Electromechanical Brake Actuator Self-Locking Parking Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical vehicle brakes face issues with wear and increased production costs due to the need for additional components like a pawl and toothed gear, and experience abrupt force changes during engagement and disengagement, which can lead to wear and reliability concerns.
Innovation Solution
An electromotive actuator assembly with a blocking element mounted eccentrically to a transmission shaft, using a circular cylindrical brake surface for self-locking friction to maintain braking action, which can be easily integrated and reduces wear by utilizing existing components like a toothed gear or transmission shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pawl and toothed gear are used to prevent parking brake release, then the braking action is maintained reliably, but the production cost increases and wear occurs due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the blocking function from the traditional pawl-toothed gear mechanism and implements it through the self-locking property of the spindle drive itself. The friction-based self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for separate blocking components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability of braking action maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spindle drive serves multiple functions: it provides the blocking action through self-locking, transmits motion from the motor to the brake pads, and maintains the braking force without requiring additional dedicated blocking components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components in the system.
2Reliability
If a pawl and toothed gear are used to block rotation, then the parking brake is held secure, but manufacturing costs increase due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for separately manufactured pawl and toothed gear components by integrating the blocking function into the existing spindle drive mechanism. This reduction in component count directly lowers manufacturing costs and simplifies the production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking function is merged with the spindle drive mechanism, combining multiple functions (motion transmission, force application, and rotation blocking) into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate blocking components and reduces overall manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If abrupt force changes occur during pawl engagement, then the parking brake is secured, but wear increases due to sudden force transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking friction mechanism provides gradual engagement rather than abrupt locking. The friction-based system allows for smooth force transitions during engagement and disengagement, preventing sudden shocks and reducing wear on components, thereby extending their operational lifespan.
4Reliability
If the blocking element is mounted eccentrically, then the braking action is maintained without electrical power, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric mounting of the blocking element enables the system to maintain the braking action automatically without requiring external electrical power or additional active components. The self-locking friction mechanism provides passive holding capability, allowing the brake to remain engaged reliably even when power is withdrawn.
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
The solution provides a robust and space-efficient braking mechanism that maintains braking action without electrical power, minimizing wear and production costs while ensuring reliable engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking element, when in the wedged state, has a self-locking action based on friction, whereby the braking action is maintained by the blocking element even if the supply of electrical current is withdrawn or in the event of an electrical failure
Data Source
AI summary
An electromotive actuator assembly for an electromechanical vehicle brake is disclosed having a transmission that comprises transmission shafts, cylindrical brake surface provided in the transmission and which encircles an axis of rotation, and a blocking element mounted eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation. The blocking element is adjustable about a pivot axis by a drive unit and can be placed in contact with the cylindrical brake surface. The blocking element is arranged so as to become wedged together with the cylindrical brake surface with self-locking action in only one direction of rotation of the cylindrical brake surface about the axis of rotation (A). The disclosure also relates to a method for activating and deactivating a parking brake function.