Electromechanical Brake Force Ramping to Avoid Wheel Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromechanical and hydraulic braking systems experience high energy or power peaks, premature wheel locking, and extended braking distances due to dynamic wheel load distribution during braking, leading to excessive current consumption and potential electrical system failures.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical braking system that applies an initial, controlled braking force sufficient to prevent wheel locking, followed by a gradual increase in force as wheel load dynamics allow, using a non-linear actuation mechanism to distribute energy consumption over time, thereby avoiding power peaks and optimizing braking distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If high clamping force is applied quickly to reduce braking distance, then braking performance is improved, but wheel locking occurs prematurely and energy peaks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking distanceVSAvoidwheel locking control
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system dynamically adjusts the clamping force based on real-time wheel load conditions. The control unit continuously monitors wheel load and modifies the clamping force profile during braking, transitioning from a static force application to a dynamic adaptation that prevents wheel locking while optimizing braking distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by monitoring wheel load during braking and using this information to adjust clamping force. The control unit receives wheel load signals and modifies the electric motor's output accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents premature wheel locking while maintaining optimal braking performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If high clamping force is applied quickly to improve braking performance, then braking distance is reduced, but energy or power peaks occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking distanceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static to dynamic force application, adjusting clamping force in real-time according to wheel load conditions. This dynamic approach allows energy to be applied more efficiently over time, avoiding sudden power peaks while maintaining effective braking performance throughout the braking process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit prepares the braking system by initially applying a limited clamping force that builds up gradually as wheel load increases during braking. This preliminary controlled action prevents energy peaks by distributing force application over time, allowing the suspension to compress and wheel load to transfer before maximum braking force is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If high clamping force is applied quickly to reduce braking distance, then braking performance is improved, but current spikes and voltage drops occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking distanceVSAvoidelectrical system stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical system operates dynamically by adjusting motor current based on real-time wheel load conditions. The control unit modulates current delivery to the electric motor, preventing sudden current spikes that would cause voltage drops, while still delivering sufficient power to achieve effective braking performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from wheel load sensors to control electrical power delivery. The control unit monitors wheel load and adjusts motor current accordingly, creating a stable electrical operation that avoids current spikes and voltage drops while maintaining the braking performance needed to minimize braking distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of time

If high clamping force is applied quickly to improve braking performance, then braking effectiveness is increased, but suspension compression is incomplete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking distanceVSAvoidwheel load distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system adapts to the dynamic changes in wheel load distribution that occur during braking. As the suspension compresses and wheel load transfers to the front wheels, the control unit adjusts clamping force to match these changing conditions, ensuring optimal braking performance throughout the braking event rather than applying fixed force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows preliminary suspension compression and wheel load transfer to occur before applying maximum clamping force. By initially limiting brake force and gradually increasing it as wheel load builds up, the system ensures that the braking force is applied when the suspension and wheel load distribution are stable, improving overall braking effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system achieves improved braking performance with reduced energy consumption, minimizing current spikes and voltage drops, thus simplifying electrical system design and reducing braking distance.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electric motor (6) for predefinable movement of the pad carrier (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

to achieve a predetermined contact force (22) of the brake pad (5) on the friction surface (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4188762B1Electromechanical braking system
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SCHWARZ SEVERIN
  • EP4188762B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4188762B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an electromechanical braking system (1) with at least one electromechanical brake (2), which comprises a friction surface (3), a lining backing (4) with a brake lining (5), and an electric motor (6) for moving the lining backing (4) in a predefinable manner, the braking system (1) having a control and monitoring unit (9) which is designed to receive a brake application request at the input side and to activate the electric motor (6) at least indirectly to achieve a predefinable pressure application force (22) of the brake lining (5) on the friction surface (3). According to the invention, the control and monitoring unit (9) determines from the brake application request a target main pressure application force value (26) of the pressure application force (22); beginning with a first contact of the brake lining (5) on the friction surface (3), the pressure application force (22) is set to an initial pressure application force value (25) between 25 and 60% of the target main pressure application force value (26); and, a first period (23) following the initial contact, the pressure application force (22) is increased to the target main pressure application force value (26).