Electromechanical Brake Release via External Shaft Lock Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electromechanical brake systems require a solution for emergency brake release due to their complexity, especially when brakes remain applied and cannot be released in normal operation, making vehicles untowable.

Innovation Solution

A brake system with a rotatable shaft, coupling means, and tool receptacles allowing external manual operation using first and second tool elements to engage and disengage the locking element, enabling the brake to be released or locked, utilizing a spring mechanism or permanent magnet for assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromechanical brake actuators are used with complex coupling means and locking elements, then braking reliability is improved, but emergency release capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking reliabilityVSAvoidemergency release capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A tool receptacle is introduced as an intermediary interface between the external environment and the internal locking mechanism. This receptacle accepts a release tool that can mechanically interact with the locking element through the receptacle opening, enabling external operators to disengage the locking element and rotate the shaft without compromising the sealed design or requiring disassembly of the actuator housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling means is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking element that can be independently actuated, a shaft that can be independently rotated, and a receptacle that provides independent access. This segmentation allows the locking function and rotation function to be controlled separately - the locking element can be disengaged through the receptacle while the shaft rotation is controlled through normal operation or alternative access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the brake system is designed with sealed housing and integrated components, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing integration precisionVSAvoidcomponent accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The tool receptacle serves as a mediator that provides access to internal components (shaft and locking element) without requiring housing disassembly. The receptacle is integrated into the sealed housing structure, maintaining manufacturing precision while creating a controlled access path for maintenance operations. Tools can be inserted through the receptacle to manipulate internal components without breaking the housing seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the locking element is integrated with the coupling means, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling mechanism complexityVSAvoidmanual release operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool receptacle acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the external operator and the integrated locking element. By providing a dedicated access path through the receptacle, the system maintains the benefits of integration (reduced overall complexity) while enabling easy manual operation of the locking element when needed for emergency release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables external release or locking of the brake system, ensuring the vehicle can be made towable even when brakes are applied and cannot be released normally, by using the described tool elements and mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a spring mechanism or permanent magnet for assistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a spring mechanism or permanent magnet for assistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermanent magnet: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3904168B1Electromechanical brake system and method for releasing an electro-mechanical brake system
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP3904168B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3904168B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3904168B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention related to an electromechanical brake system comprising a brake actuator (2) having a power transmission means for transmitting an actuating force to a brake pad (10b), said power transmission means including a rotatable shaft (81), a coupling means with a locking element (35), wherein the coupling means can be controlled so that the locking element is engaged with the rotatable shaft and blocks its rotation or so that the locking element is disengaged from the rotatable shaft so that the rotatable shaft can be rotated and a first receptacle into which a first tool element (31) can be inserted so that it engages with the rotatable shaft and transmits a rotation on the rotatable shaft. The invention is further related to a method of releasing an electromechanical brake.