Electro Wedge Brake Variable Wedge Angle Adjustment
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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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
Data Source
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.


