Electric Multi-Disc Brake Actuation for Precise Bidirectional Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-disk brakes in motor vehicles lack precise control over braking power, particularly in electronic systems with multiple brake types and drive trains, and require efficient integration with vehicle transmission oil for cooling.
Innovation Solution
A multi-disk brake design with an electric actuating device and ramp unit, integrated with a vehicle's transmission oil system for cooling, allows sensitive and precise control of braking power, using an electric drive to operate the ramp unit in both directions and incorporate a return spring for release, with features like a roller bearing to reduce friction and a compact pinion design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an indirect control via actuating element/lever is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of braking power control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the indirect mechanical control system (actuating element/lever) with a direct electrical actuation system. The electric actuator directly controls the brake application force through an electrical signal, eliminating the mechanical transmission chain and enabling precise electronic control of braking power while reducing overall device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing is closed, then the protection against harmful factors is improved, but the heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transmission oil as an intermediary substance that serves dual functions: it protects the brake components from contamination when the housing is closed, and it acts as a cooling medium to dissipate heat. The transmission oil circulates around the brake discs, absorbing heat while the closed housing prevents contamination, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and heat dissipation.
3Device complexity
If the actuator only allows switching between engaged and disengaged positions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for precise braking control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, binary actuator (engaged/disengaged only) into a dynamic actuator capable of continuous position adjustment. The electric actuator can be controlled to any position within its travel range, enabling continuous modulation of brake application force and precise dosing of braking power, while maintaining relatively simple actuator mechanism design.
4Force
If a wedge-like ramp device is used, then the force amplification is improved, but the reliability due to direction-dependent effects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric cam profile designed to compensate for the direction-dependent amplification effects of the wedge-like ramp device. The cam profile is specifically shaped to provide different mechanical advantage ratios depending on the direction of actuator movement, thereby equalizing the effective braking force generated during forward and reverse travel and ensuring consistent and reliable braking performance in both directions.
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
Enables precise control of braking power in both forward and reverse directions, reduces friction losses, and integrates seamlessly with modern vehicle systems, supporting hybrid powertrains with regenerative braking.
Implementation Method 1
fluid cooling of the multi-disk brake is enabled by the housing being open to a transmission of the motor vehicle. This is because the vehicle transmission, which in motor vehicles is already oil-lubricated, is provided with the transmission oil for cooling the multi-disk brake.
Implementation Method 2
an actuating device with a ramp unit for preloading (actuating) and/or releasing the multi-disk arrangement
Implementation Method 3
features like a roller bearing to reduce friction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A multidisc brake (1) for a motor vehicle has two multidisc devices (7, 8) and an actuating device (9) for brake-actuating and/or brake-releasing operation of the multidisc devices (7, 8) and has an electric drive (16) for the translational actuation (spreading) of the actuating device, in particular of the ramp unit (9). In the case of a spreading operation, the multidisc devices (7, 8) are preloaded in a metered manner by the actuating device and generate desired frictional engagement, and correspondingly reversed control of the actuating device allows a correspondingly metered brake release. By means of the electric drive (16), the action of the multidisc brake (1) can be metered overall in a particularly accurate, sensitive and compensated manner in modern vehicle topology taking into consideration all peripheral brake components and systems, including recuperation.