Vacuum Pump Pressure Threshold Adaptation for Vehicle Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum pump management systems in motor vehicle braking systems face challenges in determining optimal differential pressure thresholds for efficient operation, as current methods are not adaptable to varying altitudes and repetitive braking situations, leading to inefficiencies and premature pump activation.
Innovation Solution
A method using an electronic control unit to dynamically adjust differential pressure thresholds based on vehicle speed and altitude, with specific thresholds for starting, stopping, and alerting, and inhibiting changes during repetitive braking situations to maintain optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed differential pressure thresholds are used for vacuum pump control, then the system is simple to implement, but the vacuum pump operates unnecessarily at varying altitudes and speeds, increasing energy consumption and reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the differential pressure thresholds variable rather than fixed. The electronic control unit dynamically adjusts the first and second differential pressure thresholds based on real-time vehicle speed and altitude data, allowing the system to adapt to changing operating conditions and optimize vacuum pump operation accordingly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the differential pressure threshold values based on vehicle speed and altitude. The system changes the first threshold (controlling pump stopping) and second threshold (controlling pump starting) as functions of speed and altitude parameters, enabling optimal braking assistance across diverse operating conditions
2Reliability
If the vacuum pump operates frequently to maintain differential pressure, then braking assistance reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and pump lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting future braking demands based on current vehicle speed and altitude conditions. By adjusting thresholds in advance according to expected operating conditions, the system prepares the vacuum system to provide reliable braking assistance when needed while avoiding unnecessary pump operation during conditions where sufficient differential pressure can be maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring vehicle speed, altitude, and differential pressure conditions, then using this information to adjust the differential pressure thresholds. This closed-loop approach ensures the vacuum pump operates only when necessary to maintain reliable braking assistance while minimizing energy consumption
3Use of energy by moving object
If differential pressure thresholds are adjusted based on vehicle speed, then energy consumption is reduced, but braking assistance may be insufficient during repetitive braking situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting repetitive braking situations in advance and preemptively counteracting the potential harm of insufficient braking assistance. When repetitive braking is detected, the electronic control unit inhibits threshold modification, maintaining conservative fixed thresholds that ensure sufficient vacuum pressure for reliable braking assistance during demanding operating conditions
4Reliability
If the vacuum pump is activated at low differential pressure, then sufficient vacuum is maintained for braking assistance, but the pump operates prematurely and consumes excess energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by making the second differential pressure threshold (controlling pump activation) a variable parameter that increases with vehicle speed and altitude. This allows the system to tolerate higher differential pressures at high speeds where aerodynamic effects provide additional braking assistance, delaying pump activation and reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient vacuum pressure for reliable braking
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns the management of a vacuum pump connected to the braking system of a motor vehicle, and the use of an electronic control unit connected to the vacuum pump. At least one differential pressure threshold associated with the vacuum pump, selected from a first differential pressure threshold controlling the stopping of the operation of the vacuum pump, a second differential pressure threshold controlling the starting of the vacuum pump, and a third differential pressure threshold, lower than the second threshold and signalling alerts representative of operating faults, is determined by taking into account a first set of data representative of the detection or otherwise of a repetitive braking situation and/or a second set of data representative of the altitude of the vehicle.