Wheel Brake Cross-Powering for Redundant Dual Energy Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking systems for highly automated vehicles lack redundancy in energy sources and control units, leading to potential failure of both systems simultaneously, which compromises deceleration performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A braking system with two independent brake circuits, where each wheel brake is directly connected to one energy source and can supply energy to the other wheel brake in case of failure, using power control units and DC-DC converters for galvanic isolation and unidirectional energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single energy storage element is used to power auxiliary components during regenerative braking, then the system structure remains simple, but the auxiliary components cannot remain activated throughout the entire regenerative braking period due to insufficient energy storage
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into two distinct components: a first energy storage element (capacitor or supercapacitor) for immediate power delivery during regenerative braking, and a second energy storage element (battery) for sustained energy storage. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling continuous power supply without requiring a single oversized complex storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual energy storage system creates a multi-functional energy management architecture where the first energy storage element handles peak power demands during regenerative braking events, while the second energy storage element provides baseline power and long-term energy storage. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by distributing roles across two simpler components rather than requiring one complex universal storage system.
2Productivity
If the auxiliary power component is activated throughout the entire regenerative braking period, then continuous energy capture is achieved, but excessive heat is generated during high-power charging
Solution Approach 1:
The charging function is segmented between two energy storage elements with different thermal characteristics. The first energy storage element (capacitor/supercapacitor) accepts high-power charging during regenerative braking with better heat dissipation capabilities, while the second energy storage element (battery) charges at lower power rates, reducing heat generation. This segmentation enables continuous energy capture while managing thermal loads effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes power transfer parameters between the two energy storage elements based on thermal conditions and charging state. During high-power regenerative braking, the first energy storage element absorbs the majority of energy with its superior power handling and thermal management. As it charges, the system adjusts parameters to transfer energy to the second element, which charges more slowly, thereby controlling overall heat generation while maintaining continuous energy capture.
3Quantity of substance
If a large single energy storage element is used to provide continuous power during regenerative braking, then sufficient energy capacity is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The total energy storage capacity is segmented between two smaller energy storage elements rather than using one large element. The first energy storage element (capacitor/supercapacitor) provides high-power short-term storage, while the second energy storage element (battery) provides lower-power long-term storage. This segmentation achieves the required total energy capacity while using two simpler, more cost-effective components instead of one complex large-scale storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges two different types of energy storage technologies (capacitor/supercapacitor and battery) into a hybrid architecture. Each technology contributes its strengths: the capacitor/supercapacitor provides high power density and rapid response, while the battery provides high energy density and cost-effectiveness. This merging achieves sufficient total energy capacity with lower overall system complexity and cost compared to using a single large battery or capacitor 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 continued deceleration performance by maintaining at least three out of four wheel brakes operational, even in the event of energy source or control unit failure, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitor, the controller is configured to control the capacitor to store electric energy generated during regenerative braking events
Implementation Method 2
a battery of the vehicle is configured to store electric energy generated during regenerative braking events
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a brake system (100) with at least two energy sources (116, 118) and at least two electromechanical wheel brakes (108, 110, 112, 114), wherein a first wheel brake (108) is directly connected exclusively to a first of the energy sources (118) and is not directly connected to a second of the energy sources (116), and a second wheel brake (110) is directly connected to the second energy source (116) and is not directly connected to the first energy source (118). According to the invention, it is provided here that the wheel brakes (108, 110, 112, 114) are each configured to, in the event of failure of the energy source (116, 118) of the respective other wheel brake (108, 110, 112, 114), supply energy to the other wheel brake (108, 110, 112, 114) from the remaining energy source (116, 118).