Integrated Brake Assembly for Dynamic and Parking Brake Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake assemblies are costly and complex due to the need for separate actuators for dynamic and parking brake functions, which increases manufacturing complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A brake assembly that uses a single actuator with an output shaft to perform both dynamic and parking brake operations, where the actuator converts rotational movement into axial translation to engage and disengage the brake pad with the disc, and incorporates a parking brake actuator that maintains frictional engagement without additional force transmission components, utilizing a form-fit or force-fit mechanical coupling for efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuators are provided for dynamic braking and parking brake functions, then the braking functions can be independently actuated, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dynamic braking actuator and parking brake actuator into a single integrated actuator unit. The actuator housing contains both the dynamic braking actuator with first output shaft and the parking brake actuator with second output shaft, eliminating the need for separate actuator assemblies and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent actuation capability through separate control inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator housing serves multiple functions by accommodating both dynamic braking and parking brake actuators within one structure. This multi-functional design allows the same housing to support independent actuation mechanisms for both braking functions, reducing the total number of components needed while preserving the independence of each braking function.
2Ease of operation
If additional force transmission components are used to realize parking brake operation, then the parking brake function can be independently controlled, but the manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the parking brake actuation function from a separate mechanical linkage system and integrates it directly into the actuator housing. The parking brake actuator is mounted within the same housing as the dynamic braking actuator, with its output shaft directly connected to the brake mechanism, eliminating the need for additional external force transmission components and simplifying assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single actuator is used for both dynamic and parking brake operations, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to independently actuate different braking functions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuator is segmented into two independent functional units: a dynamic braking actuator with a first output shaft and a parking brake actuator with a second output shaft. Each output shaft can be independently actuated by separate control mechanisms, allowing the system to maintain the ability to perform both dynamic braking and parking brake functions independently while using a unified actuator structure that reduces manufacturing complexity.
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
The solution provides a cost-efficient and easy-to-manufacture brake assembly that eliminates the need for additional force transmission components, maintaining braking force during parking operations without additional energy supply, ensuring reliability and reduced production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a brake pad frictionally engages the brake disc when an actuator force is applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
The actuator may for example comprise an electromotor and a transmission member
Implementation Method 3
a rotational movement of the electromotor, preferably of a rotor of the electromotor, is converted into an axial translational movement of the output shaft by means of the transmission member
Data Source
AI summary
A brake assembly includes a brake disc in rotational engagement with a wheel of a vehicle, a brake pad which frictionally engages the brake disc in a dynamic braking operation and a parking brake operation, a dynamic actuator adapted to bring the brake pad and brake disc into the frictional engagement in the dynamic braking operation, and a parking brake actuator associated with the dynamic actuator such that, in the parking brake operation, the frictional engagement of the brake disc and brake pad is maintained.