Annular Multi-Piston Brake Actuation for Compact Force Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-piston release systems for vehicle braking systems are not optimized for space efficiency and force transmission, particularly in electric or hybrid vehicles, leading to potential inefficiencies and additional housing component requirements.

Innovation Solution

A multi-piston release system with an annular housing and pressure transmission device that allows for axial force transmission without additional housing components, integrating seamlessly into the transmission housing and utilizing a spring mechanism for piston return.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional multi-piston release systems are used in vehicle braking systems, then the braking function can be achieved, but the system requires additional housing components and occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupied by release systemVSAvoidnumber of housing components
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the release system housing with the transmission housing by integrating the multi-piston release system directly into the existing transmission housing structure. The housing sections are designed to be received within the transmission housing, eliminating the need for separate housing components and reducing overall system volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission housing serves multiple functions: it houses the transmission components and simultaneously accommodates the multi-piston release system. This multi-functional design allows the same housing structure to perform both transmission containment and brake actuation functions, reducing the total number of housing components required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Force

If conventional force transmission methods are used, then piston actuation is achieved, but additional housing components are required for force transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuating force transmissionVSAvoidhousing components for force transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the force transmission function from separate housing components and integrates it directly into the transmission housing structure. The housing sections are designed with integrated force transmission paths that eliminate the need for additional intermediate housing components, allowing actuating force to be transmitted directly from the pistons through the housing sections to the brake mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Volume of moving object

If the release system is designed for compact integration, then space efficiency is improved, but the force transmission capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration spaceVSAvoidactuating force capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent arranges the multiple housing sections and pistons in a circumferential distribution around the transmission housing, utilizing the radial dimension efficiently. This spatial arrangement allows compact integration while maintaining adequate force transmission paths, as each piston can exert force radially outward against the transmission housing wall, which then transmits the force to the brake mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables a compact and efficient actuation of braking devices within the vehicle's wet compartment, reducing the need for additional housing components and enhancing the force transmission capability.

Implementation Method 1

the spring assembly (26) is configured to return the piston (18) of the actuating arrangement (3) to its initial position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a pressure force as the actuating force can be introduced into a multi-plate clutch assembly of the braking device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4482717B1Multi-piston disengagement system for a brake device of a vehicle, brake device for a vehicle having a multi-piston disengagement system, and transmission arrangement for a vehicle having the brake device
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP4482717B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4482717B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4482717B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a functionally improved multi-piston disengagement system (1) for actuating a brake apparatus (41) of a brake device (40) for a vehicle. The multi-piston disengagement system (1) comprises an annular housing (2) which has a main axis (5), the main axis (5) defining an axial direction (6). The annular housing (2) comprises a plurality of housing portions (4), wherein a pressure chamber (9) that is and/or can be filled with a fluid is arranged in each housing portion (4). The multi-piston disengagement system (1) has a plurality of hydraulic actuation assemblies (3), a housing portion (4) being associated with each actuation assembly (3). Each actuating assembly (3) comprises a piston assembly (17) with a hydraulically movable piston (18) which can execute an actuating stroke in the axial direction (6) in the event of hydraulic pressure application and which can generate an actuating force for activating the brake apparatus (41). The actuating force can be dissipated into the annular housing (2) so that the actuation of the brake apparatus (41) can occur in an axial force-free manner.