Modular Actuator Assembly with Replaceable Fastening Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuator arrangements for electric parking brakes and electromechanical service brakes in motor vehicles are complex and costly to produce, with limited adaptability to user-specific interface requirements.

Innovation Solution

The actuator arrangement features a modular design with separate fastening means that can be customized for different fastening requirements, including push-in and slip-on parts, and a plastic housing with a one-piece plug receptacle, allowing for adaptable and cost-effective production without altering the rest of the actuator arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the actuator arrangement uses a modular structure with integrated housing and fastening means, then the structure is compact and production is standardized, but adaptability to different customer-specific interface requirements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different interface requirementsVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening means are separated from the main actuator arrangement and designed as independent replaceable parts. This segmentation allows different fastening configurations to be provided as separate modules that can be exchanged based on customer-specific requirements, without modifying the core actuator structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator arrangement is designed with universal mounting interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of fastening means. The standardized interface allows a single actuator design to work with various fastening configurations (different hole patterns, mounting positions, and fastening types) through the interchangeable fastening parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different fastening configurations are integrated into the housing, then adaptability to different requirements is improved, but production cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different fastening requirementsVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Fastening means are designed as separate replaceable parts rather than being integrated into the housing. This allows standardization of the main housing production while enabling customization through interchangeable fastening components, reducing tooling costs and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for easy replacement of fastening means when different customer requirements arise. Instead of producing different housing variants, the same housing can be used with different fastening parts, enabling cost-effective adaptation to different applications through part interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP2922184B1Actuator assembly
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 IMS GEAR SE & CO KGAA
  • EP2922184B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2922184B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2922184B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an actuator device for a brake, in particular an electric parking brake or electromechanical service brake with a brake pad adjustment unit (20) that can be driven by the actuator arrangement (10).The actuator assembly is modular in design and comprises the following components: - an electric motor (40), - a gearbox unit (50) housed in a casing, coupled to the electric motor (40) and operatively connected to the brake pad adjustment unit (20) on the output side, - fastening means (60) for attaching the actuator assembly (10) to the brake caliper (30) or to the brake pad adjustment unit (20), - a connector receptacle (71) for a connector plug of an electrical connection unit (70) that is electrically connected to the electric motor (40), - the electric motor (40) is at least partially enclosed by a housing (80) to which the connector receptacle (71) is integrally formed, and/or - the fastening means (60) are designed as a separate replacement part, provided with fastening openings (63) and fixed to the actuator assembly (10) in a rotationally fixed manner.