Electrohydraulic Brake Valve Assembly Merging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrohydraulic brake systems are complex, costly, and require multiple components, increasing assembly effort, installation space, and potential sources of error due to separate valves for switching between service and auxiliary braking modes.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrohydraulic brake system integrates the valve assembly, pressure generator unit, and brake pressure modulation in a common housing block, using common components for both braking modes and incorporating a multi-position valve for electronic monitoring of the blocking function, reducing the number of individual parts and enhancing adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate valves are used for switching between braking modes and for blocking the piston/cylinder unit, then the brake system can reliably switch between service and auxiliary braking states, but the number of components increases, assembly effort and installation space increase, and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate valves (operating mode switchover valves and blocking valve) into a single integrated valve assembly with a common housing block. This merging of previously separate components reduces the total number of parts, simplifies assembly, and decreases installation space while maintaining the reliable switching functionality between service and auxiliary braking modes through coordinated operation of the integrated valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it switches between service and auxiliary braking modes, blocks the piston/cylinder unit, and provides hydraulic monitoring of the blocking function. By designing the valve assembly to handle multiple tasks within a single component structure, the system achieves the functionality of several separate valves while reducing overall complexity and component count.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate valves are used for switching between braking modes, then mode switching can be controlled, but the installation space and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve functions into a single compact valve assembly with a common housing block, significantly reducing the installation space required compared to separate valves. The merged structure maintains full mode switching control capability while occupying less space in the vehicle's hydraulic system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate valves are used for switching between braking modes, then braking mode control is achieved, but assembly effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve assembly combines multiple valve functions into a single manufacturable unit with a common housing block, reducing assembly effort by eliminating the need to install and connect multiple separate valves. This merging approach maintains full braking mode control functionality while simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions (mode switching, blocking, and monitoring) within a single integrated component, allowing it to be manufactured and installed as one unit rather than multiple separate parts. This multi-functionality reduces assembly effort and costs while maintaining the required braking mode control capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate valves are used for switching between braking modes, then functional separation is achieved, but the number of potential sources of error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve functions into a single valve assembly, reducing the total number of separate components and potential failure points. By combining the operating mode switchover valves and blocking valve into one integrated unit with common sealing and actuation mechanisms, the system maintains functional separation while reducing the number of potential sources of error associated with multiple discrete valves.
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
The system is more compact, cost-effective, and allows for precise monitoring of the blocking function, ensuring operational safety and adaptability to customer requirements without perceivable feedback to the driver during service braking.
Implementation Method 1
a piston/cylinder unit (56) which receives the volume of pressure medium positively displaced in the master cylinder (14) by the actuation of the brake pedal (18)
Implementation Method 2
an externally triggerable pressure generator unit (28, 34)
Implementation Method 3
The blocking function of the piston/cylinder unit can be monitored hydraulically
Data Source
AI summary
An electrohydraulic brake system having a muscle-force-actuatable auxiliary brake and an external-force-actuatable service brake includes operating mode switchover valves triggerable by an electronic control unit for switching from the service braking state to the auxiliary braking state. A piston/cylinder unit with a pressure medium connection between a master cylinder and a wheel brake which is interrupted by the switchover valves to simulate the pedal travel in the service braking state. The piston/cylinder receives the pressure medium displaced in the master cylinder by actuation of the brake pedal by the driver's foot. The piston/cylinder unit can be hydraulically blocked in the auxiliary braking state so that pressure medium positively displaced in the master cylinder is available to the greatest possible extent for building up pressure at the wheel brakes. The subjection of the piston/cylinder unit to pressure medium is controlled via one of the operating mode switchover valves.