Electric Brake System with Automatic Speed-Based Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric brake systems for human powered vehicles lack the ability to automatically and appropriately apply brakes in various situations, especially when the vehicle's rotation speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, and do not efficiently manage power supply states to ensure continuous braking functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electric brake system with a state detector and control unit that automatically controls an electric actuator-driven braking portion, including friction members and power storage, to manage braking based on detected states, ensuring appropriate braking in various situations and maintaining drivability by using power storage when the main power supply is insufficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic braking control is implemented based on state detection, then braking appropriateness in various situations is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control units and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the electric actuator for brake application, manages power distribution between power supply and power storage, and coordinates with the state detector. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If braking is applied at high rotation speeds, then safety is improved, but user convenience deteriorates because users need to move the vehicle at low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts braking parameters based on rotation speed detection. When rotation speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit activates braking control. When speed is below the threshold, braking is released to allow user movement. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by adapting braking intensity and application to the specific operating conditions.
3Reliability
If power storage is added to ensure continuous braking functionality, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage component is pre-charged during periods when the power supply is adequate, preparing energy reserves in advance. When the power supply becomes insufficient or unavailable, the pre-stored energy is immediately available to maintain braking functionality. This preliminary energy storage action ensures continuous operation without requiring complex real-time power management decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power storage acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the electric actuator. It buffers power fluctuations and provides supplemental energy when the main power supply is insufficient. This intermediary role simplifies the overall power management architecture by decoupling the direct dependency between power supply and actuator operation.
4Reliability
If friction members are pressed against the rotary body for braking, then braking effectiveness is improved, but wear and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric actuator applies friction members to the rotary body with controlled force based on detected rotation speed and braking requirements. Rather than maintaining constant friction contact, the system applies partial braking force only when and where needed, optimizing the balance between braking effectiveness and energy loss. The actuator modulates friction application to achieve minimum necessary braking intensity.
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 system effectively brakes the rotary body of human powered vehicles in diverse conditions, ensures user convenience by maintaining drivability, and simplifies power supply configuration by using a rechargeable battery and power generator, ensuring the brake device remains operational even when external power is not available.
Implementation Method 1
an electric actuator operated by electric power from a power supply
Implementation Method 2
the braking portion includes a friction member pressed against the rotary body
Data Source
AI summary
An electric brake system that appropriately brakes a rotary body of a human powered vehicle in various situations is applicable to a human powered vehicle and includes a brake device including an electric actuator operated by electric power from a power supply, and a braking portion driven by the electric actuator to brake a rotary body of the human powered vehicle, a state detector detecting a state of the human powered vehicle other than an operation of the brake device performed by a user, and a control unit controlling the brake device so that the braking portion brakes the rotary body based on a detection result of the state detector.