Drum-Integrated Electric Parking Brake Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional caliper-integrated electric parking brakes are heavy and costly, making them unsuitable for low-cost vehicles and increasing the risk of safety accidents due to manual operation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A drum-integrated electric parking brake system that includes a pivotally installed lining, an actuator for pulling the parking cable, a sensor member for detecting rotation, and a controller for managing current supply, which reduces weight and manufacturing costs by using a power transmission shaft with an anti-rotation sleeve and load support members, enabling automatic operation with a motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a caliper-integrated electric parking brake is used, then the braking performance is improved, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric parking brake actuator directly with the drum brake assembly, merging two separate systems (caliper and actuator) into one integrated unit. This eliminates the need for a separate caliper assembly, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining braking performance through the drum-lining friction mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electric actuator from the traditional caliper-based system and integrates it directly into the drum brake structure. By removing the caliper component and its associated hardware, the system achieves weight reduction while preserving the essential braking function through the drum and lining interaction.
2Reliability
If a caliper-integrated electric parking brake is used, then the braking performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the electric actuator with the drum brake assembly reduces the total number of discrete components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces part inventory requirements, and lowers assembly complexity, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining braking performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum brake assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the friction surface for braking, houses the electric actuator, and integrates the parking cable mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, lowering manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring reliable braking performance.
3Device complexity
If a manual parking brake system is used, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The electric actuator automatically applies and releases the parking brake based on driver input, eliminating the need for manual cable adjustment and lever operation. The system self-regulates the braking force through the actuator's controlled movement, providing ease of operation through simple button or switch activation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical lever and cable adjustment system with an electric actuator that uses electromagnetic or electric motor forces to apply the brake. This substitution maintains mechanical simplicity in the overall structure while dramatically improving ease of operation through electronic control, allowing the driver to engage the parking brake with a simple electrical signal rather than manual manipulation.
4Device complexity
If a manual parking brake system is used, then the structure is simple, but the safety is worsened due to driver forgetfulness
Solution Approach 1:
The electric actuator system incorporates feedback mechanisms (such as position sensors or switches) that detect whether the parking brake is engaged or disengaged. This feedback is communicated to the driver through dashboard indicators or integrated with the vehicle's existing safety systems, ensuring the driver is always aware of the parking brake state and reducing the risk of forgetfulness while maintaining a simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric actuator system can be integrated with the vehicle's ignition or safety systems to automatically remind or even automatically engage the parking brake under certain conditions (such as when the vehicle is turned off). This self-service capability ensures safety by reducing reliance on driver memory while keeping the structural complexity minimal through integration with existing vehicle systems.
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 drum-integrated system reduces weight and manufacturing costs, enhancing marketability and safety by allowing automatic operation, thus reducing the risk of safety accidents and making it applicable to low-cost vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator selectively pulling the parking cable
Implementation Method 2
a hall element detecting the rotation number of the magnet
Implementation Method 3
a lining connected to the operating lever extends and presses a drum, thereby braking the wheels of the vehicle using a frictional force between the drum and the lining
Data Source
AI summary
A drum-integrated electric parking brake apparatus may include a drum brake in which a lining may be pivotally installed, and extends and presses a drum when a parking cable engaged with the lining may be pulled, an actuator selectively pulling the parking cable, a sensor member for detecting a rotation number of the actuator, and a controller for controlling the amount of current supplied to the actuator by detecting a change in the rotation number of the actuator.