Parking Brake Cable Casing Mechanism for Reduced Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic parking brake systems, particularly the dual cable type, face issues with high manufacturing costs, assembly complexity, and reduced mechanical efficiency due to the need for a balancer, while the single cable type suffers from brake cable damage and shortened lifespan due to excessive bending.
Innovation Solution
A driving device for a parking brake system using a single brake cable with a casing shift member and a driving member that applies force through a cable casing to minimize cable bending, incorporating a gear reduction unit to maintain torque and reduce curvature, thereby extending cable lifespan and enhancing mechanical efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single cable type driving device with two deflection rollers is used, then the brake cable can be tightened with equal force in opposite directions, but the brake cable is substantially bent which causes damage and shortens lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the deflection rollers from the system entirely. Instead of using rollers to change the direction of the brake cable, the invention uses a single linearly moving cable casing that pulls the cable in a straight line, eliminating the harmful bending caused by deflection rollers while maintaining the ability to tighten the cable with equal force.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing the cable to bend around rollers to achieve force balance, the invention inverts the approach by using a linearly moving casing that pulls the cable straight. The force balance is achieved through the symmetric positioning of the cable attachment points on the brake mechanisms rather than through deflection.
2Force
If a single cable type driving device with two deflection rollers is used, then the brake cable can be tightened with equal force in opposite directions, but the mechanical efficiency is lowered due to excessive bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the deflection rollers that cause excessive bending and energy loss. The cable casing moves linearly along the longitudinal axis, pulling the brake cable in a straight line, which eliminates the energy loss associated with bending the cable around rollers while maintaining effective force transmission.
3Extent of automation
If a dual cable type driving device is used, then the parking brake system can be controlled electronically with a button, but multiple connecting interfaces increase manufacturing costs and assembling difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate cables into a single cable system. The single brake cable is attached to both brake mechanisms and is pulled by a single cable casing, eliminating the need for multiple cables, multiple driving members, and multiple connecting interfaces, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and assembly complexity while maintaining electronic control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable casing serves multiple functions: it pulls the brake cable to activate both brake mechanisms simultaneously, maintains tension on the cable, and moves linearly along the longitudinal axis. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components that would be required in a dual cable system.
4Extent of automation
If a dual cable type driving device is used, then the parking brake system can be controlled electronically, but a balancer must be included which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the balancer from the system. The symmetric positioning of the cable attachment points on the two brake mechanisms naturally balances the forces when the cable is pulled, eliminating the need for a separate balancer component while maintaining electronic control capability.
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 effectively prolongs the life of the brake cable and improves mechanical efficiency by reducing curvature and minimizing damage, while simplifying assembly and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The inner threaded rod is mounted rotatably in the housing and has an inner thread. The guide rod is mounted through the inner threaded rod and has an outer thread engaging with the inner thread of the inner threaded rod.
Implementation Method 2
The brake cable is tightened with the force provided by the cable casing
Data Source
AI summary
A driving device for a parking brake system includes a casing shift member, a brake cable and a driving member. The casing shift member includes a cable casing. The brake cable is mounted through the cable casing. The driving member has a driving unit connected to and driving the casing shift member to perform a longitudinal motion. Thus the cable casing applies a force on the brake cable so as to perform a brake work. Because the brake cable is tightened with the force provided by the cable casing, the brake cable is only bent slightly. Thus the curvature of the brake cable is small. That prevents the brake cable from being damaged and prolongs a life span of the brake cable. Moreover, a mechanical efficiency of the driving device is improved because the brake cable is tightened with the force provided by the cable casing.