Dynamic Voltage Control for Rapid Brake Torque Build-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle braking systems face challenges in rapidly building up braking torque with minimal effort, especially in safety-critical situations, where existing technologies often result in delayed interventions and inefficient pressure build-up dynamics.
Innovation Solution
The method involves increasing the supply voltage to electrically operated actuators in the vehicle's braking system when specific conditions are met, such as a braking request from a safety-critical control system or vehicle instability, to enhance the speed of braking torque build-up, while resetting the voltage to normal levels when conditions cease or a standstill is detected, thus optimizing energy use and dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the supply voltage to electrically operated actuators is increased to rapidly build up braking torque, then the braking response speed improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply voltage to the electrically operated actuators is dynamically adjusted based on the braking situation. During normal operation, standard voltage is applied to conserve energy. When a safety-critical braking request is detected, the voltage is increased to maximum level to achieve rapid braking torque build-up. This dynamic voltage adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the energy consumption to the actual braking requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical parameter (supply voltage) is changed from a constant value to a variable value that depends on the braking situation. The control device monitors braking requests and adjusts the voltage parameter accordingly - using standard voltage during normal conditions and maximum voltage during emergency braking. This parameter change enables the system to achieve fast braking response only when necessary, thereby resolving the energy consumption issue.
2Power
If a DC/DC converter is added to increase supply voltage for actuators, then the braking performance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing DC/DC converter in the vehicle's electrical system is utilized for multiple purposes - its primary function for voltage regulation during normal operation and its secondary function for providing maximum voltage during emergency braking. By making the converter multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated hardware while still achieving the power delivery improvement needed for rapid braking response.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing electrical system components, particularly the DC/DC converter, are made to serve the braking system's voltage requirements. The system uses its own existing resources rather than requiring external additions, thereby improving power delivery capability without increasing device complexity. The control device leverages the already-present converter infrastructure to meet emergency braking power demands.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pump operates in clocked or pulsed manner to save energy, then the energy consumption decreases, but the pressure build-up dynamics worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operation mode is dynamically switched based on the braking situation. During normal operation, the pump operates in energy-saving clocked or pulsed mode. When a safety-critical braking request is detected, the system transitions to continuous full-power operation to achieve rapid pressure build-up. This dynamic operation mode adjustment resolves the contradiction between energy consumption and pressure build-up rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameters of the pump (duty cycle, power level) are changed from fixed values to variable values that respond to braking requirements. The control device adjusts the pump's operation - using reduced-duty-cycle operation during normal conditions and full-power continuous operation during emergency braking. This parameter change enables the system to optimize both energy efficiency and pressure build-up performance as needed.
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 approach increases the speed of braking torque build-up, enhancing driving safety by reducing braking distances and potentially allowing for a smaller, less costly brake system without compromising safety, as the braking system can achieve optimal pressure build-up dynamics with improved energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrically operated actuator of a vehicle brake system is activated, as a result of which braking torque is built up independently of the driver at one or more vehicle wheels
Implementation Method 2
a supply voltage of the vehicle electrical system is increased, which is applied to the electrically operated actuator or actuators when at least one predetermined condition is met
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method, wherein an electrically operated actuator of a vehicle brake system is controlled in accordance with a braking demand of a vehicle control system, such as occurs in electronic stability control. According to the invention, a supply voltage of the vehicle electrical system applied to the electrically operated actuator is increased if at least one specified condition is met. Thus, the pressure build-up by a hydraulic pump can e.g. be accelerated during emergency braking.