Hydraulic Actuator Layout for Compact Vehicle Brake Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic actuation systems for vehicles, such as brake and clutch systems, face challenges in achieving compactness, weight reduction, and cost-effectiveness while ensuring flexibility for different vehicle types and installation situations. Additionally, these systems require improved accessibility for installation, enhanced ventilation, and effective heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed actuation device features a compact design with a rectangular base form, symmetrical layout suitable for both left-hand and right-hand drives, and a modular structure. The device includes a piston cylinder unit and pressure supply unit arranged parallel and vertically spaced within a single housing, with the drive mounted below. This configuration allows for a slim, space-saving arrangement that can be tilted for optimal installation in the engine compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If components are integrated into a compact assembly, then installation space is reduced, but accessibility for installation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation device is divided into modular components (drive unit, pressure supply device, valve unit, reservoir) that can be independently accessed and serviced. The reservoir is positioned at the rear with direct access for fluid refilling, and the drive unit is accessible from the front, allowing maintenance without disassembling the entire compact assembly.
2Volume of moving object
If the assembly is made compact and narrow, then installation space is optimized, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Heat dissipation is addressed by utilizing vertical spacing and rearward positioning of the reservoir, creating thermal pathways in the depth dimension rather than competing for lateral space. The reservoir's position at the rear of the compact assembly provides a thermal escape route that does not increase the assembly's width or height.
3Device complexity
If multiple functions are integrated into one assembly, then device complexity is reduced, but installation flexibility for different vehicle configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation device is designed with symmetrical characteristics and standardized mounting interfaces that allow it to function universally in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive configurations. The modular architecture with clearly defined functional sections (drive, pressure supply, valve, reservoir) enables adaptation to different vehicle layouts without requiring custom designs.
4Volume of moving object
If the actuation device is made slim and compact, then packaging efficiency is improved, but ventilation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is positioned at the rear of the assembly with pre-configured access points and ventilation pathways established during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement ensures that even in the compact slim design, air circulation paths are pre-defined and do not require additional space during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation device for a hydraulic actuation system, e.g., a motor vehicle brake or an electrified clutch actuator, may include a connection for an actuation device; a pressure supply device, driven by an electromotor drive, in the form of a piston or double-stroke piston pump; a piston cylinder unit that may be actuated by means of the actuation device; and an electronic control unit. An axis of the piston cylinder unit and an axis of the pressure supply device may be arranged in parallel.