Electric Brake Control Modules for Fault-Tolerant Brake Bias
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles equipped with brake-by-wire systems face reliability issues due to ECU failures, and traditional hydraulic braking systems lack real-time bias adjustment capabilities, which can compromise braking performance with varying loads and weight distributions.
Innovation Solution
A braking system comprising separate electronic brake control modules for front and rear brakes, with pedal position sensors and hydraulic pressure management, allowing for real-time torque adjustments and independent operation in case of module faults, ensuring consistent braking performance across different load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If brake-by-wire systems are used, then automation and control precision are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to ECU failures
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control system is divided into multiple independent electronic brake control modules (EBCM), each capable of independently controlling different brake circuits. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one module does not compromise the entire braking system, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving automation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant brake circuits and backup control pathways that are prepared in advance. When an ECU failure is detected, the system automatically switches to alternative control modes or engages backup circuits, cushioning against the reliability impact of the failure before it can fully manifest.
2Reliability
If traditional hydraulic systems are used, then reliability is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates due to lack of real-time bias adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic brake control modules dynamically adjust brake bias in real-time based on varying load conditions, vehicle weight distribution, and driving scenarios. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize braking performance for different situations while maintaining reliability through controlled hydraulic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as brake torque distribution and pressure allocation in real-time based on sensor feedback and control algorithms. This parameter adjustment capability enables adaptability to different load conditions while maintaining stable and reliable braking through controlled hydraulic systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate electronic brake control modules are used, then adaptability and real-time adjustment are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular electronic brake control modules, each responsible for specific brake circuits. This modular segmentation manages complexity by localizing control functions and enabling independent operation of modules, reducing the cognitive and operational burden compared to a fully integrated complex system.
4Reliability
If redundant brake circuits are implemented, then reliability is improved through independent operation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is divided into independent brake circuits with separate electronic control modules, creating a segmented architecture where failures in one circuit do not propagate to others. This segmentation improves reliability through fault isolation while managing complexity by using standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant brake circuits are designed with homogeneous architecture and control logic, using identical or similar electronic brake control modules for different circuits. This homogeneity manages complexity by repeating proven designs rather than creating entirely new systems, making the redundant structure more predictable and easier to maintain.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods and systems for operating a braking system of a commercial electric vehicle. In various embodiments, the braking system may include a plurality of electric brake control modules. The electric brake control modules may be configured to operate the brakes on different axles of the vehicle. One or more of the electric brake control modules may be configured to detect a fault with another electric brake control module and operate the brakes of the vehicle accordingly.