EMB Brake Caliper Locking Mechanism for Residual Clamp Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Electronic Mechanical Brake (EMB) systems face issues with residual clamping force between the brake pad and disc due to motor or control circuit failures, leading to excessive drag and safety concerns, especially for autonomous driving applications.

Innovation Solution

The brake caliper incorporates an actuator with a first motor and transmission mechanism, and a locking mechanism with a second motor and self-locking second transmission mechanism. The power output part of the second transmission mechanism features convex teeth that mesh with the first transmission mechanism's gear, allowing for reliable locking and active release of the brake disc.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism with only parking function is used in EMB, then the parking function is achieved, but the residual clamping force cannot be released when motor or control circuit fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake release reliabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: normal parking locking and emergency release of residual clamping force. The second motor and self-locking transmission mechanism can operate in two modes - maintaining locked state for parking and releasing the brake disc when needed, making the mechanism universal rather than single-purpose

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power output part is pre-equipped with convex teeth that can mesh with the first transmission mechanism's gear. This preliminary configuration allows the locking mechanism to quickly engage and release the brake disc in emergency situations without requiring additional components or complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the power output part has convex teeth meshed with the first transmission mechanism's gear, then reliable locking and active release are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The convex teeth on the power output part are integrated directly into the second transmission mechanism rather than being separate components. This merging approach allows the locking and release functions to be achieved through the existing transmission structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The self-locking transmission mechanism automatically maintains the locked state without requiring continuous power input. The convex teeth naturally engage with the first transmission mechanism's gear to hold the brake disc in position, and can be released by reversing the second motor, making the system self-servicing rather than requiring external intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables timely release of the brake disc and reliable locking, preventing continuous wheel locking during braking and ensuring safe operation and compliance with L3 and higher autonomous driving standards.

Implementation Method 1

An elastic element for applying an elastic effect to the limiting pin is disposed in the mounting hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The second transmission mechanism includes a worm rod connected with the second motor and a worm wheel meshed with the worm rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 3

A power output part of the second transmission mechanism is provided with a plurality of convex teeth meshed with a transmission gear on a power transmission path of the first transmission mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear meshing: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP4549772A1Brake caliper
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 WUHU BETHEL AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY SYST CO LTD
  • EP4549772A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4549772A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4549772A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A brake caliper, comprising an actuator and a locking mechanism, wherein the actuator comprises a first electric motor and a first transmission mechanism; the locking mechanism comprises a second electric motor (6), and a second transmission mechanism, which is connected to the second electric motor and has a self-locking function; and a power output part (3) of the second transmission mechanism meshes with a transmission gear (1) on a power transfer path of the first transmission mechanism when in a locked state. The brake caliper has a locking function and can still release a brake disc in time when the first electric motor and its control correlation fail, thereby avoiding the continuous locking of wheels during driving of a vehicle.