Brake Operation Device External Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical brake systems in vehicles require a special tool for external release in emergency situations, making it difficult to release parking brakes when they are applied and cannot be released normally, especially when there is no power supply available, which complicates towing the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A standalone brake operation device that can be connected to the wheel brake actuator via cables, capable of operating the parking brake and service brake, with a control module that communicates with electromechanical brake actuators, a power supply for remote operation, and user interfaces for mode selection and control signals to release the brake, allowing operation without a fully functional brake system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromechanical brake actuators are used, then braking performance and control precision are improved, but external release capability deteriorates requiring special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a threaded shaft as an intermediary mechanical interface that connects the electromechanical brake actuator to the release mechanism. This threaded shaft serves as a mediator that allows external release through simple rotational motion while maintaining the precision control benefits of the electromechanical actuator. The threaded shaft converts rotational motion into linear displacement to release the parking brake.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing the electromechanical actuator to be fully self-contained and electronically controlled only, the patent inverts the approach by adding a mechanical release interface (threaded shaft) that works in reverse to the normal electronic actuation path. This allows the brake to be released mechanically from the outside, counteracting the electronic control mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a threaded shaft release mechanism is used, then external release capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded shaft is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical release interface for external operation, serves as a structural connection element within the brake actuator, and provides a reference for alignment during assembly. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate parts that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the release mechanism with the existing brake actuator structure by integrating the threaded shaft into the actuator housing. Rather than adding a separate external release device, the threaded shaft is combined with the actuator's internal components, allowing release functionality to be incorporated without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If special release tools are required, then brake security is improved, but ease of operation in emergencies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded shaft is designed to be accessible from the outside of the brake actuator, allowing operators to perform release operations directly without requiring specialized tools or equipment. The simple external threading allows anyone with basic mechanical knowledge to operate the release mechanism, making the system self-serviceable in emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential release function from the complex electromechanical control system and provides it through a simple mechanical interface (threaded shaft) that can be operated independently. This extracted mechanical release capability is taken out from the electronic control path, allowing emergency release without relying on the vehicle's electrical system or specialized diagnostic tools.
Data Source
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AI summary
The application refers to a brake operation device for actuating a brake of a vehicle, comprising a control module configured to control a brake of the vehicle, a connector connected to the control module for outputting a control signal from the control module for controlling the brake, an interface connected to the control module for receiving a user input to the control module, and a display for displaying a mode of operation of the device.