Multi-Pressure Valve Controller for Adaptive Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle braking systems rely on full fluid pressure application, which may not be suitable for all braking scenarios, such as adaptive cruise control and hill holding, where partial pressure is desired.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pressure valve system with sub-valves that receive control signals from an electronic control unit to deliver pressurized fluid at various pressure profiles, allowing for continuous full, continuous reduced, stepped-up, and stepped-down pressure applications based on different braking profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full braking pressure is applied to all braking scenarios, then reliable braking performance is achieved, but adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system dynamically adjusts pressure levels based on driving conditions. The ECU receives signals from various control systems (ACB, ABS, hill holding, traction control) and dynamically selects between full pressure and reduced pressure application, enabling the system to adapt to different scenarios while maintaining reliable braking performance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the braking fluid based on control signals. The multi-pressure valve can deliver fluid at different pressure levels (full pressure or reduced pressure) by responding to control signals from the ECU, allowing the same braking system to serve multiple functions with different pressure requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate control systems are used for different braking functions, then adaptability to different driving conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking control system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single ECU and multi-pressure valve assembly can serve multiple braking functions (ACB, ABS, hill holding, traction control). The ECU universally handles different control signals and appropriately activates the multi-pressure valve to deliver the required pressure level for each function, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control systems for each braking mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated control system. The ECU consolidates the control logic for various braking functions, and the multi-pressure valve combines the capability to deliver different pressure levels, thereby reducing the overall complexity compared to having separate control systems for each braking function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reduced pressure is applied for partial braking scenarios, then adaptability is improved, but braking force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial pressure (reduced pressure) only when necessary for specific driving conditions such as ACB or hill holding, rather than always applying full pressure. This partial action approach provides the adaptability needed for these scenarios while avoiding excessive braking force that would be harmful. When full braking force is required (e.g., emergency braking), the system switches to full pressure application.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle braking system includes a brake associated with a respective wheel of the vehicle, a multi-pressure valve associated with the brake, and a controller electrically communicating with the multi-pressure valve. The multi-pressure valve receives fluid at a first pressure at a supply port and is capable of delivering the fluid at a delivery port at a plurality of pressure profiles. A control signal is transmitted to the multi-pressure valve. The multi-pressure valve delivers the pressurized fluid to the brake, via the delivery port, at one of the plurality of delivery pressure profiles based on the control signal.