Electromechanical Brake Actuator External Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical brake systems in commercial vehicles require a solution for external brake release due to their complexity, especially when normal operation fails, to make the vehicle towable and ensure safety.
Innovation Solution
The electromechanical brake system incorporates a rotatable shaft with a locking element and interface for external release, using a tool to disengage the locking element from the shaft, assisted by spring mechanisms or permanent magnets, allowing manual operation of the brake actuator for release or clamping, with options for pull-type or push-type interfaces and sealed connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element is used to secure the rotatable shaft in the brake actuator, then the brake reliability is improved by preventing unintended movement, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the shaft cannot be manually rotated for external release
Solution Approach 1:
An interface component acts as an intermediary between the external tool and the locking element. The interface includes a recess or groove that receives a corresponding tool element, allowing external manual intervention to disengage the locking element from the rotatable shaft without compromising the secure locked state during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be dynamically controllable, transitioning between a locked state (blocking shaft rotation for reliability) and an unlocked state (allowing shaft rotation for external release). The coupler can be controlled to engage or disengage the locking element from the shaft based on operational requirements
2Reliability
If the brake actuator is designed with complex electromechanical components, then the braking performance is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The brake actuator is segmented into distinct functional components: the electromechanical braking system and the manual release mechanism. The manual release system with its interface, locking element, and rotatable shaft operates independently, allowing repair or release operations without disassembling the complex electromechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The interface component serves as an intermediary access point that bridges the external environment and the internal locking mechanism. This sealed interface allows tool insertion and locking element manipulation without requiring disassembly of the complex electromechanical brake actuator components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the interface is designed with a sealed connection for tool access, then the protection against environmental factors is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The interface component features a nested structure with a recess or groove that accommodates the tool element. The tool is inserted into the sealed interface, which then transmits the mechanical force to disengage the locking element. This nested design maintains the sealed protection while providing controlled access for tool insertion and operation
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 safe and external release of the brake system, ensuring the vehicle can be towed and parked securely, even when the vehicle is not in use, by allowing manual operation of the brake actuator through a tool engagement with the rotatable shaft.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism can be provided that pushes or pulls the locking element into the opposite direction and assists the release of the locking element with the interface
Implementation Method 2
other means such as a permanent magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical brake system includes a brake actuator having a power transmission for transmitting an actuating force to a brake pad, the power transmission including a rotatable shaft. A coupler with a locking element can be controlled so that the locking element is engaged with the rotatable shaft and blocks its rotation or so that the locking element is disengaged from the rotatable shaft so that the rotatable shaft can be rotated. The brake actuator has an interface configured to be connected to the locking element and to engage or disengage the locking element from the rotatable shaft.