Electric Brake Parking Switch Module for Mechanical Emergency Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems, particularly negative brake systems, face challenges in automatically releasing the parking brake in emergency situations such as vehicle stalling or electrical system failures, leading to inconvenience and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a caliper or drum type electric brake system integrated with a parking switch module, which includes a pawl mechanism and an unlock pin, allows for mechanical release of the parking brake force in case of electronic failure, ensuring a fail-safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a negative brake system is used for automatic parking brake release, then the system can automatically release parking brake in emergency situations, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is divided into two independent subsystems: a primary electronic negative brake system for automatic release functionality, and a secondary mechanical parking brake system for fail-safe operation. This segmentation allows each subsystem to perform its specific function without increasing overall system complexity, as the mechanical subsystem operates independently when electronic systems fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical parking brake system is designed as a pre-prepared backup mechanism that activates automatically when electronic systems fail. The mechanical components (parking brake actuator, brake pads, and release mechanism) are positioned and configured in advance to provide immediate fail-safe operation without requiring additional electronic components or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If electronic components are added for automatic parking brake release, then emergency release capability is improved, but the risk of electronic system failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical intermediary system (parking brake actuator with mechanical linkage) is introduced between the electronic control system and the brake pads. This mechanical intermediary provides a fail-safe pathway that operates independently of electronic components, allowing the brake system to release parking brake force even when electronic systems fail, thus reducing the harmful effects of electronic failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from purely electronic control to a hybrid electro-mechanical control mode. The parking brake release mechanism incorporates both electronic actuation (for normal operation) and mechanical backup (for emergency situations), allowing the system to switch between different operational parameters based on system status, thereby reducing dependency on electronic components alone.
3Reliability
If a mechanical release mechanism is added, then fail-safe operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical release mechanism is merged with the existing parking brake actuator structure. The parking brake actuator incorporates both the electric motor for normal operation and the mechanical release mechanism (including pawl, ratchet, and release lever) within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining fail-safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The parking brake actuator is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both electronic actuation (via integrated motor) and mechanical release (via pawl-ratchet mechanism with external release lever). This universal design allows the same component to provide both automatic electronic control and manual mechanical release capabilities, reducing the need for additional separate mechanisms and simplifying the overall system structure.
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 solution enables the electric brake system to automatically release the parking brake force mechanically when electronic components fail, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of being unable to tow the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring positioned between the pawl and the pawl pin and configured to provide a restoring force to the pawl
Data Source
AI summary
An electric brake of a caliper type according to an embodiment may include: a caliper device including a caliper body and a pair of brake pads installed in the caliper body; a driver including a housing forming a space therein, an electric motor configured to generate a driving force, and a transfer device configured to move the pair of brake pads with a driving force; and a parking switch module configured to limit an operation of the transfer device.