Integrated Wheel Brake Assembly for Space-Constrained Small Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle brakes require significant space for installation, which is a challenge for small mobility vehicles that lack sufficient space for both the brake and the power source.
Innovation Solution
A wheel assembly with an integrated brake module that includes a motor, a disk, and a brake pad, where the brake module is positioned between the wheel and the motor, allowing the brake pad to press the disk when the wheel rotates relative to the motor, and retract when the motor provides rotational power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional brake operated by a separate power source is applied, then the braking function is reliable, but the space required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake module is integrated with the motor assembly, where the brake caliper is positioned to engage the brake disc that is part of the motor assembly. This merging of the brake system with the motor assembly eliminates the need for a separate power source and reduces installation space while maintaining reliable braking function through the self-actuating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly serves dual functions: providing rotational power to the wheel and serving as the brake disc mounting surface. The brake module uses the motor assembly's structural components (bracket, shaft) to mount and actuate the braking mechanism, making the motor assembly a multi-functional component that reduces overall system space requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate power source for the brake is provided, then the braking operation is independent, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake module is designed as a self-actuating system where the rotation of the wheel relative to the motor assembly automatically actuates the brake caliper to engage the brake disc. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically applies braking force when the wheel slows down or stops, eliminating the need for an external power source or complex control system while maintaining independent braking operation.
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 solution minimizes the space required for installation, enabling the use of brakes in small vehicles without the need for a separate power source, thereby reducing costs and improving space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a brake pad disposed to face the disk in the axial direction, and at least a portion of which presses the disk as the second block is moved
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel assembly can include a wheel that is rotated about a reference rotation axis extending in an axial direction of the wheel assembly, a motor that is operated to provide rotational power to the wheel, a disk connected to the motor and that is rotated about the reference rotation axis together with at least a portion of the motor, and a brake module disposed between the wheel and the motor in a radial direction of the wheel assembly, which is perpendicular to the axial direction, and the brake module that presses the disk in the axial direction when the wheel is rotated relative to the motor, an operation of which is stopped by the brake module, and is spaced apart from the disk in the axial direction when the rotational power is provided to the wheel by an operation of the motor.