Vehicle Oil Reservoir Rib Structure Against Brake Fluid Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric vehicles, the oil reservoir arrangement can lead to backward flow of oil between the main and remote reservoirs during vehicle turns, causing hydraulic pressure imbalances and potential malfunctions in the wheel brake system.
Innovation Solution
The oil reservoir assembly incorporates ribs within the second oil reservoir, positioned adjacent to the inlet, to prevent backward flow by forming an air pocket, ensuring consistent hydraulic pressure and preventing oil leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the remote reservoir is disposed spaced apart from the main reservoir to secure trunk installation space, then the trunk space is increased, but oil may flow backward from the main reservoir to the remote reservoir during vehicle turning, causing brake malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the oil reservoir system into two separate reservoirs (main reservoir and remote reservoir) positioned at different locations. The main reservoir is integrated with the master cylinder while the remote reservoir is positioned to maximize trunk space. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each reservoir's position and function, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flow restrictor as an intermediary component between the main reservoir and remote reservoir. This flow restrictor acts as a one-way valve that allows oil to flow from the main reservoir to the remote reservoir but prevents backward flow during vehicle turning. The intermediary component enables the system to maintain both the spaced-apart configuration for trunk space and the reliability needed to prevent brake malfunction.
2Area of stationary object
If the oil reservoir volume is reduced to secure trunk space, then the trunk space is increased, but the oil reservoir may not accommodate sufficient working fluid for the wheel brake device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total working fluid capacity into two separate reservoirs: the main reservoir integrated with the master cylinder and the remote reservoir positioned in the trunk area. This segmentation allows the system to maintain sufficient total working fluid volume while optimizing trunk space utilization, as the remote reservoir occupies otherwise unused space without interfering with trunk accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional space available in the trunk area by positioning the remote reservoir in an optimally located position that maximizes space utilization. Rather than simply reducing reservoir volume, the solution extends the reservoir system into another spatial dimension (the trunk area), thereby maintaining total fluid capacity while preserving trunk functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the remote reservoir is connected to the main reservoir by a hose, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the system complexity increases and backward flow may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow restrictor as an intermediary component within the hose connection between the main reservoir and remote reservoir. This flow restrictor serves multiple functions: it maintains the flexible hose connection for installation adaptability while preventing backward flow of oil during vehicle turning. The intermediary component adds minimal complexity while significantly improving system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose connection system is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides flexible installation positioning, maintains hydraulic pressure equilibrium between reservoirs, and when combined with the flow restrictor, prevents backward flow. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while achieving multiple objectives.
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
The rib structure effectively suppresses backward oil flow, maintaining sufficient hydraulic pressure and preventing brake system malfunctions, even during turns and deceleration.
Implementation Method 1
a first rib located inside the second oil reservoir, extending from an upper surface of the second oil reservoir and parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and extending in a first direction of the inlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure in some embodiments provides an oil reservoir assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a first oil reservoir formed with an outlet; a second oil reservoir spaced apart from the first oil reservoir in a lateral direction and in front of the vehicle, in fluid communication with a master cylinder, and having an inlet; a connecting member connecting the outlet and the inlet to convey a working fluid from the first oil reservoir to the second oil reservoir and a first rib located inside the second oil reservoir, extending from an upper surface of the second oil reservoir and parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and extending in a first direction of the inlet.