Utility Vehicle Brake Control Using Auxiliary Actuators in Failure Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking systems for commercial vehicles fail to reliably ensure braking functionality in the event of a partial failure of the service braking system while maintaining a simple construction.
Innovation Solution
A braking system for commercial vehicles that includes an auxiliary braking system controlled by a control unit to initiate braking operations via auxiliary brake actuators, compensating for partial failures in the service braking system, allowing for reliable braking without additional hydraulic or pneumatic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary braking system with additional hydraulic or pneumatic components is implemented to ensure reliable braking during service braking system failure, then braking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or pneumatic auxiliary braking components with an electromechanical actuator that is already present in the vehicle. The existing actuator, originally designed for other functions, is repurposed to provide braking force through electronic control, eliminating the need for additional hydraulic pumps, reservoirs, or pneumatic compressors while maintaining braking reliability during service system failure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing actuator multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original function and serve as an auxiliary braking device. This universal approach allows the same component to operate in different modes depending on system needs, providing emergency braking capability without requiring dedicated auxiliary braking hardware, thus reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If a redundant auxiliary braking system is added to compensate for service braking failure, then braking reliability is improved, but the construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the existing actuator to serve itself by implementing a fail-operational capability where the actuator can be directly controlled by the control unit when the service braking system fails. The system uses its own existing infrastructure (power supply, control electronics, mechanical connection to braking device) to provide redundant braking function, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary braking subsystems and reducing construction complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the auxiliary braking function with the existing actuator system rather than implementing it as a separate redundant system. By combining multiple functions (original actuator function + auxiliary braking) into a single integrated component, the patent achieves braking reliability through functional redundancy without the physical complexity of separate auxiliary braking hardware
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a brake system (1) comprising a service brake system (8), an auxiliary brake system (28), and brake devices (5, 6) for vehicle wheels (2, 3) of the utility vehicle. In the service brake system (8), at least one associated service brake actuator is activated in a normal operating mode when at least one brake-actuating device (21, 22) is actuated, the activation of said service brake actuator actuating the associated brake device (5, 6) in a manner corresponding to the actuation of the at least one brake-actuating device (21, 22). In the auxiliary brake system (28), actuation of at least one of the brake devices (5, 6) can be initiated by means of at least one control unit (25). In the auxiliary brake system (28), the actuation of the at least one brake device (5, 6) is initiated by means of the control unit (25) by activating at least one auxiliary brake actuator (29), wherein, during an emergency operating mode, the at least one control unit (7) accesses the auxiliary brake actuator (29) upon detection of the actuation of the at least one brake-actuating device (21, 22). Thus the at least one control unit (7) uses the auxiliary brake actuator (29) to adjust an actuation of the at least one brake device (5, 6), which actuation is oriented to a degree of actuation of the at least one brake-actuating device (21, 22).