Modular Hydraulic Brake System Architecture for Space Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Current hydraulic motor vehicle brake systems for autonomous or partially autonomous driving face challenges with increased space requirements and high production costs due to a single-box architecture, which limits expandability and flexibility in vehicle configurations and production complexity.

Innovation Solution

A modular design for the hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, where a pedal module and a functional module are arranged separately and coupled via fluid lines, allowing for redundant brake pressure control in both brake-by-wire and push-through modes, with each module housed in distinct housing blocks, enabling decentralized placement and independent expansion for various vehicle configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-box architecture is used to integrate all functional units within one housing block, then the system structure is simplified, but the space requirement in critical regions of the vehicle increases and production complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The brake system is divided into separate modular units (pedal module, functional modules) that can be independently housed and positioned, allowing distributed placement throughout the vehicle rather than consolidating all components in a single housing block

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single-box architecture is used to integrate all functional units within one housing block, then the system structure is simplified, but production costs increase due to more difficult production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidproduction difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The brake system is divided into separate modular units (pedal module, functional modules) that can be independently housed and positioned, allowing distributed placement throughout the vehicle rather than consolidating all components in a single housing block

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single-box architecture is used to integrate all functional units within one housing block, then the system structure is simplified, but the functional units cannot be individually or arbitrarily expanded to increase functionality or make different and individual vehicle configurations possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidexpandability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The brake system is divided into separate modular units (pedal module, functional modules) that can be independently housed and positioned, allowing distributed placement throughout the vehicle rather than consolidating all components in a single housing block

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular functional units are designed with standardized interfaces and housing blocks that can be universally applied across different vehicle configurations, enabling the same module to serve multiple functions or be adapted to various vehicle types through selective combination and placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 modular design reduces space requirements in critical vehicle areas, simplifies production, and lowers costs by allowing for individual expansion of functionality and diverse vehicle configurations, while ensuring redundant brake pressure control for enhanced safety.

Implementation Method 1

the master cylinder may, in the push-through mode, be actuatable by a driver by way of the pedal in order to generate a respective brake pressure at wheel brakes of the motor vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid conveyance: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The functional module may have at least one electrical brake pressure generator. By operation of the at least one electrical brake pressure generator of the functional module, it may be possible for a respective brake pressure to be generated at the wheel brakes in the brake-by-wire mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical to mechanical energy conversion: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentUS20230192056A1Hydraulic motor vehicle brake system

Publication Date: 2023.06.22 ZF ACTIVE SAFETY GMBH

AI summary

A hydraulic motor vehicle brake system that is operable in a brake-by-wire mode and/or a push-through mode is disclosed. The brake system comprises: a pedal module having a master cylinder which, in the push-through mode, is actuatable by a driver by way of a pedal in order to generate a respective brake pressure at wheel brakes of the motor vehicle; and a functional module having at least one electrical brake pressure generator by which, in the brake-by-wire mode, a respective brake pressure can be generated at the wheel brakes. The pedal module and the functional module are arranged separately from one another and are couplable and/or coupled to one another via lines, such as fluid lines.