Electromagnetic Brake Caliper Locking Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical brake calipers face issues with maintaining stability and safety during service braking and parking braking, particularly due to involuntary locking or unlocking caused by power interruptions or mechanical failures, leading to potential vehicle instability and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A locking device for an electromechanically-operated brake caliper featuring a ratchet mechanism with a rotating element and an elastic follower, combined with a selector element and linear actuator, which allows for self-locking during parking braking and automatic reapplication of braking force, ensuring stability and safety without continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ratchet mechanism is used to lock the mechanical drive during parking braking, then the braking force is maintained over time, but the brake locks instantly when power supply falls or is removed, causing vehicle instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional ratchet mechanism by making the follower movable and the cam fixed. Instead of the follower being stationary and the cam rotating, the follower now moves with the rotating cam while being constrained by a guide. This inversion allows the braking force to be applied gradually through the guide's constraint on the follower's movement, preventing instantaneous locking while maintaining reliable braking force over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by making the follower movable rather than fixed. The follower is constrained by a guide that allows controlled movement during the braking application. This dynamic design enables the system to transition smoothly from unbraked to braked state, avoiding sudden locking while maintaining the braking force once applied.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a solenoid electromagnetic actuator is used to lock the mechanical drive, then the parking braking action is prevented, but breakdown of the actuator causes instantaneous unwanted operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solenoid electromagnetic actuator with a purely mechanical ratchet-based locking system. The cam and follower mechanism provides passive mechanical locking that does not rely on electrical power or electromagnetic components. This substitution eliminates the risk of actuator breakdown causing unwanted operation, while the cam rotation still enables controlled parking braking application through the mechanical guide constraint.
3Ease of operation
If an engagement element is constantly energized by a compression spring, then the engagement element is moved away from the teeth, but loss of spring efficiency causes involuntary application of the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the cam's rotation itself provides the forcing action on the follower through the guide constraint. Instead of relying on a compression spring to constantly push the engagement element away, the system uses the cam profile and guide geometry to control the follower's movement. The follower is forced into engagement only when the cam rotates to the appropriate position, eliminating the need for a constantly energized spring and preventing involuntary activation from spring loss.
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 ensures reliable operation by preventing involuntary application or removal of the parking brake, maintaining braking force over time, and compensating for thermal effects, thus enhancing vehicle stability and safety without constant power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first follower (13) pushed elastically against said rotating element (11)
Implementation Method 2
a linear actuator (34) adapted to move said selector element (15) between said first selector element position and said second selector element position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A locking device of an electromechanically-operated brake caliper for a disc brake, comprising a ratchet comprising a rotating element (11) having at least one first cam and one first follower (13) pushed elastically against said rotating element, configured to act in conjunction with said at least one first cam to allow the rotation of the rotating element (11) in a first direction of rotation, and to prevent the rotation of the rotating element in a second direction of rotation, opposite to said first direction of rotation; a selector element (15) sliding between a first selector element position and a second selector element position, said selector element (15) being adapted to operate said first follower (13) so that, in said first selector element position, said selector element (15) keeps said first follower (13) in a disengaged position away from the rotating element (11) in which the application of a parking braking action is prevented, and so that, in said second selector element position, the selector element (15) keeps said first follower (13) in an engaged position in contact with said rotating element (11) in which a parking braking action can be applied; said selector element having a second cam (16) and said first follower (13) having a first follower opening (14) forming a second follower (9), said second cam (16) being configured to act in conjunction with said second follower (9) to operate said first follower between said engaged position and said disengaged position.