Brake Torque Verification Using Force and Piston Travel Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing braking devices lack a reliable method to verify their correct functioning and the availability of the required braking torque, which is crucial for safety-critical applications like presses, where malfunction can lead to unsafe conditions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating detection means, such as force sensors and displacement sensors, to monitor the operating state of the braking device, ensuring that the piston moves the full required distance and exerts the correct force, thereby detecting any deviations from the expected operating state and preventing unsafe conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If detection means are added to monitor operating state, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking device functioning verificationVSAvoidstructure with detection means
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using detection means (force sensors, displacement sensors) to monitor the actual operating state of the braking device and compare it with the expected state. The control unit receives signals from these sensors and can trigger safety mechanisms or alert systems when deviations are detected, creating a closed-loop monitoring system that continuously verifies braking torque availability without requiring complete redesign of the brake mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate monitoring components (detection means and control units) that act as mediators between the braking mechanism and the safety system. These intermediaries detect physical parameters (force, displacement) and translate them into actionable information, allowing the system to verify braking function without directly modifying the core braking mechanism's operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If force sensors and displacement sensors are used to monitor piston movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiston position and force measurementVSAvoidsensor system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement mechanisms with modern sensor technology. Instead of using mechanical linkages, gears, or linkages to measure piston position and force, the invention employs electronic sensors (force sensors, displacement sensors) that provide precise measurements through non-contact or minimal-contact methods, reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the existing hydraulic or pneumatic pressure medium in the braking system to actuate the piston, and incorporates sensors that can detect the resulting force and displacement. The pressure medium itself serves as both the actuating force and a measurable parameter, allowing the system to monitor piston movement through the medium's pressure changes without requiring separate complex measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 solution enhances safety by reliably determining whether the braking device is functioning correctly and providing the necessary braking torque, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The spring (104) exerts a spring force on the piston (103)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A fluid is arranged as the pressure medium in the piston chamber, the fluidic pressure of which can be varied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

A first force sensor (107) is arranged in such a way that it can measure the force flow F from the thrust washer (105) to the housing (101)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce measurement: Force

Implementation Method 4

There is usually a friction lining between the faces of the outer and inner discs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3643942B1Braking device
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 DESCH ANTRIEBSTECHN
  • EP3643942B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3643942B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3643942B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A braking device comprising a hub that can be attached to a shaft to be braked, at least one inner plate connected to the hub, a housing (101), at least one outer plate connected to the housing, a piston (103) and a pressure plate (105) attached to the housing, wherein the outer plate is arranged next to the inner plate, and wherein a gap is arranged between the inner plate and the outer plate, wherein the piston is configured to press the inner plate and outer plate together, and wherein the braking device comprises a detection means (107) configured to detect an operating state of the braking device.