Electromagnetic Drum Brake Actuation via Cam Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal shoe brakes with electromagnetic actuating devices face inefficiencies due to poor force utilization, limited structural size, and high costs, as the actuating force is applied offset from the brake shoe support bolts, restricting the diameter ratio and requiring expensive transmission elements.

Innovation Solution

The actuating cams of the electromagnet are positioned near the brake shoe supporting blocks, allowing direct force transmission to the brake shoes, enabling a larger diameter electromagnet for increased force generation without additional transmission elements, and utilizing a self-reinforcing duplex brake design with fixed pivot points for predictable braking behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the actuating force is applied offset from the brake shoe support bolts (90° offset), then the brake structure can be simplified, but the force utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake structure complexityVSAvoidforce utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the actuating cams at the ends of the brake shoes rather than at the center, creating an asymmetric force application point. This asymmetric positioning allows the actuating force to be applied directly at the pivot point, eliminating the need for complex transmission elements while maximizing force utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Force

If the electromagnet diameter is increased to generate larger actuating forces, then the actuating force increases, but the ratio of hub diameter to brake shoe outside diameter decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuating forceVSAvoidinstallation space ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the electromagnet radially outside the brake shoes rather than inside, utilizing the axial dimension for force transmission. This dimensional repositioning allows larger diameter electromagnets to be used without reducing the radial installation space, as the electromagnet occupies axial space rather than radial space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating cams serve as intermediaries that transmit the electromagnetic force to the brake shoes. By placing the electromagnet outside and using cams as force transmission elements, the system achieves large actuating forces while maintaining a large hub-to-brake-shoe diameter ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Force

If transmission elements are added to increase actuating force, then the force transmission efficiency improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transmission efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates complex transmission elements by directly positioning the actuating cams at the brake shoe ends. This simplification removes unnecessary intermediate components while maintaining high force transmission efficiency through direct electromagnetic actuation at the pivot points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Volume of moving object

If the electromagnet is mounted on its outer peripheral surface with cam discs inside rollers, then the brake structure is compact, but the magnetic body size is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake structure compactnessVSAvoidmagnetic body diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mounting the electromagnet inside the brake structure with cam discs constrained by rollers, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the electromagnet radially outside the brake shoes. This inversion allows the magnetic body to have a larger diameter without constraining the overall brake structure size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 achieves high actuating force efficiency with minimal power loss, reduces manufacturing costs, and provides a large installation space ratio, ensuring consistent braking performance without the need for adjustment devices due to the direct and proportional magnetic force application.

Implementation Method 1

an annular electromagnet is used which, during a braking process, i.e. when the electromagnet is energized, attracts an armature disk

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic attraction: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the electromagnet is rotated a small distance by the brake drum... in Frictional contact reached

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2518360B1Drum brake with electromagnetic actuation device
Publication Date: 2013.12.25 KNOTT GMBH
  • EP2518360B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2518360B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2518360B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The shoe brake has a brake drum which is rotatably connected to anchor plate. The brake drum and anchor plate are frictionally engaged to electromagnet (3), so that rotation is possible. The brake shoes (2) are pulled together by shoe return springs. The electromagnet is provided with actuating cams which are arranged in vicinity of support brackets (7,8) for brake shoes and extended into the spaces between opposing end surfaces of brake shoe webs.