Brake Actuator Self-Locking Parking Mechanism for EMB Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electro mechanical brake (EMB) systems lack self-locking capability, leading to arbitrary release of braking force when power is stopped, compromising parking braking performance.

Innovation Solution

A brake actuator design incorporating a first and second motor, transfer gears, parking members, and support members that utilize a self-locking mechanism to maintain parking braking force through controlled rotation and elastic return mechanisms, preventing unintended release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a ball screw mechanism is used to achieve quick responsiveness and high efficiency of the piston, then the piston responsiveness is improved, but the system loses self-locking capability allowing arbitrary release of braking force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepiston responsivenessVSAvoidparking braking stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system is divided into two independent motor units: a first motor (ball screw mechanism) for active braking with quick responsiveness, and a second motor (worm gear mechanism) for parking braking with self-locking capability. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension part and trap member act as intermediary mechanical elements that transmit and control the locking force. The extension part with its inclined surface interacts with the trap member to create the self-locking effect, mediating between the second motor's rotation and the braking force maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a self-locking mechanism is implemented to prevent arbitrary release of braking force, then parking braking stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparking braking stabilityVSAvoidbrake actuator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second parking member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a driving element (rotating to engage/disengage the lock) and a driven element (rotated by the return member for automatic reset). The extension part also serves dual purposes as both a structural component and a locking surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The return member (elastic member) provides automatic self-service by rotating the second parking member back to its initial position after parking braking is released, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems for the reset function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the second parking member is allowed to rotate freely in both directions, then the operation flexibility is improved, but the risk of component damage and loss of braking force increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparking member rotation flexibilityVSAvoidcomponent damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support member converts the potentially harmful unlimited rotation into a beneficial controlled range. By providing a physical stop, it prevents over-rotation damage while the elastic return member utilizes the rotation in the opposite direction to achieve automatic resetting, turning a constraint into a functional advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member provides beforehand cushioning by limiting the rotation range of the second parking member before damage can occur. This preventive structure ensures that the system operates within safe mechanical limits under all conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Ensures stable parking braking performance by maintaining braking force without continuous motor operation, reducing stroke length, and preventing damage to components, thus ensuring vehicle stability.

Implementation Method 1

The return member may be provided to be elastically deformable. The return member may be a torsion spring.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4603347A1Brake actuator and brake apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2025.08.20 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed are a brake actuator (30) and a brake apparatus including the same. The brake actuator (30) includes a case (100), a first motor (200) installed in the case (100), a transfer gear (300) rotatably installed in the case (100) and connected to the first motor (200), a first parking member (400) rotated along with the transfer gear (300), a second motor (500) disposed to be spaced apart from the first motor (200), a second parking member (600) connected to the second motor (500) and configured to limit the rotation of the first parking member (400) as the second parking member (600) is rotated in a first rotation direction, and a support member (700) disposed to face the second parking member (600) and configured to limit a rotation range of the second parking member (600) in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction.