Parking Brake Electromagnetic Locking for Hydraulic-Free Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current braking systems rely on hydraulic power to maintain parking brake engagement, which can fail in the absence of hydraulic assistance, compromising braking force and safety.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic locking mechanism is integrated into the braking system, allowing pistons to engage and remain engaged with the brake pad without hydraulic pressure, using magnetic polarity changes to control the locking mechanism's state and maintain braking force independently of hydraulic fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic pressure is used to maintain piston engagement with the brake pad, then braking force can be applied, but the system fails when hydraulic assistance is absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electromagnetic locking mechanism. The electromagnet uses magnetic fields to lock the piston in place, eliminating the need for continuous hydraulic pressure to maintain engagement. This substitution provides reliable braking force maintenance without hydraulic dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic locking mechanism maintains the piston position passively once engaged, requiring no continuous energy input or external assistance. The magnetic lock holds the piston against the brake pad without needing hydraulic pressure, making the system self-sufficient for maintaining braking force.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If hydraulic pressure is continuously applied to maintain parking brake engagement, then the brake remains engaged, but energy is continuously consumed and system failure occurs without hydraulic power
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic locking mechanism operates periodically - applying power to engage the lock, then maintaining engagement without continuous power input. The magnetic field is established temporarily to lock the piston, after which the system maintains position without continuous energy consumption, unlike hydraulic systems that require sustained pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the locking function from the hydraulic system and implements it separately through an electromagnetic mechanism. This separation allows the parking brake to maintain engagement duration independently of hydraulic power availability, as the electromagnetic lock holds position without continuous hydraulic pressure.
3Reliability
If an electromagnetic locking mechanism is added to eliminate hydraulic dependency, then reliability without hydraulic power is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic locking mechanism is integrated into the existing brake caliper assembly, merging the locking function with the structural components of the brake system. The electromagnet and locking arm are incorporated within the caliper housing, utilizing existing mounting points and structural elements to minimize additional complexity.
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 effectively maintains braking force without electrical or hydraulic power, ensuring consistent and reliable engagement of the parking brake, even when hydraulic pressure is removed, thereby enhancing safety and reducing reliance on hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnet is configured to have first magnetic polarity repelling the permanent magnets for rotating the locking arm to a first condition allowing relative rotation between the spindles and the pistons
Implementation Method 2
The locking mechanism has a second magnetic polarity for placing the locking mechanism in a second condition preventing relative rotation between the spindles and the pistons such that the pistons remain engaged with the brake pad when hydraulic fluid pressure is removed
Data Source
AI summary
A parking brake for a wheel rotor having a brake pad associated therewith includes a housing defining first and second passages. First and second pistons are provided in the respective first and second passages. Spindles are threadably connected with each piston. An electromagnetic locking mechanism provided between the spindles having a first magnetic polarity for placing the locking mechanism in a first condition allowing relative rotation between the spindles and the pistons such that the pistons are axially movable within the passages and into engagement with the brake pad in response to hydraulic pressure applied to the pistons. The electromagnetic locking mechanism has a second magnetic polarity for placing the locking mechanism in a second condition preventing relative rotation between the spindles and the pistons such that the pistons remain engaged with the brake pad when hydraulic fluid pressure is removed from the pistons.