Hydraulic Brake System Testing for Hidden Defect Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic vehicle braking systems often have 'hidden defects' that do not manifest during normal braking but can severely impact braking behavior when another malfunction occurs, making them difficult to detect.
Innovation Solution
A method to test the functional capability of hydraulic vehicle braking systems by measuring pressure and movement of the power brake pressure generator when the master brake cylinder is not actuated, identifying deviations from expected values to detect defects, and assessing the integrity of multiple brake circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power brake pressure generator is tested during normal braking operation, then the braking function can be maintained, but hidden defects cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the functional capability test of the power brake pressure generator when the master brake cylinder is not actuated, before normal braking operation occurs. This allows hidden defects to be detected in advance through measuring pressure buildup and movement characteristics without interfering with actual braking functions when needed.
2Measurement precision
If the power brake pressure generator is actuated to test for defects, then hidden defects can be detected, but normal braking operation is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing operation from normal braking operation by specifying that the functional capability test should be performed when the master brake cylinder is not actuated. This separation allows independent testing of the power brake pressure generator without affecting the braking system's normal operation, as the test uses a separate brake fluid reservoir and does not engage the braking function.
3Loss of information
If pressure measurements are taken during master brake cylinder actuation, then braking performance data is obtained, but defect detection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the functional capability test before master brake cylinder actuation occurs. The pressure buildup and movement measurements are taken in advance when the system is in a known initial state, ensuring that defect detection measurements are not contaminated by concurrent braking operations and providing accurate baseline data for detecting abnormalities.
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
Enables detection of hidden defects in hydraulic braking systems without affecting normal braking, allowing for timely repair and ensuring reliable braking performance.
Implementation Method 1
the power brake pressure generator displaces or delivers brake fluid through the master brake cylinder into a brake fluid reservoir, with no (noteworthy) brake pressure build-up taking place
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic pump is also usable as a power brake pressure generator, for example a piston pump or an (internal) gear pump
Data Source
AI summary
For testing the functional capability of a hydraulic power vehicle braking system, a power brake pressure generator is switched on. The power brake pressure generator displaces brake fluid through the non-actuated master brake cylinder into a brake fluid reservoir, which is why no brake pressure is built up. A brake pressure build-up allows a “hidden defect” to be inferred, which has no impact during normal operation and is therefore not noticed.