Actuator Alignment Element and Spring Fixation for Brake Booster Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake booster systems face challenges in stabilizing the drive unit to the transmission unit, particularly along the transmission axis, where traditional fixation methods like screws or plugs are disruptive or impossible due to space constraints, leading to potential misalignment and noise issues.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical brake booster system with a drive unit connected to a gear unit via an alignment element and counter-element, utilizing a spring element like a tolerance ring with an annular groove and varying groove shoulders to ensure precise engagement and prevent overloading, allowing for adjustable fixation strength and easy assembly/disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional fixation methods like screws or plugs are used to connect the drive unit to the transmission unit, then the connection can be stabilized, but the installation space is disrupted or fixation becomes impossible due to space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidinstallation space disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into two separate components: an alignment element provided on one of the units and a complementary counter-element provided on the other unit. This segmentation allows the connection to be made without disrupting installation space, as the elements engage externally rather than requiring internal fixation points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment element and counter-element act as intermediary components that facilitate the connection between the drive unit and transmission unit. These intermediary elements enable stabilization without requiring direct fixation into the main bodies of the units, thus avoiding space disruption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the drive unit is fixed rigidly to the transmission unit, then stability is improved, but noise and vibration increase due to lack of damping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidnoise and vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection parameters are changed from rigid to compliant by introducing the spring element. This allows the connection to maintain positional stability while accommodating vibrations and reducing noise through elastic deformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing vibrations and shocks before they can propagate through the connection between the drive unit and transmission unit, thus reducing noise and vibration while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the fixation element is made very strong to prevent movement, then connection stability is improved, but the risk of breaking during installation or overloading increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidrisk of breaking
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation strength parameter is optimized to be sufficient for preventing unwanted movement during operation, but not excessive to cause breaking during installation. The spring element provides the necessary strength while its elastic properties prevent catastrophic failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element provides beforehand cushioning against overloading by deforming elastically under excessive loads, thus preventing breaking of the fixation element while maintaining connection stability under normal operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 configuration enhances the stability and noise damping of the brake booster system by preventing unwanted movement and gear misalignment, improving the service life and operational quietness.

Implementation Method 1

The resilient property can be understood as flexibility when installing the alignment element and counter-element. The flexibility means that the fixing element can yield under the action of force when it is inserted between the counter-element and the alignment element.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3595950B1Actuator comprising a drive unit and a transmission unit
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3595950B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3595950B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3595950B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an actuator comprising a drive unit (1) for driving a transmission unit (2) of an actuator; the drive unit (1) includes an alignment element (7) which engages a mating element (4) of the transmission unit (2) to be driven; a fastening element (16) between the alignment element (7) and the mating element allows the alignment element (7) to be secured in the mating element (4).