Dual Actuator Mechanical Brake with Segmented Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical braking systems face challenges in achieving fail-safety through redundancy and wear adjustment, particularly in electric motor-driven systems, where the brake gap increases due to wear, and there is a need for efficient contact pressure generation and adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical braking device with a first non-self-locking actuator and a second self-locking actuator, where the second actuator can only be adjusted by a differential force or torque, allowing for independent operation of both actuators to ensure braking functionality even if one fails, and incorporating non-linear actuation for rapid braking and wear compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single actuator is used for brake actuation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to lack of redundancy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking system reliabilityVSAvoidactuator system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system is segmented into two independent actuators (first actuator with non-self-locking output and second actuator with self-locking output), each capable of independently actuating the brake. This segmentation provides redundancy while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different self-locking characteristics are assigned to different actuators based on their specific functions. The first actuator has non-self-locking output for rapid response service braking, while the second actuator has self-locking output for reliable parking brake holding, optimizing each component's properties for its specific role.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a self-locking actuator is used for parking brake, then the reliability of brake holding is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring differential force for adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking brake holding reliabilityVSAvoidbrake adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The self-locking second actuator automatically maintains brake holding without requiring continuous operation or adjustment. The differential force requirement is only temporary during adjustment phases, after which the self-locking mechanism maintains the position autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator transitions between two states: during adjustment, differential force enables movement; during holding, the self-locking mechanism maintains position without force input. This dynamic behavior optimizes both reliability during holding and operational flexibility during adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a non-self-locking actuator is used for service brake, then the ease of operation is improved for rapid response, but the reliability deteriorates due to inability to maintain position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice brake response speedVSAvoidposition maintenance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The braking function is segmented between two actuators with different characteristics. The non-self-locking first actuator handles service braking where rapid response is critical, while the self-locking second actuator handles parking brake where position maintenance is critical, allowing each to optimize for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges two actuators with complementary characteristics into a unified braking system. The non-self-locking first actuator provides rapid response capability, while the self-locking second actuator provides position maintenance capability, combining their advantages to achieve both fast response and reliable holding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If two independent actuators are used for redundancy, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake system redundancyVSAvoidactuator configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both actuators follow the same basic design pattern with input and output sides, allowing for standardized components and simplified control logic. The consistency in design reduces complexity despite having two actuators, as they can be managed through uniform procedures and interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Data Source

PatentEP3691943B1Mechanical brake actuator
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 THYSSENKRUPP AG
  • EP3691943B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3691943B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3691943B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a mechanical braking device (10) that can be connected to a brake part (13). Furthermore, the braking device (10) comprises at least one first actuating drive (11) that is non-self-inhibiting in at least one region and has a drive side (23) and an output side (24), and at least one second actuating drive (12) that is self-inhibiting in at least one region and has a drive side (25) and an output side (26). The aim of the invention is to provide increased reliability and more cost-effective production. To this end, the at least one first actuating drive (11) and the at least one second actuating drive (12) are interconnected such that a movement of the brake part (13) over the first drive side (23) of the first actuating drive (11) and also over the second drive side (25) of the second actuating drive (12) can be caused without generating relative movement between the second drive side (25) and the second output side (26) of the second actuating drive (12).