Eccentric Ratchet Locking Actuator for Fast Brake Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking actuators for electric parking brakes are unreliable and have high response times, leading to delayed release of the parking brake, and there is a need for a more efficient and reliable mechanism to switch between service and parking brake modes in electric service brakes to achieve weight savings and reduce complexity.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking actuator with a transmission-driven ratchet slide, actuated by a driving device and coupled via an eccentric, allowing the ratchet slide to move between a released and locked state, utilizing a planetary gearset or cycloidal drive, and a spring-biased mechanism to ensure reliable locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking actuators are used for electric parking brakes, then the brake system can be implemented, but the locking actuators are unreliable and have high response times
Solution Approach 1:
The locking actuator uses a dynamic ratchet slide mechanism that can quickly transition between locked and unlocked states. The ratchet slide moves along a locking path between a first position (unlocked) and a second position (locked), enabling rapid state changes. This dynamic design allows the system to achieve both high reliability through positive mechanical engagement and fast response times by eliminating complex multi-stage locking sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and simplifies the locking mechanism to its essential elements: a ratchet wheel with teeth and a ratchet slide with corresponding engagement features. By removing unnecessary intermediate components and simplifying the engagement path, the system achieves reliable locking without the time delays associated with complex conventional mechanisms.
2Productivity
If a compact locking actuator with transmission is used, then quick switching between service and parking brake modes is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the service brake and parking brake functions into a single integrated brake transmission system. The locking actuator with its ratchet wheel and ratchet slide is combined with the service brake caliper and actuator, allowing both braking functions to share common components. This merging enables quick switching between modes while actually reducing overall system complexity compared to separate brake systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake transmission is designed with multi-functionality, where the same mechanical components serve both service braking and parking brake functions. The ratchet wheel can be freely rotated during service braking but locks in one direction during parking brake operation. This universal design allows rapid mode switching without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
3Weight of moving object
If dry electric service brakes are used, then weight savings are achieved and system complexity is reduced, but reliable locking mechanism is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a simple, robust ratchet slide mechanism that can be manufactured as a lightweight component. The ratchet slide with its detent or pawl features is designed as a simple mechanical element that provides reliable locking without requiring heavy-duty construction. This approach achieves weight savings while maintaining reliability through clever mechanical design rather than brute-force engineering.
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 quick and reliable switching between service and parking brake modes, ensuring the brake transmission is securely locked during parking and efficiently released, reducing response times and enhancing the reliability of the braking system.
Implementation Method 1
the output is coupled to the ratchet slide via an eccentric in such a way that the ratchet slide can be moved in the axis when the output is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking actuator (2) for a brake transmission (1), in particular for a brake transmission (1) of an electric parking and/or service brake, having a driving device (5), a housing (10), a transmission (20) with an axis of rotation (R) and an output (24), and a ratchet slide (30), which is movable in an axis (L) between a first position and a second position along a locking path, wherein the output (24) is coupled to the ratchet slide (30) via an eccentric (25) and can move the ratchet slide (30) in the axis (L) when the output (24) is rotated. In addition, the present invention relates to a brake transmission (1) and an operating and/or parking brake.