Redundant Axle Brake Module With Dual Pneumatic Control Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial vehicle brake systems lack redundancy in control circuits, rendering them unsuitable for highly automated vehicles where the driver is not present, as they do not provide a means to substitute brake control in case of electronic control circuit malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A brake system for commercial vehicles featuring a redundant electro-pneumatic service brake system and an electro-pneumatic parking brake system, with at least one axle equipped with a 2-channel electro-pneumatic device controlling two independent pneumatic circuits for service and parking brake actuators, utilizing integrated redundant electronic units to eliminate the need for a dedicated electronic brake control unit and reduce system complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electronic control circuit is used in brake systems, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates because there is no redundancy to substitute control in case of malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control system is segmented into two independent control circuits: a primary electronic control circuit and a secondary electronic control circuit. Each circuit can independently control the brake actuators, providing redundancy while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single control circuit to a dual control circuit configuration, changing the structural parameter of the control architecture. This parameter change enables failover capability where the secondary circuit can take over control functions if the primary circuit fails
2Reliability
If redundant brake systems are added to provide failover capability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control units
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary electronic control circuit is integrated into the existing electronic control unit housing, merging the redundant control functionality with the primary control structure. This combining approach provides failover capability while avoiding the need for completely separate control units
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it houses both the primary and secondary control circuits, and can operate in normal mode (primary circuit active) or failover mode (secondary circuit active). This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated separate components
3Ease of operation
If pneumatic brake systems are eliminated from the cabin, then ease of operation is improved for automated vehicles, but reliability worsens because the driver cannot directly control brakes in case of electronic failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct mechanical/pneumatic driver control with electronic control circuits that can be managed by automated driving systems. The electronic control unit accepts brake commands and translates them into pneumatic actuation, enabling automated operation while maintaining brake functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
A brake system for a commercial vehicle, wherein the commercial vehicle comprises at least one front axle (F) and at least one rear axle (R), comprises a redundant electro-pneumatic service brake system and an electro-pneumatic parking brake system, wherein at least one axle (F, R) of the vehicle is equipped with an electro-pneumatic device (9, 10) which comprises redundant electric and/or electronic devices which are configured to control two independent electro-pneumatic circuits. At least one axle (F, R) of the vehicle is equipped with a 2-channel electro-pneumatic device (9, 10) having redundant electric/electronic devices, which is configured to control two independent pneumatic circuits, wherein one circuit is configured to control one or more service brake actuators (12, 13) which are associated with at least one axle (F, R), and wherein the other pneumatic circuit is configured to control one or more parking brake actuators (12, 13) which are associated with at least one axle (F, R). The 2-channel electro-pneumatic device comprises a redundant axle module (9, 10) which comprises a 1-channel electro-pneumatic modulator (EPM) and a 1-channel electronic parking brake module (EPB) forming an integrated redundant electronic service brake control unit and an integrated electronic parking brake control unit.