Redundancy Valve Assembly for Independent ABS Brake Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake pressure redundancy systems in vehicles require functional main actuators, leading to increased installation space and fluidic disadvantages, and do not allow independent control of service and redundant brake pressures.

Innovation Solution

An electrically controllable redundancy valve arrangement with a solenoid valve unit that selectively controls service or redundant brake pressures at the brake actuator connection, independent of the main actuator's functionality, using solenoid valves and pilot valves to manage pressure distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing brake pressure redundancy systems use functional main actuators, then brake pressure control is achieved, but installation space increases and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake pressure controlVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent pressure sources: a service brake pressure source and a redundancy brake pressure source. Each has its own control path to the brake actuator, allowing independent operation and reducing the need for complex interdependencies between components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A redundancy control unit acts as an intermediary between the redundancy brake pressure source and the brake actuator. This mediator can selectively supply brake pressure independently of the main actuator, enabling fault-tolerant operation without requiring the main actuator to be functional

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If service and redundant brake pressures are controlled through the same actuator, then brake pressure is applied, but independent control is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake pressure applicationVSAvoidindependent control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The brake pressure supply system is segmented into two independent paths: one path from the service brake pressure source through the service brake pressure modulator, and another path from the redundancy brake pressure source through the redundancy brake pressure modulator and redundancy control unit. Both paths can independently control the brake actuator

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between service and redundancy control paths based on operational needs and fault conditions. The redundancy control unit can take over control when the service system fails, providing adaptive and versatile brake pressure control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If redundant components are added for fault tolerance, then reliability improves, but installation space and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault toleranceVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The redundancy brake pressure modulator and redundancy control unit are designed to perform multiple functions: normal redundancy operation, fault detection, and independent brake pressure control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, minimizing installation space while maintaining fault tolerance

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

Enables independent control of brake pressures, allowing for fault-tolerant operation, enhanced efficiency, and reduced installation space requirements by decoupling service and redundant pressures, with features like ABS modulation and rapid venting.

Implementation Method 1

a solenoid valve unit (10) which is connected to at least the service brake pressure connection (4) and the redundancy brake pressure connection (6) and is switchable by at least one first switching signal (S1, S2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentEP4440888B1Redundancy valve assembly and brake system comprising pressure modulation via redundantly formed abs valves
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ZF CV SYST GLOBAL GMBH
  • EP4440888B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4440888B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4440888B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a redundancy valve assembly (1) for redundantly supplying a redundant brake pressure (p2) into a service brake pressure path (40) of an electronically controllable pneumatic braking system (204) for a vehicle (200), preferably a utility vehicle (200), comprising a service brake pressure connection (4) for receiving a service brake pressure (p1) from a service brake pressure modulator (142); a redundancy brake pressure connection (6) for receiving a redundancy brake pressure (p2) from a redundancy brake pressure modulator (142), and a brake actuator connection (8) for connecting at least one brake actuator (207). The redundancy valve assembly (1) is electrically actuatable in order to optionally modulate the service brake pressure (p1) or the redundancy brake pressure (p2) at the brake actuator connection (8). The invention also relates to an electronically controllable pneumatic braking system (204), to a vehicle (200) and to a method.