Redundant Hydraulic Brake Assembly With Single Interconnect
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking systems for highly automated driving require complex designs that are costly and lack sufficient redundancy for reliable operation, particularly in the event of electrical failures or leaks.
Innovation Solution
A braking system is divided into two assemblies, each with a pressure source, inlet and outlet valves for each wheel brake, and a pressure medium reservoir, connected by a single pressure-resistant hydraulic element, with clear electrical partitions and minimal non-pressure-resistant connections to reduce complexity and cost while ensuring redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pressure-resistant hydraulic connections are used between assemblies, then system reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is divided into two independent assemblies (first and second assemblies), each capable of independently actuating all wheel brakes. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even if one assembly fails, thereby improving reliability without requiring multiple pressure-resistant connections between assemblies. Each assembly has its own pressure source and control valves, creating redundant independent pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
Both assemblies are designed with universal functionality to independently perform the complete braking function. Each assembly contains a pressure source, inlet valves, and outlet valves that can independently control all wheel brakes. This multi-functionality ensures that either assembly can fully actuate the braking system, improving reliability while minimizing the need for complex inter-assembly hydraulic connections.
2Reliability
If more electrical components and valves are added for redundancy, then availability for highly automated driving improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical control system is segmented into two independent control units, each capable of independently controlling all braking functions. This segmentation provides redundancy for highly automated driving without requiring additional electrical components beyond the dual assembly architecture. Each control unit can independently operate all inlet and outlet valves, ensuring availability even if one control unit fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of pressure generation and valve control into integrated assemblies, where each assembly contains both a pressure source and the necessary control valves. This merging reduces the need for separate electrical components and simplifies the overall system architecture, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the redundancy required for high availability.
3Reliability
If electrical partitions are implemented for redundancy, then reliability under electrical failures improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements electrical partitions by dividing the braking system into two electrically independent assemblies, each with its own control unit and electrical circuitry. This segmentation ensures that electrical failures in one assembly do not affect the other, improving reliability under electrical failures without requiring additional complexity beyond the dual assembly structure.
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 system maintains high availability and reliability by minimizing hydraulic connections, reducing power consumption, and ensuring residual braking functions even with electrical failures, making it suitable for highly automated driving.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrically actuated pressure source (5) arranged in a first assembly (100), a second electrically actuated pressure source (2) arranged in a second assembly (200), wherein the first pressure source (5) and the second pressure source (2) are connected to a brake supply line (13)
Implementation Method 2
an electrically actuated inlet valve (6a-6d) for each wheel brake (8a-8d) and an electrically actuated outlet valve (7a-7d) for each wheel brake (8a-8d)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a brake system for a motor vehicle for at least four hydraulically actuatable wheel brakes (8a-8d), comprising a first component (100) which is equipped with a first electrically actuatable pressure source (5), a second component (200) which is equipped with a second electrically actuatable pressure source (2), an electrically actuatable inlet valve (6a-6d) per wheel brake, and an electrically actuatable outlet valve (7a-7d) per wheel brake; and comprising a pressurized medium storage container (4), wherein the first pressure source (5) and the second pressure source (2) are connected to a brake supply line (13) to which the at least four inlet valves (6a-6d) are connected, and the first component (100) and the second component (200) are connected together by maximally one pressure-tight hydraulic connection element (80).