Linear Motor Electric Parking Brake With Simplified Actuator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric parking brake (EPB) systems face issues with energy efficiency, assembly complexity, cost, weight, and volume due to the use of multiple parts and gear-based power transmission structures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a linear motor-based electric parking brake system that simplifies the power transmission structure by using a linear motor to perform a linear motion, reducing the number of parts and enhancing assembly and packaging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor with gears and a ball screw nut device is used to generate braking force, then the parking brake function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex with increased number of parts, weight, and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex gear transmission mechanism and ball screw nut device from the actuator system, retaining only the essential linear motor components (stator, moving member, and magnet) that directly generate linear motion without requiring intermediate mechanical transmission elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gear-based power transmission system with a linear motor system that directly converts electrical energy to linear mechanical motion, eliminating the need for gears, shafts, and ball screw mechanisms
2Reliability
If a motor with gears and a ball screw nut device is used to generate braking force, then the parking brake function is achieved, but assembly becomes difficult and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex gear assembly and ball screw components that require precision manufacturing and complex assembly procedures, leaving only the linear motor's essential components that can be assembled more simply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the motor, gear transmission, and ball screw mechanism into a single integrated linear motor assembly, reducing the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled
3Reliability
If the number of parts is increased to achieve reliable braking, then the parking brake function is improved, but weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary mechanical transmission parts (gears, ball screws, connecting shafts) that add weight without contributing directly to the braking force generation, retaining only the essential linear motor components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a compact linear motor assembly where the stator, moving member, and magnet work together as an integrated unit, reducing overall weight while maintaining braking reliability
4Reliability
If the number of parts is increased to achieve reliable braking, then the parking brake function is improved, but volume increases reducing packaging efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes bulky mechanical transmission components (gears, ball screw mechanisms, connecting linkages) that occupy significant space, retaining only the compact linear motor components essential for generating braking force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the motor housing, stator, moving member, and magnet into a compact unified structure, minimizing the overall volume of the actuator while preserving the braking function
5Reliability
If a traditional motor with power transmission mechanism is used, then the parking brake function is achieved, but energy efficiency is reduced due to mechanical losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical power transmission system (gears, ball screws) that incur friction and mechanical losses with a linear motor system that directly converts electrical energy to linear motion, eliminating intermediate mechanical transmission losses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the gear and ball screw transmission mechanisms that cause mechanical energy losses, retaining only the direct-drive linear motor components that convert electrical energy to mechanical motion with higher efficiency
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 increases energy efficiency, simplifies assembly, reduces costs, weight, and volume, and improves the usability of installation space by minimizing the number of parts and streamlining the power transmission mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a stator disposed in the motor housing and including a coil generating magnetic energy by an applied power
Implementation Method 2
the moving member having a magnet to reciprocate with respect to the stator
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein an electric parking brake (EPB) that is controlled by an electrical signal and generates a parking braking force includes a caliper housing including a cylinder and a piston slidably provided in the cylinder; and an actuator installed in the cylinder to press and release the piston; wherein the actuator comprises a linear motor installed in the cylinder and having a moving member that moves linearly according to an electrical signal, and a pressing portion that is press-fitted to the moving member to move together with the moving member and presses selectively the piston.