Electromechanical Brake Wear Detection via Spindle Angle Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromechanical brake systems fail to detect and notify drivers of brake pad wear in real time, potentially leading to accidents due to unmonitored wear.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical brake system with a control unit that calculates the first and second rotation angles of a spindle during brake apply and release modes, respectively, and notifies the driver of brake pad wear by controlling a notification device when a difference between these angles is detected, allowing for adjustment of the piston position to compensate for wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electromechanical brake systems are used without wear detection, then the brake system structure remains simple, but the reliability of the braking system deteriorates due to undetected brake pad wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake system reliabilityVSAvoidbrake system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the spindle rotation angle during brake application and release, calculating the difference to detect brake pad wear, and providing real-time feedback to the control unit which then notifies the driver through a display device. This closed-loop feedback system enables wear detection without requiring complex additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The brake system performs self-diagnosis by utilizing its existing motor and spindle rotation mechanism to detect brake pad wear. The control unit calculates wear based on the difference between rotation angles measured during brake application and release, allowing the system to monitor its own condition without external inspection or additional sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If brake pad wear is not monitored, then the device complexity remains low, but loss of information occurs regarding the wear state of brake pads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake pad wear state informationVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical wear indicators or sensors with an electrical measurement system. The control unit measures the spindle rotation angle using electrical signals from the motor position sensor, calculates wear information digitally, and displays it electronically, substituting mechanical detection methods with electrical and computational approaches.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The motor position sensor serves multiple functions: it controls the motor for brake application and release, and simultaneously measures the spindle rotation angle for wear detection. This multi-functionality allows wear monitoring without adding dedicated sensors or measurement devices, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If real-time wear notification is implemented, then safety improves through timely pad replacement, but the device complexity increases due to additional control and notification components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking safetyVSAvoidcontrol and notification system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wear detection function with the existing brake control system. The control unit that already manages motor operation for brake application and release is extended to also calculate wear based on rotation angle differences. The notification is integrated into the existing display device, combining multiple functions into existing components rather than adding separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-notification by utilizing its own operational data (spindle rotation angles during brake cycles) to detect wear and automatically notify the driver through the display device, without requiring external monitoring equipment or manual inspection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 real-time notification of brake pad wear to the driver, preventing accidents by ensuring timely pad replacement and maintaining brake performance.

Implementation Method 1

an electromechanical brake system that receives a depressing force from the driver as an electric signal and operates an electric device such as a motor based on the electric signal to provide a braking force to a vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

converts a rotational force of a motor into a linear motion through the motor, a speed reducer, and the like to provide a clamping force to a brake disc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS12252104B2Electromechanical brake system and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.03.18 HL MANDO CORP
  • US12252104B2 patent drawing
  • US12252104B2 patent drawing
  • US12252104B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is an electromechanical brake system comprising an actuator of an electromechanical brake operated by a motor, the electromechanical brake system including: a motor driving unit configured to drive the motor; and a control unit configured to be electrically connected to the motor driving unit, wherein the control unit is configured to: calculate a first rotation angle of a spindle in a brake apply mode of the electromechanical brake, calculate a second rotation angle of the spindle in a braking release mode of the electromechanical brake, and when a difference between the calculated first rotation angle and the calculated second rotation angle exists, control a notification device to notify a wear state of a brake pad.