Electromechanical Brake Actuator Vibration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronically controlled braking systems with electromechanical brakes face challenges in detecting undesirable vibrations in actuators, which can lead to reduced clamping force and impaired brake function due to wear-related issues, especially at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method that monitors the current consumption of the actuator by analyzing the gradient of electrical signals to identify undesirable vibrations, using a threshold and delay time to distinguish between normal operation and vibration-induced oscillations, allowing for early detection and prevention of malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electromechanical brake is operated, then the brake function is achieved, but undesirable vibrations occur leading to reduced clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary detection of undesirable vibrations by monitoring current consumption patterns before they cause significant clamping force reduction. By detecting vibration patterns early through current analysis, the system can take preventive actions to maintain reliable brake function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the current consumption of the actuator and uses this feedback to detect vibration patterns. The control unit analyzes the current signal to identify characteristic vibration signatures, enabling real-time detection and response to maintain brake reliability.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect vibrations, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves dual purposes: it both actuates the brake and provides vibration detection through its current consumption patterns. The existing current sensors used for control purposes are also utilized for vibration detection, eliminating the need for separate vibration sensors and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The current consumption measurement serves multiple functions: controlling the actuator operation and detecting undesirable vibrations. This multi-functional use of existing sensors achieves vibration detection precision without adding dedicated vibration sensing components to the system.
3Reliability
If vibration detection is performed continuously, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration detection is performed continuously by utilizing the actuator's current consumption data that is already being measured for control purposes. Since the current measurement is already part of the normal operation, no additional energy is required for continuous vibration monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The current consumption signal acts as an intermediary that provides vibration information without requiring direct vibration measurement. By analyzing the electrical current patterns, the system indirectly detects vibrations with minimal additional energy expenditure compared to direct mechanical vibration sensing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting undesirable vibrations of an actuator of an electromechanical brake includes the steps of: (1) providing an electrical signal comprising at least one piece of information about a current consumption of the actuator or a parameter correlated with the current consumption; (2) monitoring an operation of the actuator on the basis of the gradient of the electrical signal in such a way that after switching on the actuator and preferably after a subsequent delay time, which includes determining: whether the amount of an initial instantaneous value of the gradient exceeds the amount of a threshold and whether a subsequent second instantaneous value of the gradient has an inverted sign compared to the first instantaneous value; (3) evaluating the results to ensure that an undesirable vibration is assessed as detected the aforementioned conditions are met.