Redundant Electric Brake Actuation With Backup Supercapacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-mechanical brake systems face the risk of complete failure if one of several components fails, compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
A brake system with a redundant brake actuation system and power supply unit, allowing the brake to be autonomously activated in case of failure, featuring a first power supply unit and a smaller redundant power supply unit, such as a supercapacitor, to ensure continued operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a redundant brake actuation system and redundant power supply unit are added, then braking safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is segmented into two independent actuation systems: a first brake actuation system with a first power supply unit, and a redundant brake actuation system with a redundant power supply unit. Each system can independently activate the electric brake actuator, ensuring that if one system fails, the other can still provide braking function. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant brake actuation system and redundant power supply unit are designed as a backup mechanism that activates beforehand in case of failure. The redundant power supply unit (such as a supercapacitor) is pre-charged and ready to provide energy immediately if the first power supply unit fails, cushioning against the harmful effect of complete system failure and ensuring continuous braking capability.
2Weight of moving object
If a redundant power supply unit with smaller capacity is used, then weight and volume are reduced, but energy storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant power supply unit is designed as a short-living backup energy source with smaller capacity, intended to provide energy only for a limited number of brake actions or brake release actions (typically one or a few operations). This approach uses a lighter, smaller energy storage device (such as a supercapacitor) that is sufficient for emergency use but does not need to match the full capacity of the first power supply unit, thereby reducing overall system weight and volume while maintaining safety.
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
Enhances braking safety by providing redundancy, reducing the risk of complete system failure and avoiding the need for additional locking devices, ensuring reliable parking and service brake functions even in the event of component failure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one brake with an electric brake actuator, such as a motor
Implementation Method 2
a redundant power supply unit, which is or comprises an energy storage
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a brake system including at least one brake with an electric brake actuator, at least one electronic control unit for controlling the at least one electric brake, and a first power supply unit and a redundant power supply unit, each connected to the at least one electronic control unit and configured for supplying energy to the at least one electric brake actuator. The at least one electronic control unit comprises a first brake actuation system for activating the electric brake actuator and a redundant brake actuation system for activating the electric brake actuator in case of a failure of the first brake actuation system. The first power supply unit is connected to the redundant power supply unit for charging the redundant power supply unit. The invention also relates to a method for using the brake system.