Electromechanical Brake Automatic Parking Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated electromechanical brakes with electric parking brake functions face challenges of increased size and complexity, leading to deteriorated vehicle mountability and operational noise.
Innovation Solution
A simplified electromechanical brake system with a motor unit, braking unit, parking drive unit, parking rod, guide pin, and parking ring, utilizing a small-sized solenoid that operates in a single direction, along with a return spring for automatic parking braking release, reducing system size and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If functions of electric parking brake and main brake are integrated, then brake functionality is improved, but size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical brake system is designed to perform both main braking and parking braking functions through a unified structure. The motor unit can operate in different modes: for main braking it controls the brake pads via the driving shaft, and for parking braking it locks the parking ring to the driving shaft, eliminating the need for separate brake systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the electric parking brake mechanism with the main electromechanical brake into a single integrated assembly. The parking drive unit, parking rod, and parking ring are merged with the motor unit and braking unit, allowing both functions to share common components like the motor, housing, and control system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If functions of electric parking brake and main brake are integrated, then brake functionality is improved, but size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor unit serves dual purposes: it generates rotational force for main braking operation and, when locked to the parking ring, provides the locking mechanism for parking braking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate motor or actuator for parking brake, reducing overall system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The parking ring is nested on the driving shaft, and the parking rod is integrated within the housing structure. The parking drive unit components are arranged compactly within the existing brake assembly footprint, allowing the integrated system to occupy minimal additional space.
3Ease of operation
If a bidirectional parking drive unit is used, then parking brake control is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The return spring automatically returns the parking rod to its initial position when the solenoid is de-energized, eliminating the need for a bidirectional actuator. The system uses the vehicle's motion (through the guide pin moving in the slot) and spring force to automatically reset the parking mechanism, reducing complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a bidirectional electromagnetic actuator with a unidirectional solenoid combined with a mechanical return spring system. The solenoid only needs to push the parking rod in one direction (engagement), while the spring and guide pin mechanism handle the return motion, simplifying the electrical control system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If integrated brake system is implemented, then brake functionality is improved, but operational noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design separates the noisy engagement action from the main braking operation. The parking rod engages with the parking ring through a controlled mechanical interaction guided by the guide pin, isolating potential noise sources. The return spring provides a smooth, controlled return motion that minimizes impact noise compared to direct mechanical spring-back.
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 solution enables a compact parking brake system with reduced manufacturing costs, inhibited loss of parking force, and minimal operational noise during engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring which provides restoring force for moving the parking rod and the driving rod to releasing positions at the time of releasing parking braking
Implementation Method 2
the parking drive unit may be a solenoid which moves the driving rod in a single direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical brake integrates a function of a parking brake by adding a simple structure to an existing electromechanical brake. In particular, the electromechanical brake includes a parking braking releasing structure configured to automatically release parking braking after a parking brake operates. In addition, the electromechanical brake is implemented to perform and release parking braking by using a drive unit which may operate in a single direction instead of using a drive unit which may operate in two directions.