Brake system, method for controlling said brake system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing braking devices for rotational movements in drive systems, such as vehicle doors and height-adjustable tables, require a large braking torque to counteract gravity, leading to excessive energy consumption and wear, especially when the load is low or the vehicle is in a less problematic position, making operation laborious and reducing the service life.

Innovation Solution

A braking device with adjustable braking and counter-braking torque, utilizing a freewheel mechanism and adjustable components like a connecting device and springs, allows for differential torque settings in opposite directions, reducing energy consumption and wear by adapting to varying loads and positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large braking torque is selected to hold the load in the desired position against the largest closing force, then the load can be held safely in all vehicle positions, but excessive braking torque acts in the opposite direction of movement, making manual operation laborious and increasing energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to hold load in desired positionVSAvoidmanual operation comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The braking device is designed with adjustable braking torque that can be modified depending on the direction of movement and vehicle position. The braking torque is higher when closing the tailgate to counteract gravity, and lower when opening it, making the system dynamic rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by adapting the braking force to the actual operational needs in different directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of braking torque from a fixed large value to a variable value that depends on the movement direction and vehicle inclination. By adjusting the braking torque parameter according to the operational phase (opening vs. closing), the system maintains reliability when needed while reducing operational effort during manual movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a large braking torque is selected to prevent uncontrolled downward movement of the table top under greatest load, then the table can be held safely, but excessive braking torque increases wear of the braking device and drive system, reducing service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of uncontrolled movementVSAvoidservice life of braking device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The braking torque is made dynamic and adjustable based on the actual load and position conditions. The device applies higher braking torque only when necessary to prevent uncontrolled movement, and reduces it during normal operation, thereby maintaining safety while minimizing wear on the braking components and extending service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The braking torque parameter is changed from a constantly high fixed value to a variable value that adapts to the actual operational conditions. This parameter adjustment ensures reliable prevention of uncontrolled movement when needed, while reducing wear during normal operation, thus extending the service life of the braking device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a large braking torque is selected to counteract gravity in all vehicle positions, then the tailgate can be held securely, but energy consumption of the drive system increases significantly on average

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to hold tailgate in positionVSAvoidenergy consumption of drive system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The braking device uses dynamic adjustment of braking torque based on vehicle position and movement direction. The braking torque is applied at higher levels only when the tailgate needs to be held against gravity in specific positions, and reduced or released during opening operations, thereby minimizing the average energy consumption of the drive system while maintaining holding reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The braking torque parameter is adjusted according to the vehicle position and operational phase. By changing the braking torque from a constant high value to a variable value that matches the actual gravitational counteraction needs, the system maintains secure holding capability while significantly reducing the average energy consumption of the drive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables efficient and safe operation by optimizing torque settings based on load and position, reducing energy consumption and extending the service life of the braking device and drive system while preventing uncontrolled movements.

Implementation Method 1

a brake disk (9) connected to the shaft (8) via a freewheel (11), which is designed to interact with a thrust disk (17) to generate a braking torque on the shaft (8), the freewheel (11) coupling the brake disk (9) to the shaft (8) when the shaft (8) rotates in the direction of rotation and decoupled from the shaft (8) when the shaft (8) rotates in the opposite direction of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFreewheel mechanism: Ratchet

Implementation Method 2

The brake disk and the thrust disk can interact mechanically, in particular through friction against one another, to generate the braking torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

a spring (15) for pressing the thrust disk (17) against the brake disk (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3966467B1Brake system, method for controlling said brake system
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 STABILUS GMBH
  • EP3966467B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3966467B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3966467B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a brake device (2) for braking a rotational movement of a shaft (8) about its longitudinal axis (LA), wherein the shaft (8) is mounted so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis (LA) in a rotational direction and in an opposing rotational direction, counter to the rotational direction. Such brake devices (2) generally use constant and relatively high braking torques in order to ensure in every situation a controlled movement of a movement section which is braked by the brake device. However, this increases the energy consumption for a movement of the movement section and increases the wear of the brake device. According to the invention, the brake device (2) is equipped on the shaft (8) with a setting device for setting a braking torque during a rotational movement of the shaft (8) in the rotational direction and a counter-braking torque during a rotation of the shaft (8) in the opposing rotational direction, in opposite directions to one another. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a brake device (2) according to the invention.