Electronic Parking Brake Actuation for Compact Drum Brake Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manual parking brake systems are cumbersome, requiring drivers to manually pull a lever to engage the parking brake, leading to inefficiencies and reduced vehicle interior space due to the complexity and number of components.
Innovation Solution
An electronic parking brake system utilizing a motor-driven actuator with a reduction gear unit and power converter to generate a rotational force that is converted into a linear motion to press or release brake shoes, improving the braking force and operational efficiency while optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual parking brake system with parking lever and cable is used, then the braking function is achieved, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical parking brake system (parking lever, cable, equalizer) with an electronic actuator system. The actuator includes a motor that generates rotational force, which is converted to linear motion through a lead screw mechanism to directly push the brake shoes, eliminating the need for manual cable-pulley systems and significantly reducing the number of mechanical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary components from the traditional parking brake system. By eliminating the parking lever, cable, and equalizer mechanism, the design achieves a more compact structure with fewer parts while maintaining the essential braking function through the motorized actuator and lead screw mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a manual parking brake system with parking lever is installed, then the braking function is achieved, but the vehicle interior space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the parking lever and associated cable mechanisms from the vehicle interior, freeing up valuable space. The compact electronic actuator with motor and lead screw mechanism occupies minimal space compared to the traditional manual system, allowing for better utilization of vehicle interior volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the lead screw mechanism is integrated within the actuator housing, and the brake shoes are positioned within the drum assembly. This nested configuration minimizes the overall volume required for the parking brake system, maximizing vehicle interior space utilization.
3Force
If an electronic parking brake system with motor and reduction gear is used, then the braking force is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lead screw mechanism as an intermediary between the motor's rotational output and the linear force required to push the brake shoes. This lead screw acts as a mechanical transformer that converts rotational motion into linear motion while providing mechanical advantage, thereby generating high braking force without requiring an overly complex actuator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: the motor generates rotational force, the lead screw converts this to linear motion, and the entire assembly provides both force multiplication and positional control. This multi-functional design achieves enhanced braking force while keeping the actuator structure relatively simple and integrated.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact actuator structure is designed, then the installation space is optimized, but the connection structure between components becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into integrated assemblies: the motor is coupled directly to the lead screw mechanism, which is housed within the actuator casing. The brake shoes are integrated with the drum assembly. These merging strategies achieve compact installation space while the connection structures are simplified through direct couplings and integrated designs rather than multiple separate connection points.
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 system enables smooth, stable, and enhanced braking performance with increased installation space efficiency by automating the braking process and reducing the need for manual lever operation.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator including a motor configured to rotate forward and reverse to generate a driving force for braking
Implementation Method 2
a reduction gear unit configured to amplify the driving force transmitted from the motor
Implementation Method 3
a power converter configured to convert a rotational motion from the actuator into a linear motion to press or release the first and second brake shoes
Implementation Method 4
two brake shoes installed inside the drum to brake the drum through friction with an inner surface of the drum
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electronic parking brake system, which is configured to push first and second brake shoes respectively disposed on inner opposite sides of a drum to an inner surface of the drum for braking, including an actuator including a motor configured to rotate forward and reverse to generate a driving force for braking, and a reduction gear unit configured to amplify the driving force transmitted from the motor, and a power converter configured to convert a rotational motion from the actuator into a linear motion to press or release the first and second brake shoes.