Integrated Brake Position Sensing Without Added Shaft Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brakes and encoders for motor output shafts require significant axial space due to their separate configurations, necessitating a long motor output shaft to accommodate both components.
Innovation Solution
A brake integrated with a sensor assembly that minimizes axial space by incorporating a rotor, brake plate, armature, and electromagnet, along with a compact sensor configuration that determines rotational position without increasing the shaft's length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a brake and encoder are used separately on the motor output shaft, then the rotational position can be monitored, but the axial space required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder is integrated directly into the brake assembly, with the encoder body formed as part of the brake structure. The encoder wheel is coupled to the motor output shaft within the same axial space occupied by the brake components, allowing both braking and position monitoring functions to coexist without increasing the overall axial length of the motor output shaft assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assembly serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical braking through the brake shoe and drum, while simultaneously housing the encoder components (encoder wheel, sensor) that monitor rotational position. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate brake and encoder assemblies, resolving the space constraint
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 integrated brake and sensor assembly allows for determining the rotational position of the motor output shaft without substantially increasing the shaft's axial length, providing a compact solution for space-constrained applications.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is configured to urge the armature in a first axial direction towards, and into engagement with, the rotor
Implementation Method 2
The electromagnet is configured to urge, when current is delivered to the electromagnet, the armature in a second axial direction away from, and out of engagement with, the rotor
Implementation Method 3
a sensor aligned with the target through the one of the central bore of the brake plate and the central bore of the electromagnet and configured to generate, responsive to the target, position signals indicative of a rotational position of the rotor and rotating body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A brake includes a rotor rotatably coupled to a rotating body for rotation about a rotational axis. A brake plate and an armature are disposed on opposite sides of the rotor. A spring and an electromagnet urge the armature in opposite directions into and out of engagement with the rotor to move the rotor into and out of engagement with the brake plate and engage and disengage the brake. The brake plate and electromagnet each define a central bore configured to receive the rotating body. The brake is characterized by a target supported on a radially extending face of the rotating body or the rotor and a sensor aligned with the target through the central bore of the brake plate or the electromagnet. The sensor generates, responsive to the target, position signals indicative of a rotational position of the rotor and rotating body.