Dual-Circuit Vehicle Braking for Feedback and Fast Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle braking systems lack an efficient and reliable method to provide simultaneous braking to all wheels, especially in hybrid and autonomous driving scenarios, where direct feedback and decoupling from the master cylinder are required.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle braking system incorporating an electronically controlled pressure generating unit separate from the master cylinder, with multiple fluid circuits and valves, allowing for concurrent pressurization of fluid to wheel cylinders, either through the master cylinder or bypassing it, enabling hybrid brake-by-wire and push-through braking modes with direct feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the electronically controlled pressure generating unit pressurizes fluid through the master cylinder to the first wheel cylinder, then the braking system provides direct feedback to the braking input device, but the path is longer and response time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is divided into two independent circuits: the first circuit provides feedback through the master cylinder for pedal feel, while the second circuit provides direct pressurization for rapid response. This segmentation allows each circuit to optimize for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The master cylinder acts as an intermediary in the first circuit to provide feedback, while the third valve serves as an intermediary to enable direct pressurization in the second circuit. This dual-intermediary approach allows the system to maintain both feedback capability and rapid response capability simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the braking system uses a conventional master cylinder configuration, then the structure is simpler, but it lacks the capability for independent control of different wheel circuits in hybrid and autonomous modes
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into two independent hydraulic circuits with separate control paths. The first circuit handles feedback-oriented braking through the master cylinder, while the second circuit handles direct pressurization for autonomous operation. This segmentation enables versatile braking modes while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational configurations using the first, second, and third valves. The valves can be positioned to enable feedback mode, direct control mode, or combined modes, allowing the system to adapt its complexity to the specific operational requirements of hybrid or autonomous driving scenarios.
3Productivity
If the electronically controlled pressure generating unit concurrently pressurizes both circuits, then simultaneous braking to all wheels is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Concurrent pressurization is achieved by segmenting the control into two independent circuits that operate simultaneously. The first circuit pressurizes through the master cylinder while the second circuit pressurizes directly, allowing all wheels to receive braking force at the same time without requiring a single complex control path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges two independent pressurization paths into a unified braking action. By combining the feedback-oriented first circuit with the direct-response second circuit, the system achieves simultaneous braking across all wheels, effectively merging the benefits of both control approaches into a single coordinated action.
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 solution enables efficient and reliable braking in hybrid and autonomous modes by providing direct feedback and proportional braking force to the wheels, enhancing safety and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an electronically controlled pressure generating unit separate from the master cylinder... in a first configuration, the electronically controlled pressure generating unit pressurizes fluid, through the master cylinder, in the first circuit, to the first wheel cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a first valve positioned between the electronically controlled pressure generating unit and the master cylinder, a second valve positioned between the master cylinder and the second wheel cylinder, and a third valve positioned between the electronically controlled pressure generating unit and the second wheel cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle braking system includes a first wheel cylinder, a second wheel cylinder, a master cylinder including a first master cylinder chamber in fluid communication with the first wheel cylinder via a first circuit and a second master cylinder chamber in fluid communication with the second wheel cylinder via a second circuit, and an electronically controlled pressure generating unit separate from the master cylinder. The vehicle braking system is operable to provide braking in a first configuration in which the electronically controlled pressure generating unit pressurizes fluid, through the master cylinder, in the first circuit, to the first wheel cylinder. In the first configuration, the electronically controlled pressure generating unit pressurizes fluid in the second circuit to the second wheel cylinder, bypassing the master cylinder.