Electromechanical Drum Brake Actuator with Rot-Trans Converter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drum brake modules for motor vehicles are complex and require significant space, with cable-based systems necessitating separate installation and articulation, which increases production costs and vertical integration, and are not easily adaptable for different vehicle types or equipment.

Innovation Solution

A compact drum brake module with a rot-trans converter integrated in the actuator, featuring a drive nut supported on the outside of the anchor plate, driving a non-rotating, axially displaceable spindle arrangement connected to a short, flexible actuating cable, allowing for easy installation and use of conventional manual brake actuation elements alongside electromechanical systems, with a lever mechanism and rolling elements for reduced friction and simplified production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a central electromechanical actuator with cable linkage is used, then the parking brake function can be universally applied, but the construction complexity and space requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniversal applicabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brake system is divided into modular components: a compact electromechanical actuator unit, brake shoes with integrated lever mechanisms, and separate mounting assemblies. This segmentation allows the actuator to be independently optimized while maintaining universal compatibility through standardized interfaces, reducing overall construction complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator motor is positioned parallel to the anchor plate rather than perpendicular, and the spindle arrangement is disposed parallel to the motor axis within the anchor plate. This dimensional reconfiguration reduces the protrusion distance and allows compact integration without increasing construction complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a central electromechanical actuator with cable linkage is used, then the parking brake function can be universally applied, but the installation and assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniversal applicabilityVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is pre-assembled with the brake shoes and lever mechanisms in a modular configuration before installation. The actuating cable is pre-articulated on the lever mechanism, allowing the entire actuator assembly to be installed as a single unit, significantly simplifying the installation process while maintaining universal applicability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator design incorporates universal mounting features and standardized interfaces that allow the same actuator assembly to be installed on different vehicle types and brake configurations, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific customization while simplifying installation procedures.

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

3Length of stationary object

If a powerful electric motor with special housing and carrier plate is used, then the overall length of the actuating unit can be shortened, but the device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator lengthVSAvoidcomponent specialization
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor axis is repositioned to be parallel to the anchor plate rather than perpendicular, and the spindle arrangement is disposed parallel to the motor axis within the anchor plate. This dimensional change allows the actuator components to be stacked in a compact configuration, shortening the overall length without requiring special housings or carrier plates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor housing and carrier plate functions are merged into a single integrated assembly that directly mounts to the anchor plate. The spindle arrangement is integrated within the anchor plate structure, eliminating the need for separate special-purpose components and reducing both complexity and production cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional manual brake actuation elements are used alongside electromechanical systems, then adaptability across vehicle types is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle type adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator assembly is designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection points that accommodate both conventional manual brake actuation elements and electromechanical systems. The same actuator can serve different vehicle types and brake configurations without modification, maintaining simplicity while improving adaptability.

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

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

The solution enables a cost-effective, easily installable, and adaptable electromechanical drum brake module with reduced friction losses, allowing for efficient operation as both a service and parking brake, and simplifies large-scale variation across different vehicle types without the need for special components, facilitating hot stopping and avoiding shrinkage issues.

Implementation Method 1

rolling elements for reduced friction and simplified production

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction reduction: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP2670997B1Drum brake module which can be operated by electric motor
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO OHG
  • EP2670997B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2670997B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2670997B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a drum brake module 1 for motor vehicles, which drum brake module 1 can be operated by electric motor and performs at least one parking brake function, comprising an electromechanical actuator 3 which is mounted on one side 12 of the armature plate 2, and comprising a rotational-translational movement converter for converting a rotational drive rotational movement into a translational activation movement of brake shoes 6a, b which are arranged on a side 13 of the armature plate 2 facing away from the actuator 3, in a brake drum, and comprising at least one supporting device between the brake shoes 6a, b, with the result that the latter can carry out an activation movement in the direction of the brake drum. In order to provide a stable, space-saving drum brake module 1 which is economical to manufacture and can be mounted easily on an axle, it is proposed that a drive nut 14 be supported by the rotational-translational movement converter in an axially secure and rotatable fashion on the armature plate 2 in order to assist the braking force, and that the drive nut 2 drives a spindle arrangement 9 which is mounted in a rotationally fixed and axially displaceable fashion and engages with an activation cable 5 on at least one brake shoe.