Hydraulic Modulator Block Compactness via Valve Relocation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic control brake systems have a large and cumbersome modulator block due to long and complex oil lines and the need for multiple holes, as well as a limited width due to the master cylinder and wheel cylinder connecting parts being on the same surface, and the motor being positioned below the oil pumps.
Innovation Solution
The modulator block is redesigned with the master cylinder connecting part on a separate surface from the wheel cylinder connecting part, and the motor positioned on the same surface as the master cylinder, with the traction control valve, inflow, shuttle, and outflow valves arranged to shorten oil lines and reduce the overall size and width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the master cylinder connecting part and wheel cylinder connecting part are disposed at the same surface (top surface), then the arrangement is simple, but the width of the top surface cannot be decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention relocates the master cylinder connecting part from the top surface to the front surface of the modulator block, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This dimensional transition allows the top surface width to be reduced while maintaining all necessary connection points, as the master cylinder connecting part now occupies space on the front surface rather than competing for top surface area.
2Volume of stationary object
If the motor is disposed in the lower portion where shuttle valves and oil pumps are located, then the arrangement is compact, but the size of the modulator block becomes unnecessarily large
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is relocated from the lower portion (vertical dimension) to the front surface (horizontal dimension) of the modulator block. This spatial redistribution allows components to be arranged more efficiently across the available surface area, reducing the overall volume required while maintaining proper component separation and connection pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The modulator block is divided into distinct functional zones: the front surface houses the motor and master cylinder connecting part, the top surface contains the wheel cylinder connecting part, and the lower portion accommodates the shuttle valves and oil pumps. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned without spatial conflict, reducing the total block size.
3Device complexity
If components are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, then the arrangement is systematic, but oil lines become long and complicated requiring many holes
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the master cylinder connecting part on the front surface and the motor also on the front surface, oil lines can be routed horizontally across the front surface rather than vertically through multiple levels. This reduces the length and complexity of oil lines and minimizes the number of holes required in the modulator block.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic unit of an electronic control brake system capable of achieving compactness of a modulator block by optimizing connection between components and valves, which are mounted in the modulator block, is disclosed. The hydraulic unit of an electronic control brake system includes a modulator block mounted with components to control braking hydraulic pressure applied to wheels of an automobile, including a plurality of inflow and outflow valves, a traction control valve, a shuttle valve, an accumulator, a pump and a motor. The modulator block is formed with oil lines thereinside to connect the components. The modulator block has a hexahedral shape. A wheel cylinder connecting part is disposed at a first surface of the modulator block, and a master cylinder connecting part is disposed at a second surface of the modulator block. Accordingly, a width of the surface, at which the wheel cylinder connecting part is disposed, can be decreased. Since the traction control valve is positioned above the shuttle valve at a rear surface of the modulator block, and the motor is positioned at a center portion of the modulator block, an overall size of the modulator block becomes compact.