Integrated Vehicle Braking System with Torque Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic brake systems are bulky, heavy, and analog, making them unsuitable for integration with digital systems in modern vehicles and inefficient in regenerative braking applications, particularly in hybrid and electric vehicles where additional braking mechanisms are needed for safe deceleration.
Innovation Solution
A mutually integrated drive and brake system utilizing electric motors for both driving and braking, incorporating regenerative, friction, and induction braking mechanisms, with a brake blending mechanism to maximize regenerative braking and minimize friction brake wear, and employing transmissions for torque amplification to reduce system size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydraulic brake systems are used, then braking function is achieved, but system weight and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive system and brake system into a single integrated electro-mechanical unit. The electric motor serves dual functions: providing driving torque during acceleration and generating regenerative braking torque during deceleration. This merging eliminates the need for separate hydraulic brake components, significantly reducing system weight and volume while maintaining reliable braking function through multiple braking mechanisms (regenerative, friction, and induction brakes).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional hydraulic mechanical brake system with an electro-mechanical system. Instead of using hydraulic fluid and mechanical linkages to transmit braking force, the system uses electric motor control to generate electromagnetic torque for braking. This substitution eliminates heavy hydraulic components and enables precise digital control of braking force, resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.
2Reliability
If conventional hydraulic brake systems are used, then braking control is achieved, but integration with digital systems becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analog hydraulic control system with a digital electro-mechanical control system. The electric motor's torque output is precisely controlled through electronic control units that receive digital signals from vehicle sensors and autonomous driving systems. This enables seamless integration with modern digital vehicle architectures, allowing for sophisticated braking strategies including regenerative braking, friction braking, and induction braking to be coordinated through software algorithms rather than mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated electro-mechanical system provides multiple braking functions through a single unified platform. The same electric motor that provides driving torque also provides regenerative braking torque, and can be supplemented by friction brakes and induction brakes when needed. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to various driving conditions and seamlessly integrate with both traditional and autonomous driving systems, resolving the contradiction between reliable braking control and digital system adaptability.
3Loss of energy
If regenerative braking is maximized, then energy recovery is improved, but braking performance at low RPM may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking function into multiple independent braking mechanisms: regenerative braking for energy recovery at higher speeds, friction brakes for reliable stopping at low speeds, and induction brakes for supplemental braking effect. Each braking mechanism operates independently but can be coordinated through the control system. This segmentation allows the system to maximize energy recovery through regenerative braking while ensuring reliable braking performance at low RPM by engaging friction and induction brakes when needed, resolving the contradiction between energy recovery and low-speed braking reliability.
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 achieves efficient braking with reduced wear on friction brakes, enhanced braking performance, and compatibility with digital systems, allowing for compact and lightweight vehicle designs while maintaining effective braking capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
regenerative braking may not be sufficient to slow down or stop the vehicle on its own
Implementation Method 2
the vehicle's friction brakes can be engaged to supplement regenerative braking
Implementation Method 3
induction brakes (i.e., eddy current brakes) can also be engaged to enhance the overall braking effect
Data Source
AI summary
A brake system of a vehicle is disclosed. The braking system includes: a sensor configured to transmit a signal; a brake control unit (BCU) connected to the sensor and configured to determining a braking torque in response to the received signal; an electric motor connected to the BCU and configured to generate the braking torque; a braking mechanism connected to the electric motor to produce an braking effect from the braking torque; and a transmission situated between the braking mechanism and the wheel and configured to amplify the braking effect.