Plunger-Based Secondary Brake Module for Backup Brake Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems lack a reliable backup mechanism to ensure continuous braking functionality in case of primary power transmission unit failure, potentially leading to reduced safety and control during vehicular braking.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic brake system incorporating a secondary power transmission unit and electronic control units to actuate rear wheel brakes electrically in a backup mode, along with a multiplex control valve arrangement and ABS modulator to maintain controlled braking, utilizing a pedal simulator for simulated brake pedal response and a reservoir with redundant fluid sections for pressure maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single primary power transmission unit is used for hydraulic braking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to lack of backup mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into multiple independent power transmission paths: a primary power transmission unit for normal operation and a secondary power transmission unit for backup. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through redundancy while keeping each individual unit relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary power transmission unit is prepared in advance as a backup mechanism before any failure occurs. This prior cushioning ensures that if the primary unit fails, the system can immediately switch to the secondary unit without loss of braking functionality, thereby maintaining high reliability.
2Reliability
If electrical actuation of rear brakes is added for backup mode, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges hydraulic and electrical actuation methods into a unified braking system. The rear brakes can be actuated either hydraulically through the power transmission unit or electrically through brake motors, providing redundant pathways while integrating both approaches into a single coordinated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear wheel brakes are designed with multi-functionality, capable of being actuated through multiple mechanisms (hydraulic pressure from the power transmission unit or direct electrical actuation by brake motors). This universal design enhances reliability by providing alternative actuation paths while avoiding the need for completely separate systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple control valves and ABS modulator are incorporated, then the braking control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ABS modulator arrangement acts as an intermediary between the power transmission unit and the brakes, precisely controlling brake pressure by modulating the hydraulic fluid flow. This intermediary component enables precise braking control while centralizing the complexity in a dedicated module rather than distributing it throughout the entire system.
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
Ensures continuous and controlled braking performance even in failure scenarios by providing a backup power source and electrical actuation of rear brakes, enhancing safety and reliability through redundant systems and controlled pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
a master cylinder selectively operable during a manual push-through mode by actuation of a brake pedal connected thereto to generate brake actuating pressure
Implementation Method 2
A pedal simulator is in selective fluid communication with the master cylinder for providing predetermined brake pedal response
Data Source
AI summary
A brake system for actuating a pair of front wheel brakes and a pair of rear wheel brakes is selectively operable during a manual push-through mode. A primary power transmission unit actuates at least one of wheel brakes in a normal braking mode. A secondary power transmission unit actuates the front wheel brakes in a backup braking mode. A primary electronic control unit controls at least one of the primary power transmission unit and a pair of rear brake motors. A secondary electronic control unit controls at least one of the secondary power transmission unit and the rear brake motors. An ABS modulator arrangement is hydraulically interposed between at least one of first and second three-way valves and at least a selected wheel brake. A multiplex control valve arrangement is hydraulically interposed between the secondary power transmission unit and the front wheel brakes.