Handbrake Relay Mechanism for Actual Cable Tension Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handbrake systems lack precise information on the actual force exerted by the handbrake cable, making it difficult to determine if the vehicle is correctly immobilized.
Innovation Solution
A handbrake system that utilizes a relay part mounted to rotate about a second axis, interacting with a contactor via a pre-stressed return element, allowing for mechanical tensioning of the handbrake cable to provide reliable activation confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a displacement sensor is placed on the lever to detect position, then position information is provided, but the reliability of immobilization confirmation deteriorates because the lever position is dispersed and does not accurately reflect actual cable tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay part as an intermediary element that translates the lever's rotational movement into linear displacement of the cable. The relay part includes a relay lever that pivots about a second axis, with its free end connected to the cable. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the switch is actuated by actual cable tension rather than lever position, resolving the contradiction between position detection and reliable immobilization confirmation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical connection between lever and cable with a mechanical advantage system using the relay part. The relay lever acts as a lever mechanism that amplifies and translates rotational motion into linear cable tension. This substitution allows the switch to respond to actual mechanical tension in the cable rather than relying on lever position sensing, thereby improving reliability
2Device complexity
If the cable is tightened directly by the lever, then the structure is simple, but accurate information on actual cable force cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The relay part serves as a mediator between the lever and cable, providing a mechanical interface that preserves force information. The relay lever's pivot point and connection to the cable create a mechanical system where the switch can detect actual cable tension. This intermediary structure adds minimal complexity while recovering the lost force information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the switch detects the state of cable tension and provides information about the handbrake's activation status. The relay part's movement, driven by actual cable force, actuates the switch to provide feedback on whether the handbrake is properly engaged. This feedback loop recovers the force information that would otherwise be lost in a direct connection system
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
Ensures safe and reliable immobilization of the vehicle by providing accurate mechanical tension information, ensuring effective activation of the handbrake system.
Implementation Method 1
the pre-stressed return element is a spring, and even more advantageously, a spiral spring
Implementation Method 2
compression of the prestressed return element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle handbrake system (1) comprising a rotatably mounted actuating lever (2), and a handbrake cable (4) connected to a braking device (3), a relay piece (12) rotatably mounted about a second axis (5) and held against a rest stop (10) integral with the actuating lever (2) by means of a pre-stressed return element (22), said relay piece (12) being held at a distance from a clamping stop (11) integral with said actuating lever (2) by means of said return element (22).The cable (4) connects the braking device (3) to the relay piece (12), which is in a first state of interaction with a contactor (17), and in order to ensure a braking operation, a rotation of the actuating lever (2) will first cause a simultaneous rotation of the relay piece (12) which is inserted between the pre-stressed return element (22) and the rest stop (10), said rotation being accompanied by a first mechanical tensioning of the brake cable (4) without resistance, then a second mechanical tensioning of said cable (4) which will stop the rotation of the relay piece (12) while the actuating lever (2) continues its rotation, thus causing the relay piece (12) to bear against the clamping stop (11) accompanied by a compression of the pre-stressed return element (22), and a second state of interaction of the relay piece (12). with the contactor (17).