Drum Brake Torque Calculation Across Low and High Wheel Speeds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the operating variables of drum brakes are not effective across varying wheel speed ranges, particularly at high and low speeds, and do not account for changes due to wear or temperature, leading to inefficient braking torque calculation and potential self-locking issues.

Innovation Solution

A method and drum brake arrangement that differentiate between two wheel speed ranges, using bearing forces at high speeds and actuator positions at low speeds, with a hysteresis threshold to prevent frequent switching, allowing for accurate calculation of braking torque and clamping force through force sensors and an evaluation device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If bearing forces are used to calculate operating parameters, then measurement precision is improved at high wheel speeds, but device complexity increases and self-locking issues occur at low wheel speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating parameter calculation accuracyVSAvoidcalculation method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the calculation parameters based on wheel speed: at high speeds, bearing forces are used to calculate operating parameters, while at low speeds, actuator position becomes the primary parameter. This parameter switching prevents self-locking issues at low speeds while maintaining measurement precision at high speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different calculation methods based on wheel speed thresholds. The evaluation device automatically selects the appropriate calculation approach (bearing force-based or actuator position-based) according to current operating conditions, making the system adaptive to varying speed ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single calculation method is used across all wheel speeds, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates at transition ranges causing frequent switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation method simplicityVSAvoidoperating parameter calculation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-defines wheel speed thresholds and hysteresis ranges to anticipate transition points. By establishing these boundaries in advance, the system avoids frequent switching at transition ranges and maintains measurement precision without requiring complex real-time decision logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If actuator position is used for calculation, then ease of operation is improved at low wheel speeds, but measurement precision deteriorates at high wheel speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow speed operation reliabilityVSAvoidhigh speed measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the primary measurement parameter based on wheel speed: actuator position is used at low speeds where it provides reliable operation, while bearing forces are used at high speeds where they provide superior measurement accuracy. This parameter adaptation optimizes performance across the entire speed range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reliable calculation of operating variables across all wheel speed ranges, preventing jumps in calculated values and ensuring optimal braking performance by adjusting calculations based on wheel speed and actuator position, thus improving braking efficiency and preventing self-locking.

Implementation Method 1

having at least one force sensor (51) on the support bearing (50) for measuring a bearing force with which the brake shoe (20) is supported in the support bearing (50)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce measurement: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3980301B1Method for determining an operating variable of a drum brake, drum brake assembly
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP3980301B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3980301B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3980301B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining an operational parameter of a drum brake, said method providing calculation methods for different wheel speed ranges. The invention further relates to a to a drum brake assembly for carrying out such a method.