Hydraulic Brake Mixed-Mode Control for Dead Zone Elimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic braking systems face challenges during the 'brake fill' period, where pressure-only feedback control systems result in delayed braking action and potential hydraulic pressure overshoot due to inadequate feedback during the transition of the brake piston from the brake actuator to the heat sink, leading to inefficient braking operations.

Innovation Solution

A mixed-mode logic control system that measures the flow rate of hydraulic fluid and adjusts the control signal based on both position and pressure commands, transitioning from position-based to pressure-based control as hydraulic pressure increases, to improve braking system responsiveness and prevent overshoot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If pressure-only feedback control is used during brake fill, then the control system is simple, but the braking response is delayed and pressure overshoot occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidbraking response speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces flow rate feedback during the brake fill period, complementing the existing pressure feedback. The controller receives both pressure feedback signals and flow rate feedback signals, using the flow rate information to detect piston movement and provide timely control adjustment, thereby eliminating the dead zone and preventing pressure overshoot while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of piston position through flow rate measurement during the brake fill period, before pressure buildup occurs. This allows the controller to anticipate piston contact with the heat sink and adjust control signals proactively, preventing the delayed response and overshoot associated with pressure-only feedback

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If pressure-only feedback control is used, then the control system is simple, but hydraulic pressure overshoot occurs beyond commanded pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidpressure control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces flow rate feedback during the brake fill period, complementing the existing pressure feedback. The controller receives both pressure feedback signals and flow rate feedback signals, using the flow rate information to detect piston movement and provide timely control adjustment, thereby eliminating the dead zone and preventing pressure overshoot while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of piston position through flow rate measurement during the brake fill period, before pressure buildup occurs. This allows the controller to anticipate piston contact with the heat sink and adjust control signals proactively, preventing the delayed response and overshoot associated with pressure-only feedback

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If brake fill period is eliminated through better control, then braking response time is improved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking response timeVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces flow rate feedback during the brake fill period, complementing the existing pressure feedback. The controller receives both pressure feedback signals and flow rate feedback signals, using the flow rate information to detect piston movement and provide timely control adjustment, thereby eliminating the dead zone and preventing pressure overshoot while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 mixed-mode logic control system reduces the 'dead zone' in braking operations by providing timely feedback and adjusting control signals effectively, ensuring precise and controlled braking force application, thereby enhancing the overall performance and safety of the hydraulic braking system.

Implementation Method 1

a flow detector is provided in the hydraulic braking system configured to measure a flow rate of hydraulic fluid supplied to the brake actuator by the control valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow measurement:

Implementation Method 2

hydraulic fluid supplied at a hydraulic fluid flow rate based on a magnitude of the control signal from the control assembly to the control valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure transmission: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentEP3628557B1Hydraulic braking system and method
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 GOODRICH CORP
  • EP3628557B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3628557B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3628557B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A braking system including a brake actuator, a control valve, a control assembly, and at least one pressure sensor. The control valve is disposed to direct hydraulic fluid to the brake actuator at a rate corresponding to a magnitude of a control signal. The control assembly includes a mixed-mode control system. The at least one pressure sensor is configured to measure a pressure of the hydraulic fluid to the brake actuator. The control assembly is configured to determine a position of the brake actuator. The mixed-mode control system is configured to determine a position command and a pressure command. The mixed-mode control system is configured to adjust the magnitude of the control signal based on at least one of the position command and the pressure command so as to reposition the brake actuator from a first position to a second position.