Electronic Parking Brake Load Cell Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic parking brake systems with spring displacement sensors increase the length of the apparatus, leading to layout issues in vehicles and risk of interface shorting or cutting off due to moving components.
Innovation Solution
A load cell based on a strain gauge is mounted on a cable ferrule outside the case, allowing the sensor electronic control unit to be fixed within the case, preventing interface issues and reducing overall apparatus length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spring displacement sensor is used to measure parking cable tension, then the measurement function is achieved, but the apparatus length increases and layout flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is integrated directly into the cable ferrule structure, merging the sensing function with the cable anchoring component. This eliminates the need for a separate spring displacement sensor assembly, thereby reducing the overall apparatus length while maintaining tension measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing unit is repositioned from a longitudinal arrangement (along the cable pull direction) to a transverse arrangement (across the cable path at the ferrule). This dimensional change allows the sensor to measure cable tension without extending the apparatus length in the cable pull direction.
2Device complexity
If the sensing unit is located inside the case, then the structure is compact, but the interface between sensor ECU and EPB ECU may be shorted or cut off due to moving components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two functional modules: the sensing unit (load cell) mounted on the cable ferrule outside the case, and the electronic control units (sensor ECU and EPB ECU) fixed inside the case. This spatial segmentation allows the sensing function to remain external while the electronics remain protected and stationary, eliminating interface reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable ferrule serves as an intermediary mounting platform for the load cell, positioning the sensing element in an optimal location outside the case while maintaining structural connection to the cable system. This intermediary structure resolves the conflict between compact housing and reliable external sensing.
3Device complexity
If the sensor ECU is attached to the sensing unit, then the sensing assembly is self-contained, but the interface connecting sensor ECU and EPB ECU moves and may be shorted or cut off
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor ECU is extracted from the moving sensing unit assembly and repositioned to a fixed location inside the case. This separation eliminates the movement of the interface connection between the sensor ECU and EPB ECU, preventing shorting or cutting off while maintaining functional integration through fixed wiring.
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 effectively measures parking cable tension while minimizing the apparatus's length and preventing interface disruptions, enhancing vehicle layout and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for measuring tension of a parking cable is implemented with a load cell based on a strain gauge
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic parking brake apparatus may include a driving member coupled to and actuating a parking cable, a case in which the driving member is housed, a cable ferrule disposed outside the case and coupled to a portion of the parking cable therethrough, wherein the cable ferrule is biased toward the case by the parking cable when the driving member actuates the parking cable, and a sensing member interposed between the case and the cable ferrule and measuring tension of the parking cable.