Integrated Duct for Brake Actuator Seal Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brake caliper tightness monitoring methods are inefficient and costly, requiring significant time and resources to ensure the tight coupling between the actuator and caliper body before sale or vehicle installation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a duct within the electromechanical actuator that allows fluid passage between the electric connector and the motor, enabling the use of the same conduit for both electrical current transmission and fluid flow to monitor tightness, which includes a pressure varying device to measure fluid pressure and compare it against a reference duration for fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate testing methods are used for electrical connection and tightness monitoring, then each function can be tested independently, but the monitoring time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical conductor and fluid passage into a single integrated duct structure. The same duct that provides electrical connection between the motor and electric connector also serves as the fluid passage for tightness monitoring, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously through one component rather than requiring separate testing pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The duct is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both an electrical conductor for power transmission and a fluid passage for tightness monitoring. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate testing systems and reduces the overall monitoring time while maintaining reliable tightness detection
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for electrical connection and fluid passage, then functional independence is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical conductor and fluid passage into a single integrated duct structure. The duct simultaneously provides electrical connection and serves as the fluid passage for tightness monitoring, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining both functional pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The duct is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both an electrical conductor for power transmission and a fluid passage for tightness monitoring. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant components while preserving functional independence through proper sealing mechanisms
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 solution reduces the time and cost associated with monitoring brake caliper tightness, allowing for efficient and non-destructive testing of the seal between the actuator and caliper body, effectively identifying tightness faults and ensuring proper coupling.
Implementation Method 1
a step of connecting the duct to a pressure varying device, for varying fluid pressure in the caliper
Implementation Method 2
the brake caliper comprises a seal between the actuator and the caliper body
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic brake actuator for a vehicle. The actuator includes a motor, a casing defining an inner space containing the motor, and an electric connector leading to outside of the actuator. The actuator includes a duct in which an electric conductor is placed, which electrically connects the motor to the electric connector. The duct is configured to allow fluid to pass between the electric connector and the inner space, through the electric connector.