Vehicle Braking System with Segmented Electrical Control Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems for heavy goods vehicles face challenges in transitioning to completely electrically powered systems due to technical difficulties, and hybrid systems require complex pneumatic and electrical connections to ensure reliable operation, especially in case of electrical failures.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle braking system with two entirely separate electrical control circuits, each controlling diagonally opposite wheels, using separate electrical power supplies and modulators connected to pressurized fluid sources, allowing for independent operation and redundancy to prevent uncontrolled brake applications in case of power failure or pneumatic line damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a completely electrically powered braking system is implemented, then the trend towards electrical control is achieved, but significant technical difficulties arise in implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is divided into two entirely separate electrical control circuits, each controlling diagonally opposite wheels. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one circuit does not affect the other, maintaining reliability while achieving electrical control. Each circuit includes its own electrical braking demand signal generator, modulators, and power supply, creating independent fail-safe zones.
2Extent of automation
If hybrid electrical and pneumatic braking systems are used, then service brake operation is achieved, but complex pneumatic and electrical connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments control functions by separating electrical and pneumatic pathways into distinct circuits. Each electrical circuit operates independently with its own power supply and modulators, eliminating the need for complex interconnections between electrical and pneumatic systems while maintaining hybrid operation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical modulators serve as intermediary devices that convert electrical braking demand signals into pneumatic brake actuation signals. This intermediary function allows the system to bridge electrical control with pneumatic brake execution without requiring direct complex connections between electrical and pneumatic components.
3Reliability
If backup pneumatic control lines are added for electrical failure, then back-up in case of electrical failure is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding backup lines to a single integrated system, the invention segments the system into two independent electrical circuits from the outset. Each circuit is designed to be self-sufficient with its own power supply and control pathways, providing inherent redundancy without requiring additional backup connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant power supplies and separate electrical circuits before failure can occur. By designing the system with inherent redundancy in place beforehand, the patent eliminates the need for emergency backup additions, reducing overall complexity while ensuring reliability.
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
Ensures controlled braking operation even in case of electrical failure or pneumatic line damage, reducing the risk of sudden brake application and providing redundancy without the need for a backup pneumatic connection, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
each modulator being adapted, on receipt of an electrical braking demand signal, to generate an appropriate pneumatic or hydraulic fluid brake actuation signal
Implementation Method 2
each modulator being connected to a source of pressurised fluid and adapted, on receipt of an electrical braking demand signal, to generate an appropriate pneumatic or hydraulic fluid brake actuation signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle braking system (10) comprising first (14b) and second (14b') electrical braking demand signal generators, first (16a) and second (16b) modulators, each of which is connected to a source of pressurised fluid, the first modulator being electrically connected to and having an input for receipt of an electrical braking demand signal from the first electrical braking demand signal generator and the second modulator being electrically connected to and having an input for receipt of an electrical braking demand signal from the second electrical braking demand signal generator, each modulator being adapted, on receipt of an electrical braking demand signal, to generate an appropriate pneumatic or hydraulic fluid brake actuation signal for transmission to a fluid operable brake actuator (25a,25b), wherein the electrical connection between the first electrical braking demand signal generator and the first modulator is entirely separate from the electrical connection between the second electrical braking demand signal generator and the second modulator.