Directional Brake Arrangement for Flap Drive Energy Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive arrangements for electromechanical flap control systems face inefficiencies due to the need for the motor to overcome braking resistance during operation, which reduces energy efficiency and can lead to unintentional flap movement when the motor is off.

Innovation Solution

A drive arrangement with a brake system that adjusts its braking force based on the direction of torque transmission, providing minimal resistance when power is transmitted from the motor drive shaft to the working shaft, allowing for efficient energy use and preventing unwanted flap movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a brake arrangement is used to prevent unintentional flap movement when the motor is off, then the flap position stability is improved, but the motor must overcome braking resistance during operation which reduces energy efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflap position stabilityVSAvoidmotor energy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The brake arrangement is designed to dynamically change its braking force based on the direction of torque transmission. When torque is transmitted from the motor drive shaft to the working shaft during normal operation, the braking force is reduced or released to minimize energy consumption. When torque is transmitted from the working shaft to the motor drive shaft (indicating manual flap movement or gravity effect), the braking force is increased to prevent unintentional movement. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining position stability and ensuring energy efficiency during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a brake arrangement provides constant braking force to maintain flap position, then the reliability of position holding is improved, but the motor power is reduced and energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition holding capabilityVSAvoidmotor power availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The brake arrangement transitions from a static constant braking force system to a dynamic system that adjusts braking force based on operational conditions. During motor-driven operation, the brake is released or operates at minimal force, maximizing motor power availability. When the motor is off and the flap is subject to gravity or manual forces, the brake automatically engages with increased force to maintain position. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between position holding reliability and motor power availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The braking force parameter is changed dynamically based on the direction of torque transmission. The system detects whether torque is being transmitted from the motor to the working shaft or from the working shaft to the motor, and adjusts the braking force parameter accordingly. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high position holding reliability when needed while preserving full motor power during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the brake arrangement is designed to prevent manual flap movement, then the position stability is improved, but the ease of operation by user deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidmanual flap adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brake arrangement dynamically adjusts its braking force based on the direction of torque transmission. When the user manually moves the flap in the intended direction of operation, the brake arrangement detects the torque direction and reduces or releases the braking force, allowing smooth manual adjustment. When external forces attempt to move the flap in unintended directions or when the motor is off, the brake engages with higher force to maintain position stability. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction between position stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 energy efficiency by reducing the motor's workload during operation and maintaining the flap's position when the motor is off, while allowing manual adjustment in specific directions.

Implementation Method 1

a brake arrangement (34) which is set up to counteract a rotary movement of the working shaft (14) with a braking force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3164283B1Drive arrangement and hatch control
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 STABILUS GMBH
  • EP3164283B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3164283B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3164283B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a drive arrangement (10), comprising a motor drive shaft (12), which makes the drive force of a motor available, an output shaft (14), via which the drive arrangement outputs and accumulates a rotational force, a coupling (16), which is designed to transmit a rotational force from the motor drive shaft to the output shaft and from the output shaft to the motor drive shaft, and a braking arrangement, which counteracts a rotational movement of the output shaft with a braking force.