Vehicle Brake Actuator Layout for Tight Axial and Radial Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing braking systems for commercial vehicles require significant axial and radial installation space, especially when a parking brake function is needed, leading to space constraints and potential collisions with vehicle components.

Innovation Solution

The braking system incorporates a main brake actuator and an auxiliary braking actuator arranged on different sides of a lever, with actuator axes deviating from parallel orientation and being coaxial with an angle of 5° relative to the rotational plane, allowing for reduced installation space and improved flexibility in lever geometry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the actuator axis is oriented in parallel to the horizontal caliper plane and perpendicular to the disc center plane (axial brake configuration), then the braking system can be implemented with standard geometry, but the axial installation space is significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandard brake geometryVSAvoidaxial installation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the orientation of the actuator axis from the conventional axial direction (parallel to caliper plane) to a radial direction (perpendicular to caliper plane and parallel to disc center plane). This dimensional reorientation allows the braking system to achieve the same braking function while significantly reducing the axial installation space requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If the actuator axis is oriented perpendicular to the horizontal caliper plane and parallel to the disc center plane (radial brake configuration), then the axial installation space is reduced, but the radial installation space is significantly increased and may collide with vehicle components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial installation spaceVSAvoidradial installation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an adjustable bridge guidance mechanism that can dynamically change its orientation angle relative to the disc center plane. This allows the system to adapt between different operational modes, optimizing the balance between axial and radial space requirements based on specific installation constraints and operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the service brake portion and parking brake portion are arranged in series in a common housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the installation space is increased and flexibility is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator structureVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the service brake actuator and parking brake actuator into distinct housings positioned on opposite sides of the lever. This segmentation allows each actuator to be independently optimized for its specific function and installation requirements, reducing the overall installation space and increasing flexibility while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If the pivotal axis of the lever extends in parallel to the horizontal caliper plane, then the lever geometry is simplified, but the installation space and potential for component collision are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelever geometryVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reorients the pivotal axis of the lever from a horizontal orientation (parallel to caliper plane) to a vertical orientation (perpendicular to caliper plane and parallel to disc center plane). This asymmetric reorientation, combined with the separated actuator configuration, optimizes the space utilization and reduces the likelihood of collisions with surrounding vehicle components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 configuration reduces the axial and radial installation space requirements, prevents collisions with vehicle components, and allows for more flexible lever geometry optimization, enhancing the braking system's efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a lever (32) that is configured such that it transfers a force exerted by the brake actuator to the stationary brake element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

The braking pads and the caliper generate a clamping force that acts on the brake disc such that relative movement, in particular relative rotation between the brake disc and the braking pads are slowed down by friction between the brake disc and the braking pads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4310359B1Braking system and braking system provision method
Publication Date: 2025.03.12 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP4310359B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4310359B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4310359B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a braking system and braking system provision method and in particular relates to a braking system and braking system provision method for braking systems of road vehicles. Disclosed is a braking system for a vehicle, comprising: a rotatory braking element that is fixedly connected to a wheel or wheel hub in a manner to rotate conjointly with the wheel, a stationary braking element that is fixedly connected to a vehicle chassis, a brake actuator that is configured to actuate the stationary braking element such as to press the stationary braking element towards the rotatory element, a lever that is configured such that it transfers a force exerted by the brake actuator to the stationary brake element, wherein a pivot axis of the lever is in parallel with a rotational plane of the rotatory braking element and perpendicular to a horizontal caliper plane that is a plane that is oriented tangentially of the rotatory brake element and an actuator axis is in parallel with the rotational plane and the horizontal caliper plane.