Inverter Brake Valve Control for Redundant Axle Braking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronically controllable brake systems face challenges in maintaining redundant control of service brakes on both vehicle axles, especially when there is an electrical failure, as the central service brake control module cannot take over electrical control of individual axles, limiting the implementation of automated braking specifications.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of an inverter control valve that generates an inverter control pressure inversely proportional to the parking brake pressure, allowing the parking brake circuit to redirect the braking specification to the service brake circuit, ensuring continued braking functionality even in the event of electrical failures by using the parking brake circuit to compensate for failed service brake circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a central service brake control module is used to control service brakes on both vehicle axles, then the control structure is simplified, but in the event of electrical failure the module cannot take over electrical control of individual axles, limiting redundant control capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol structureVSAvoidredundant control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brake control system is segmented into independent front and rear axle service brake control modules, each capable of independently controlling service brakes on its respective axle. This segmentation allows individual modules to fail independently without affecting the other axle's braking capability, thereby achieving redundant control while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention inverts the conventional centralized control architecture by implementing distributed control where each axle has its own independent control module. Instead of one central module controlling all brakes, the system uses multiple independent modules that can operate autonomously, ensuring that electrical failure in one module does not compromise the other axle's braking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the parking brake circuit is used to compensate for electrical failure in service brake circuits, then automated braking can be maintained, but only one vehicle axle can be braked, leading to limited deceleration performance and possible instabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated braking maintenanceVSAvoiddeceleration performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the braking function by axle, with each axle having independent service brake control. When electrical failure occurs, the parking brake circuit on the affected axle is activated independently, allowing the other axle to continue using service brakes. This segmentation enables both axles to contribute to deceleration simultaneously, maintaining high deceleration performance and vehicle stability while preserving automated braking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If separate control modules are used for front and rear axle service brake circuits with independent energy sources, then redundancy is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveredundancyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into segmented control modules for front and rear axles, each with its own energy source and control logic. This segmentation provides functional redundancy where each axle can operate independently if the other fails. The modular design manages complexity by creating standardized, interchangeable units that can be independently tested, maintained, and replaced without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each axle's control module is designed with local quality - possessing all necessary control functions and energy sources locally rather than relying on centralized provision. This allows each module to operate autonomously with full braking capability, ensuring that local failures do not propagate system-wide while maintaining overall system redundancy without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enables reliable and simple electrically redundant control of service brakes on both vehicle axles, maintaining braking performance and stability by redirecting braking pressure from the parking brake circuit to the service brake circuit during electrical failures, thus ensuring continued operation without the need for complex pressure control.

Implementation Method 1

an inverter control valve (15) is provided, which generates an inverter control pressure (pl) as a function of a brake specification that can be implemented in a parking brake circuit (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure inversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3600993B1Electronically controllable brake system and method for controlling said electronically controllable brake system
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 ZF CV SYST HANNOVER GMBH
  • EP3600993B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3600993B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3600993B1 patent drawingFigure 2d~2e

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronically controllable brake system (1) having an inverter control valve (15; 15a), which is designed to generate and output an inverter control pressure (pI), wherein the inverter control pressure (pI) is inversely proportional to a parking brake braking pressure (pPH) generated in a parking brake circuit (7) and/or a parking brake control circuit, which are to be actuated in order to implement a braking specification (VA, VB, VP) in the parking brake circuit (7) via spring-loaded brakes (8). According to the invention, an operating brake braking pressure (pBa, pBb) is to be actuated in order to control operating brakes (3) in at least one operating brake circuit of the brake system (1) as a factor of the inverter control pressure (pI) generated by the inverter control valve (15; 15a), if an implementing of a brake specification (VA, VB, VP), controlled electrically by an operating brake control module (10) of the operating brake circuit (3), is prevented via the at least one operating brake circuit (2a, 2b).