Modular Electronic Brake System With Interchangeable Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brake systems are limited in adaptability and applicability across different vehicle types and braking scenarios, relying on unique hydraulic designs that are not easily interchangeable or adaptable for features like traction control and anti-lock braking systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular electronic brake system with interchangeable modules that include hydraulic and electro-hydraulic valves, allowing for various configurations and expansions, controlled by an electronic control unit to manage fluid flow and pressure for diverse braking functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brake systems are specifically designed for a particular unique vehicle or class of vehicles with specific braking arrangement, then the braking performance for that specific application is optimized, but the system cannot be used for other different vehicle applications
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is divided into separate functional modules including a master cylinder module, ABS module, and electro-hydraulic brake module. Each module can be independently configured and assembled to match different vehicle requirements, allowing the same basic components to serve multiple vehicle applications while maintaining optimized braking performance for each specific use case
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal module interfaces and standardized connection points that allow the same brake system components to be adapted across different vehicle types. The master cylinder housing includes multiple port configurations and the valve assemblies can be arranged in different patterns to accommodate various braking scenarios including ABS, traction control, and electronic brake distribution
2Adaptability or versatility
If brake systems incorporate multiple braking features such as ABS and traction control, then the braking functionality is enhanced, but the system complexity increases and limits applicability to other vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
Advanced braking features are segmented into separate optional modules that can be added or removed based on vehicle requirements. The ABS module and electro-hydraulic brake module are distinct add-on components that interface with the basic master cylinder system, allowing functionality enhancement without forcing complexity onto all vehicle applications
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system uses a nested modular architecture where the ABS valve assembly is contained within the master cylinder housing, and the electro-hydraulic brake module interfaces with existing system ports. This nesting allows multiple braking features to be integrated without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as components share common mounting structures and fluid pathways
3Ease of operation
If brake systems are hydraulically driven depending on operator's foot pressure, then the system is simple to operate, but it is not adaptable to various different braking scenarios such as traction control and ABS braking
Solution Approach 1:
An electro-hydraulic brake module serves as an intermediary between the simple hydraulic master cylinder system and advanced electronic braking control features. This module receives electronic control signals and translates them into hydraulic pressure adjustments, maintaining the simplicity of the primary hydraulic operation while enabling adaptability to various braking scenarios through electronic intervention
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 flexible and adaptable braking solutions for different vehicle configurations and scenarios, including anti-lock braking and traction control, by allowing modular expansion and integration of various braking modules with proportional fluid control.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-hydraulic valve positioned in the housing and coupled with the pressurized fluid source. The electro-hydraulic valve is configured for receiving electrical input signals and, in response to the input signals, is configured for delivering fluid from the pressurized fluid source at an actuation pressure that is proportional to the system pressure based on the levels of the received electrical input signals
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic valve positioned in the housing and coupled with the pressurized fluid source for delivering fluid through the module to the at least one brake
Implementation Method 3
Each braking modules includes a housing forming a manifold for the delivery of fluid through the module to one or more brakes. The manifold provides the fluid flow to the interfaces of the modules for exchange between the modules
Data Source
AI summary
A brake system to couple between brakes and actuators provides a modular format that allows a plurality of braking modules to be coupled together at interfaces and coupled to other modules to handle a variety of different braking scenarios. Each braking module includes a housing forming a manifold for the delivery of fluid to the interfaces of the modules for exchange between the modules. The braking modules include a hydraulic valve coupled with a pressurized fluid source for delivering fluid to implement a braking function. The modules also include an electro-hydraulic valve configured for receiving electrical input signals and configured for delivering fluid from the pressurized fluid source to the hydraulic valve at an actuation pressure that is proportional to the system pressure based on the levels of the received electrical input signals. Module interfaces are positioned on respective sides of the housings for coupling the braking modules together and include a repeated pattern of apertures for aligning between the braking modules. The aligned apertures are configured for passing fluid at the system pressure and fluid at the tank pressure between the plurality of braking modules.