ESC Unit Logic Module Balances Brake Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulically actuated brake systems in motor vehicles face issues where front disc brakes are overloaded during long downhill drives due to unequal contact pressures between disc and drum brakes, leading to high thermal loads and increased air resistance when using brake cooling air guide elements, which in turn increase fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) unit with a pump, logic module, and input sensors that adjusts the contact pressure of rear drum brakes to match the differential pressure between front and rear brakes, using signals from brake switch, thermal model, road surface incline, speed, pressure, and braking time to balance brake loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If brake cooling air guide elements are used to direct cooling air to front disc brakes, then heat dissipation is improved, but air resistance increases leading to higher fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful thermal load on front disc brakes during downhill driving into a beneficial situation by activating rear drum brakes. The rear drum brakes absorb the excessive braking energy that would otherwise overload the front disc brakes, transforming a potentially damaging thermal situation into a controlled braking distribution scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The logic module dynamically changes the braking parameter distribution by activating the rear drum brakes when front disc brake temperature exceeds a threshold. This parameter change (shifting braking force from front to rear) allows heat dissipation without requiring additional cooling air guide elements, thus avoiding increased air resistance.
2Temperature
If rear drum brakes are used insufficiently during downhill driving, then front disc brakes are overloaded, but increasing rear brake pressure requires additional components and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the rear drum brakes multi-functional by using them not only for normal braking but also for thermal management of the front disc brakes during downhill driving. This universal application of the existing rear brake system eliminates the need for additional cooling components or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system performs self-service thermal management by using the rear drum brakes to compensate for front disc brake overheating. The ESC unit with logic module automatically detects the thermal condition and adjusts braking distribution without requiring external intervention or additional specialized components.
3Productivity
If unequal contact pressure between disc and drum brakes is maintained, then brake system performance is optimized for normal driving, but thermal balance is disrupted during prolonged braking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustment of brake pressure distribution based on real-time thermal conditions. The logic module continuously monitors front disc brake temperature and dynamically adjusts the braking force distribution between front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, allowing the system to adapt from normal performance-oriented operation to thermal management mode when 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 solution balances brake loads, reducing thermal stress on front disc brakes and minimizing air resistance, thereby decreasing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by ensuring efficient heat dissipation without deformation or damage.
Implementation Method 1
an ESC unit with a pump (7) and a logic module (8)... the pressure in the rear drum brakes (4) increased by an amount corresponding to the difference between the contact pressure
Implementation Method 2
contact pressure of the brake elements... front disc brakes are overloaded... high thermal load on the front disc brakes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Device for actuating a braking system of a motor vehicle, wherein the braking system comprises disc brakes (3) of the front axle with contact pressure of the disc brake elements (pKB), and drum brakes (4) of the rear axle with contact pressure of the drum brake elements (pBB), wherein the device is formed by an ESC unit (6) with a pump (7), by a connecting brake pipe (5) and by at least one input signal transmitter (S) connected to the ESC unit (6) for transmitting signals characterizing the operating state, wherein the ESC unit (6) further comprises a logic module (8) which is connected to the pump (7), wherein the ESC unit is designed such that when the logic module (8) is activated, the value of the contact pressure of the drum brake elements corresponding to the current operating state is increased by the difference value of the contact pressures before activation.