Vehicle Vacuum Pump Control for Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling hydraulic brake system vacuum pumps in vehicles fail to adequately reduce power consumption and operating noise, limiting the efficiency of the brake system.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the state of the vehicle's ignition switch and its operational mode, including whether the vehicle is producing torque or moving, to control the vacuum pump's operation, ensuring it only runs when necessary to maintain optimal brake system pressure, thereby reducing power consumption and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vacuum pump operates continuously to maintain brake system pressure, then the brake system reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when vacuum pressure falls below a threshold or when specific driving conditions are detected (torque producing mode, vehicle movement), thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adequate brake system pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump control system dynamically adjusts operation based on real-time driving conditions, ignition state, and vacuum pressure levels, enabling the system to optimize between reliability and energy consumption by adapting pump operation to actual needs
2Reliability
If the vacuum pump operates frequently to maintain optimal pressure, then the brake system reliability is improved, but the pump operating noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump operates periodically based on vacuum pressure thresholds and driving conditions, remaining idle during normal operation to minimize noise generation while activating only when necessary to maintain brake system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors vacuum pressure and driving conditions in advance, activating the pump proactively only when conditions indicate a need for vacuum pressure restoration, thereby preventing unnecessary pump operation and associated noise
3Reliability
If the vacuum pump operates during all ignition states to ensure brake readiness, then the brake system reliability is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump control dynamically adapts operation based on ignition state, driving conditions, and vacuum pressure levels, enabling the system to maintain brake readiness when needed while conserving energy during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures brake readiness in advance by monitoring vacuum pressure and activating the pump proactively only when conditions indicate a need, rather than continuously operating during all ignition states
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
This approach enhances the operating efficiency of the brake system by minimizing power consumption and reducing pump noise, ensuring the brake system remains operational with reduced energy usage and noise levels.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump which may be operated by a motor connected to the vehicle power system so as to generate negative pressure (vacuum) on a working fluid (e.g., air)
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided that includes determining a state of a vehicle ignition switch; determining a state of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle state including at least one of whether the vehicle is in a torque producing mode, whether the vehicle is moving, and whether the vehicle brake system is engaged; and, controlling the vacuum pump in response to the vehicle state and the ignition switch state.