Electro Wedge Brake Variable Wedge Angle Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Electro wedge brakes (EWBs) face challenges in maintaining high braking efficiency due to changes in the frictional coefficient between the pad and disc, which affects the self-reinforcing effect and clamping efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for adjusting the wedge angle of EWBs, utilizing a frictional coefficient estimate unit, wedge angle command unit, and wedge control unit to dynamically adjust the wedge angle based on estimated frictional coefficients, ensuring optimal clamping force generation regardless of changes in frictional conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fixed wedge angle is used in EWB, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the braking efficiency cannot be maintained when frictional coefficient changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewedge structure simplicityVSAvoidbraking efficiency stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge angle is changed from a fixed value to a dynamically adjustable parameter. The control unit varies the wedge angle based on the frictional coefficient between the pad and disc, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal braking efficiency throughout the brake's operational life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge angle parameter is modified according to the frictional coefficient. By changing this geometric parameter dynamically, the system compensates for frictional coefficient variations, ensuring that the self-reinforcing effect and clamping efficiency remain high under different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the wedge angle is adjusted to maintain braking efficiency, then the braking efficiency is maintained under varying frictional conditions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking efficiency stabilityVSAvoidwedge angle adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives feedback about the frictional coefficient (either from sensors or pre-stored data) and automatically adjusts the wedge angle accordingly. This closed-loop control mechanism maintains braking efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical adjustment of wedge angle is replaced or assisted by an electronic control system. The control unit processes frictional coefficient information and actuates the wedge angle adjustment, reducing the need for complex purely mechanical adjustment mechanisms while achieving the same functional goal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If a small power motor is used with wedge structure, then the clamping efficiency is high, but the wedge angle must be precisely controlled to maintain self-reinforcing effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor power consumptionVSAvoidwedge angle control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge structure's self-reinforcing effect is preserved and utilized, allowing a small power motor to generate high clamping force. The system leverages the inherent mechanical advantage of the wedge geometry to amplify the motor's output, reducing power requirements while maintaining effective braking force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge angle is dynamically adjusted to optimize the self-reinforcing effect under varying frictional conditions. By changing the wedge angle parameter, the system maintains the optimal balance between the motor's limited power output and the required clamping force, ensuring efficient operation without excessive power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 maintains high braking efficiency and clamping force generation using a small power input, even with changes in frictional coefficients, by dynamically adjusting the wedge angle in response to real-time frictional conditions.

Implementation Method 1

estimate a frictional coefficient between a pad and a disc of the EWB

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a movable wedge including an inclined surface and a counter wedge which includes an inclined surface disposed to face the inclined surface of the movable wedge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS9759280B2Variable wedge of electro wedge brake, and device and method of adjusting wedge angle
Publication Date: 2017.09.12 DAEGU GYEONGBUK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
  • US9759280B2 patent drawing
  • US9759280B2 patent drawing
  • US9759280B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a wedge angle adjusting device and method. A device for adjusting a wedge angle of a variable wedge of an electro wedge brake (EWB) includes a movable wedge including an inclined surface and a counter wedge which includes an inclined surface disposed to face the inclined surface of the movable wedge and is disposed to face the movable wedge. The wedge angle adjusting device includes a frictional coefficient estimate unit configured to estimate a frictional coefficient between a pad and a disc of the EWB, a wedge angle command unit configured to calculate a wedge angle command value, based on a estimation of frictional coefficient estimated by the frictional coefficient estimate unit, and a wedge control unit configured to adjust the wedge angle according to the calculated wedge angle command value.