Fixed-Caliper Brake Electromechanical-Hydraulic Force Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixed-caliper brakes require additional construction space and increased weight due to the need for electromechanical actuators on both sides of the brake disk, which is not aesthetically pleasing and inefficient compared to sliding or floating calipers.
Innovation Solution
A fixed-caliper brake design incorporating an electromechanical actuator that is hydraulically coupled to both brake piston devices, allowing for signal-based activation and reducing the need for a second actuator, thus optimizing construction space and weight reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an electromechanical actuator is used on both sides of the brake disk in a fixed-caliper brake, then the braking force is sufficient, but the construction space increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electromechanical and hydraulic force transmission systems into a single fixed-caliper brake assembly. The electromechanical actuator on the first side generates braking force that is transmitted hydraulically to the second side, eliminating the need for a separate actuator there. This merging of actuation methods reduces overall weight while maintaining sufficient braking force on both sides of the brake disk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hydraulic fluid as an intermediary to transmit force from the electromechanical actuator on the first side to the brake piston on the second side. This hydraulic coupling allows force to be transmitted across the brake caliper without requiring a second electromechanical actuator, thereby reducing weight while maintaining balanced braking force.
2Force
If an electromechanical actuator is used on both sides of the brake disk, then braking performance is adequate, but the construction space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force generation function (electromechanical actuator) with the force transmission function (hydraulic system) into a single integrated assembly. By placing only one electromechanical actuator on the first side and using hydraulic coupling to actuate the second side, the overall construction space is reduced compared to having separate actuators on both sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic coupling system to transmit force from the electromechanical actuator on the first side to the brake piston on the second side. This hydraulic transmission mechanism allows force to be delivered to both sides of the brake disk without requiring physical actuators on both sides, thereby optimizing construction space within the brake caliper.
3Device complexity
If a hydraulic system is used for both brake pistons, then the system is simple, but signal-based activation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces part of the traditional hydraulic actuation system with an electromechanical actuator on the first side. This substitution enables signal-based (electrical) activation of the brake while maintaining hydraulic force transmission to the second side. The hybrid approach preserves the simplicity of hydraulic force distribution while adding the capability for precise electrical control and activation.
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
Enables signal-based activation, reduces construction space and weight, and maintains aesthetic advantages by integrating the actuator within the brake caliper, enhancing operational reliability and braking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure generating device, for example a brake pedal or a brake booster coupled thereto, is used, during the braking operation, to pressurize a hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic channel running through the brake caliper such that the hydraulic fluid in turn exerts a pressure force on the brake pistons
Data Source
AI summary
A fixed-caliper brake has a combined electromechanical/hydraulic force transmission, including a fixed caliper, a brake disc, a first brake piston device which is arranged on or in the brake caliper and is designed to directly or indirectly transmit a first pressure force to a first lateral face of the brake disc associated therewith by way of at least one brake piston, a second brake piston device which is arranged on or in the brake caliper and is designed to directly or indirectly transmit a second pressure force to a second lateral face of the brake disc associated therewith and opposite the first lateral face by way of at least one brake piston, and an electromechanical actuator which is arranged on or in the brake caliper and is configured to exert a force onto the first brake piston device and onto the second brake piston device, respectively, when actuated. The force is further transmitted by the particular brake piston device, at least proportionally, as the first or second pressure force, respectively, onto the particular associated lateral face of the brake disc. The electromechanical actuator and the second brake piston device are hydraulically coupled to one another to cause the exertion of force from the electromechanical actuator to the second brake piston device.