditions, utilizing a pump and switch valves to optimize pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If fluid is transferred from the wheel cylinder to the first reservoir through the primary braking unit, then the braking action is completed, but the fluid path is longer resulting in increased stopping time
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is divided into two independent braking units (primary and secondary), each with its own reservoir and fluid path. This segmentation allows the system to use different fluid paths for different operations: the secondary unit provides a shorter fluid path for rapid pressure release during quick start conditions, while the primary unit handles normal braking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary braking unit acts as an intermediary system that provides an alternative, shorter fluid path between the wheel cylinder and reservoirs. During quick start conditions, the electronic control unit directs fluid to return to the second reservoir through the secondary braking unit, bypassing the longer path through the primary braking unit, thus reducing stopping time.
2Speed
If a secondary braking unit is added to provide a shorter fluid path, then pressure modulation speed is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary braking unit is designed to be multi-functional: it serves as both a functional braking system (capable of actuating braking actions) and as a fluid return path for rapid pressure release. This dual functionality allows the system to improve pressure modulation speed without adding completely separate components, thereby reducing the overall complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of the secondary braking unit with the fluid return path functionality. The secondary braking unit's reservoir and fluid path are utilized for both normal secondary braking operations and for rapid fluid return during quick start conditions, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate dedicated components.
3Loss of time
If the electronic control unit directs fluid to the second reservoir during quick start conditions, then pressure decrease time is reduced, but the system requires additional sensors and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor detects vehicle conditions (such as accelerator position or launch control mode) in advance to identify when quick start conditions exist. Based on this preliminary detection, the electronic control unit proactively directs fluid to the second reservoir before the driver actually releases the brake, thereby reducing pressure decrease time while using simple, well-established sensor and control logic.
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
This configuration reduces the time required to modulate pressure at the wheel cylinders, enhancing braking efficiency by providing faster pressure decrease and increase, thus improving stopping performance and reducing overall stopping distance.
Implementation Method 1
actuating the pressure generating unit of the primary braking system thereby pressurizing a fluid at a wheel cylinder to slow or stop the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The fluid is transferred from the wheel cylinder to the second reservoir. A fluid path between the wheel cylinder and the second reservoir is shorter than a fluid path between the wheel cylinder and the first reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle braking system (20) has a primary braking unit (22) with a first pressure generating unit (34) and a first reservoir (26). The vehicle braking system (20) further has a secondary braking unit (24) with a second pressure generating unit (52) and second reservoir (70). A method of operating the vehicle braking system (20) includes actuating the pressure generating unit (34) of the primary braking unit (22) thereby pressurizing a fluid at a wheel cylinder (30) to slow or stop the vehicle. The wheel cylinder (30) is depressurized in response to an electrical signal provided to an electronic control unit (100,102). The fluid is transferred from the wheel cylinder (30) to the second reservoir (70). The fluid path (PI) between the wheel cylinder (30) and the second reservoir (70) is shorter and has less fluid resistance than the fluid path (P2) between the wheel cylinder (30) and the first reservoir (26). The present invention further comprises two braking systems. The present inventions are intended for fast pressure depressurization at quick start or launch control.