Brake Actuator Parking Latch for Power-Off Brake Holding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electro mechanical brakes (EMBs) lack self-locking capability, leading to arbitrary release of braking force when power is interrupted, compromising parking braking performance.
Innovation Solution
A brake actuator and apparatus featuring a first and second parking member, with a conversion member to convert rotational force into linear motion, ensuring stable parking braking by selectively limiting rotation and using a return member for controlled operation without continuous motor power, and a latching mechanism to prevent unintended release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If ball screws are used in conventional EMB to achieve fast piston response and high efficiency, then piston response speed and braking efficiency are improved, but self-locking capability is lost allowing arbitrary release of braking force when power is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The parking braking function is segmented from the main braking system by introducing a separate second parking member with its own motor and conversion member. This independent parking member includes a latching mechanism that can independently maintain parking braking force without relying on the first motor or ball screw, thereby resolving the contradiction between fast response and parking stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion member acts as an intermediary between the second motor and the second parking member, converting rotational motion to linear motion to drive the parking member. This intermediary mechanism enables the parking member to achieve both rapid response and self-locking capability, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
2Reliability
If a second parking member with conversion member and latching mechanism is added to ensure stable parking braking, then parking braking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second parking member is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a parking brake actuator and a self-locking mechanism. The conversion member simultaneously converts motor motion and provides the latching function through its interaction with the second parking member, reducing the need for separate components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the first output shaft is misaligned with the second output shaft to allow freedom in motor placement, then ease of installation and motor positioning are improved, but mechanical alignment precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion member serves as a mechanical intermediary that decouples the alignment requirements between the first and second output shafts. By introducing this intermediate transmission element, the system allows misaligned shaft positions while maintaining precise mechanical engagement, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and alignment precision.
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
Maintains stable parking braking force even without continuous motor power, allowing freedom in motor placement and preventing unintended braking force loss due to damage or malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion member configured to convert rotational force of the second motor into linear motion to rotate the second parking member
Implementation Method 2
The return member may be configured to be elastically deformable in a direction parallel to the second direction. The return member may be a compression spring.
Implementation Method 3
a latching mechanism to prevent unintended release
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a brake actuator and a brake apparatus including the same. The brake actuator includes a casing, a first motor installed in the casing, a transmission gear rotatably installed in the casing and connected to the first motor, a first parking member configured to rotate together with the transmission gear, a second motor spaced apart from the first motor, a second parking member rotatably installed in the casing and configured to selectively limit rotation of the first parking member depending on the direction of rotation thereof, and a conversion member configured to convert rotational force of the second motor into linear motion to rotate the second parking member.