Redundant Electric Brake Layout for Stable Pressure and Pedal Feel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic brake systems face instability in hydraulic pressure generation due to electrical component failures, leading to safety concerns and discomfort in pedal feel, especially when switching between operational modes.
Innovation Solution
The electronic brake system incorporates a redundant configuration with multiple ECUs, a master cylinder, a pedal simulator, and hydraulic pressure supply devices, along with a hydraulic control unit and connection lines, to ensure stable braking pressure and maintain pedal feel even when components fail, by distributing pressure through multiple circuits and using redundancy to manage ECU failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electronic brake system with electrical signal control is used to enable complex braking operations, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to electrical component failures
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is divided into two independent blocks: a first block containing the master cylinder and a second block containing the hydraulic pressure supply device. This segmentation isolates electrical components from the mechanical brake actuation system, allowing complex electronic control functions while maintaining a reliable mechanical backup for braking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A connection line directly connects the master cylinder to the hydraulic control unit, serving as an intermediary pathway that bypasses electrical components. This allows hydraulic pressure to be transmitted reliably even when electrical systems fail, ensuring continuous braking capability.
2Reliability
If multiple ECUs are used to ensure safety through redundancy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides control functions across multiple ECUs, with each ECU responsible for specific blocks. This segmentation allows individual ECU failures to be isolated and managed without compromising the entire system, as other ECUs can continue operating their designated functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with redundant ECU configurations that are prepared in advance to take over control functions. When an ECU failure is detected, pre-configured backup ECUs can immediately assume control, cushioning the impact of the failure and maintaining system reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the first block and second block are spaced apart to improve layout flexibility, then ease of manufacture is improved, but connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated connection line serves as an intermediary element between the spatially separated first block (master cylinder) and second block (hydraulic control unit). This physical connector maintains reliable hydraulic communication despite the spatial separation, enabling flexible vehicle layout while ensuring connection stability.
4Measurement precision
If hydraulic pressure is generated electronically to improve braking control precision, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to electrical component dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the mechanical master cylinder (first block) from the electronically controlled hydraulic pressure supply device (second block). This segmentation allows electronic control to enhance braking precision while the independent mechanical master cylinder provides a reliable backup for pressure generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection line acts as an intermediary that directly transmits hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder to the hydraulic control unit, bypassing potential electrical failure points and ensuring stable pressure generation even when electrical systems malfunction.
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 ensures reliable braking performance, reduces kickback, and maintains consistent pedal feel by distributing pressure and using redundant ECU control to manage failures, enhancing safety and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a master cylinder having a first master piston connected to a brake pedal and a first master chamber whose volume is changed by a displacement of the first master piston
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic pressure supply device that generates a hydraulic pressure by operating a hydraulic piston according to an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein an electronic brake system includes a first block comprising a master cylinder having a first master piston connected to a brake pedal and a first master chamber whose volume is changed by a displacement of the first master piston; a second block comprising a pedal simulator, a hydraulic pressure supply device that generates a hydraulic pressure by operating a hydraulic piston according to an electrical signal, and a hydraulic control unit comprising a first hydraulic circuit that controls a hydraulic pressure transferred to two wheel cylinders and a second hydraulic circuit that controls a hydraulic pressure transferred to the other two wheel cylinders, the second block disposed to be spaced apart from the first block; a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) that controls various devices and valves based on hydraulic pressure information and displacement information of the brake pedal; and a connection line having one end connected to the first block and the other end connected to the second block; wherein the connection line has one end connected to the first master chamber and the other end thereof connected to the pedal simulator side.