Electronic Brake Caliper Actuation for Modular Vehicle Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antilock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) are complex, heavy, and expensive due to their combination of electronic and hydraulic components, which complicates manufacturing, increases maintenance time, and reduces modularity in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic braking system that uses localized electro-mechanical actuation instead of hydraulic components, allowing for independent control of each wheel and separating ABS and ESC functions, reducing the number of components and weight while enhancing modularity and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional hydraulic components are used in ABS and ESC systems, then braking force can be effectively applied, but the system becomes complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the braking system into independent electronic actuators at each wheel, with each actuator independently controlling brake pad application. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex hydraulic distribution systems while maintaining effective braking force at each wheel independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electro-mechanical system using electric motors or linear actuators to directly apply braking force. This substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid, reservoirs, valves, and piping, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining braking effectiveness.
2Reliability
If conventional hydraulic components are used in ABS and ESC systems, then braking function is maintained, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes all hydraulic components (fluid, reservoirs, valves, piping) from the braking system, retaining only the essential braking function through electro-mechanical actuators. This extraction eliminates unnecessary weight while preserving the core braking capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ABS and ESC systems are implemented, then vehicle control functions are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking control system into independent modular units at each wheel, where each unit contains its own actuator and control electronics. This modularity simplifies manufacturing by allowing standardized components to be produced independently and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining full vehicle control functionality.
4Ease of operation
If conventional hydraulic systems are used, then braking control is achieved, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic system with an electro-mechanical system that eliminates hydraulic fluid, which requires periodic replacement and system bleeding. The electric actuators and electronic control systems have fewer wear components and no fluid maintenance requirements, significantly reducing maintenance time while preserving braking control functionality.
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 solution decreases the complexity and weight of the braking system, improves control and modularity, and reduces maintenance time, while also providing redundancy for safety, particularly beneficial in autonomous vehicles where regenerative braking can handle most braking duties.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic brake caliper assembly can comprise an electronic brake caliper assembly, mounted proximate a wheel of a vehicle. In some examples, the electronic brake caliper assembly can comprise a brake caliper, one or more brake pads, mounted in the brake caliper, the one or more brake pads to generate friction on a brake rotor
Implementation Method 2
the one or more brake pads to generate friction on a brake rotor detachably coupled to the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic braking system with independent antilock braking and stability control. The system can utilize a variety of electro-mechanical actuators to apply clamping force to a mechanical brake caliper. The system can include a caliper electronic control unit (CECU) and a wheel speed sensor at each wheel of the vehicle to enable independent slip control, or antilock braking, at each wheel. A separate executive management unit (EMU) can receive data from each electronic caliper, vehicle accelerometers, and other sensors to provide electronic stability control (ESC) independent of antilock braking (ABS) functions. The removal of a conventional master cylinder, brake pedal, ABS pump, brake lines, and other components can reduce weight and complexity. The elimination of hydraulic lines running to a central ABS module and master cylinder can enable modular drive units to be swapped out more quickly and efficiently.