Brake Pawl Switching Mechanism to Prevent Unintentional Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical brake locking mechanisms require multiple actuators, increasing complexity, weight, and energy consumption, and are prone to unintentional locking due to vibrations or accelerations.
Innovation Solution
A single actuator is used to control a switching element that securely fixes the pawl in the unlocked state, utilizing a low-power actuator and a spring with a low spring constant, and a lightweight, balanced switching element to ensure reliable operation even at high accelerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strong spring element is used to prevent unintentional locking, then reliability is improved, but the actuator must be more powerful and larger, increasing device complexity and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
A switching element is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuator and the pawl. This switching element, when in its first position, mechanically blocks the pawl from moving into the locked position regardless of spring force or external accelerations. The actuator only needs to move this lightweight switching element, not the heavy pawl directly, thereby reducing actuator power requirements while maintaining reliable prevention of unintentional locking.
2Reliability
If two actuators are used to actuate the locking mechanism, then reliability is improved by preventing accidental engagement, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element serves as a mechanical intermediary that provides the safety function previously requiring a second actuator. By positioning the switching element to physically block the pawl's movement path when in the first position, it prevents accidental engagement without requiring a separate actuating mechanism, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching element is spring-loaded to automatically return to the first position after being actuated, providing self-resetting functionality. This eliminates the need for a second actuator to reset the mechanism, allowing a single actuator to perform both locking and unlocking operations while maintaining safety against accidental engagement.
3Strength
If the pawl is made sufficiently strong to withstand spring forces, then strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element acts as a mediator that bears the brunt of the spring force and external acceleration loads, allowing the pawl to be lighter. The switching element is specifically designed to withstand these forces while the pawl only needs to be strong enough to engage the ratchet wheel when not blocked by the switching element.
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 design reduces installation space, cost, and energy consumption while ensuring reliable operation and simplified control, allowing for a compact and efficient electromechanical brake system.
Implementation Method 1
the switching element can be spring-loaded by means of a first spring element towards the rest state of the switching element
Implementation Method 2
an actuator, in particular a magnetic coil or a linear drive
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for an electromechanical brake for locking an actuating direction of an electromechanical brake. The locking mechanism includes a ratchet wheel and a pawl configured to block a direction of rotation of the ratchet wheel in a locked state of the locking mechanism and release the rotation of the ratchet wheel in an unlocked state. A switching element, in a rest state of the switching element, fixes the pawl in the unlocked state of the locking mechanism, and an actuator is provided. The switching element is transferred using a rotational and/or a translational displacement from the rest state into a first switching state, in which a movement of the pawl is released. The switching element is functionally arranged between the actuator and the pawl, so that the switching element can be switched using the actuator and the actuator acts on the pawl using the switching element.