Electromechanical Brake Torque Control for Motor Heat Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Brake systems, particularly electromechanical brake systems, generate excessive heat due to hysteresis effects when brakes are applied for extended periods, leading to faster deterioration of components like the electric motor.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical brake system with an electronic control unit that detects torque reduction events by monitoring clamp force, motor torque, and temperature thresholds, reducing motor torque while maintaining clamp force to manage thermal properties and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric motor maintains high torque during continuous braking, then the braking capability is maintained, but the motor temperature increases excessively leading to component deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motor torque based on real-time monitoring of clamp force and temperature conditions. During continuous braking events, the ECU reduces motor torque when clamp force exceeds thresholds, allowing the motor to cool while maintaining sufficient braking capability through the mechanical brake system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of the electric motor by reducing torque output during continuous braking events. The ECU monitors clamp force and motor temperature, and when thresholds are exceeded, it adjusts the torque parameter to prevent overheating while maintaining safe braking operation.
2Temperature
If the motor torque is reduced to lower temperature, then the motor durability is improved, but the braking force may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the mechanical brake system as an intermediary to compensate for reduced electric brake force. When the ECU reduces motor torque to prevent overheating, the mechanical brakes provide the necessary supplemental braking force to maintain safe stopping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically balances between electric and mechanical braking forces. The ECU continuously monitors braking conditions and adjusts the division of labor between the electric motor and mechanical brakes, ensuring sufficient total braking force while protecting the motor from overheating.
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
Reduces heat generation and extends the durability and performance of the electric motor by maintaining braking capability without overheating, thus improving the brake system's longevity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator assembly comprising an electric motor configured to mechanically move the brake pad assembly toward or away from the brake rotor
Implementation Method 2
a brake pad assembly configured to be engageable with the brake rotor... the clamp force exerted by the brake pad assembly on the brake rotor
Implementation Method 3
Brake systems, particularly electromechanical brake systems, generate excessive heat due to hysteresis effects when brakes are applied for extended periods
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical brake (EMB) system is provided. The EMB system includes: a brake rotor configured to be rotatable with a wheel of a vehicle; a brake pad assembly configured to be engageable with the brake rotor; an actuator assembly including an electric motor configured to mechanically move the brake pad assembly toward or away from the brake rotor; and an electronic control unit (ECU) including a processor associated with a memory that stores instructions that when executed by the processor causes the ECU to perform operations. The operations include: determining an occurrence of a torque reduction event; and reducing a motor torque of the electric motor while maintaining a clamp force exerted by the brake pad assembly on the brake rotor in response to determination of the occurrence of the torque reduction event.