Automated Hand Brake Actuator Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated hand brakes require high summation currents to achieve target clamping force, leading to increased electrical load, larger electronic components, and higher costs, while also risking vehicle yaw during emergency stops.
Innovation Solution
The method operates actuators synchronously at a lower first amperage for blocking force and sequentially at a higher second amperage for target clamping force, reducing overall current demand and allowing for precise control without noticeable performance reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If actuators are operated simultaneously with high amperage to achieve target clamping force quickly, then braking force is achieved faster, but summation current increases to 46 A causing high electrical load and requiring larger electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The braking process is segmented into three distinct phases: first phase with synchronous actuator operation at reduced amperage (8-10 A each), second phase with one actuator deactivated, and third phase with sequential actuator operation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required clamping force while keeping summation current below 20 A, avoiding the 46 A peak current of conventional simultaneous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through multiple activation phases with defined transitions. The actuators are activated in a periodic sequence rather than simultaneously, with the control unit switching between phases based on current amplitude thresholds. This periodic activation pattern reduces peak current demand while maintaining effective braking performance.
2Quantity of substance
If actuators are operated sequentially to reduce summation current, then electrical load decreases, but braking force application becomes less uniform potentially causing vehicle yaw
Solution Approach 1:
The braking process is segmented into three distinct phases: first phase with synchronous actuator operation at reduced amperage (8-10 A each), second phase with one actuator deactivated, and third phase with sequential actuator operation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required clamping force while keeping summation current below 20 A, avoiding the 46 A peak current of conventional simultaneous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors current amplitude and uses feedback to determine when to transition between phases. The feedback mechanism ensures that actuators are deactivated/reactivated at appropriate current thresholds, maintaining stable and uniform braking force application while managing current demand.
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 approach reduces the summation current, enabling smaller electronic components, lower costs, and preventing vehicle yaw during emergency stops, while maintaining effective clamping force and precision in current measurement.
Implementation Method 1
Automated hand brakes are known from the prior art, such as, for example, in the so-called motor-on-caliper design from the patent application DE 10 2011 004 772 A1
Data Source
AI summary
Method for operating an automated hand brake comprising at least one first actuator and one second actuator for a motor vehicle, wherein each of the actuators is activated for an operation using a defined amperage, is characterized in that, in a first phase, the actuators are operated essentially synchronously until a defined first amperage is reached and, in a subsequent phase, the actuators are sequentially operated until a defined second amperage is reached.