Electric Brake Actuator Parking Lock Detection Using Existing Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric brake devices with parking locking mechanisms often fail to maintain a secure parking state due to mechanical wear and poor engagement, leading to unintended vehicle movement, especially on slopes, and the addition of sensors to determine locking state increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An electric brake actuator with a parking function that includes a locking mechanism switchable between parking and unlocking states, utilizing an existing detection unit to determine the parking locking state without additional sensors, ensuring the braking force is maintained even when the motor is off, and increasing motor output if the vehicle starts moving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor or detection device is newly added to determine whether a parking lock operation has been completed, then the reliability of parking lock detection is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the existing detection unit to serve multiple functions: it continues to detect vehicle movement from stop state while also determining whether the parking lock operation has been completed. This eliminates the need for a separate sensor and reduces device complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the existing detection unit's output signal to determine parking lock completion status. The determination unit processes the detection signal that is already being generated by the vehicle's detection unit, allowing the system to self-determine lock status without external additional sensors.
2Device complexity
If the detection unit is used to determine parking locking state without additional sensors, then manufacturing cost is reduced and device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the detection unit's output signal during the parking lock operation and using this feedback to determine whether the lock operation has been completed. The determination unit processes the detection signal in real-time, providing accurate determination of lock state without requiring additional sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods with electronic signal processing. Instead of using mechanical sensors or additional detection devices, the system uses the existing detection unit's electrical output signal to determine parking lock status, achieving precise measurement through electronic means rather than mechanical means.
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 configuration effectively maintains the parking locking state, reduces manufacturing costs by reusing existing vehicle sensors, and prevents unintended vehicle movement by adjusting the braking force accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid 105 which moves the locking pawl 102 in a direction in which the locking pawl 102 is engaged with the ratchet 101
Implementation Method 2
a torsion spring 104 which biases the locking pawl 102 in a direction in which the locking pawl 102 is disengaged and released from the ratchet 101
Data Source
AI summary
The electric brake actuator with a parking function is provided with: detection unit which is provided in a vehicle in which the electric brake actuator is provided and is capable of detecting movement of the vehicle from a stop state; and determination unit configured to determine whether or not a locking mechanism has shifted to a parking locking state, by using a detection signal outputted from the detection unit, when the locking mechanism is driven by an actuator so as to switch from an unlocking state to the parking locking state.