Drum Brake Bearing-Force Sensing for Torque and Clamping Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drum brake systems lack effective monitoring and calculation methods for determining the desired braking torque and clamping force, which are crucial for ensuring proper braking performance, especially in electromechanical systems where automation and autonomous driving are involved.

Innovation Solution

A method and arrangement that measure the bearing force on the brake shoes and calculate the braking torque or clamping force using predetermined factors, allowing for accurate monitoring and control of the drum brake's operating variables, enabling better automation and control in both service and parking brake functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional drum brakes are used without monitoring systems, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of braking torque and clamping force is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking torque measurementVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an electromechanical approach. A force sensor (electrical sensor) measures the bearing force on the brake shoe, and an analysis unit (electronic system) calculates the braking torque and clamping force from this measurement. This substitution of mechanical measurement with electrical sensing and electronic calculation achieves high measurement precision while keeping the overall system relatively simple.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a force sensor as an intermediary element that indirectly measures the braking parameters. Instead of directly measuring braking torque or clamping force, the force sensor measures the bearing force on the brake shoe, which serves as an intermediate parameter. The analysis unit then uses this intermediate measurement to calculate the desired braking torque and clamping force values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If no monitoring of braking effect is implemented, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of braking performance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking performance reliabilityVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the force sensor continuously monitors the bearing force on the brake shoe, and the analysis unit processes this information to determine actual braking torque and clamping force. This feedback loop allows the system to verify whether the desired braking effect is achieved, significantly improving braking performance reliability. The monitoring data can be used for control adjustments or diagnostic purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If electromechanical drum brakes with automation are implemented, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake control automationVSAvoidelectromechanical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual braking control with an electromechanical system. The force sensor and analysis unit automatically monitor and calculate braking parameters, enabling automated braking control. This electromechanical substitution achieves high automation for service brakes and parking brakes while managing system complexity through efficient sensor and calculation unit integration.

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

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 approach provides a simple and accurate calculation of braking torque and clamping force, enhancing the monitoring and control of drum brakes, particularly in electromechanical systems, thereby supporting autonomous driving and automatic braking functionalities.

Implementation Method 1

a force sensor (25) arranged on the first brake shoe (20) is used to determine a bearing force currently acting on the first brake shoe (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce sensing: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3642088B1Method for ascertaining an operating variable of a drum brake, drum brake assembly, analysis unit, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP3642088B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3642088B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3642088B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for ascertaining an operating variable of a drum brake, said method using forces acting on supporting bearings (25). The invention further relates to an associated drum brake assembly (10), an associated analysis unit (50) and an associated storage medium.