Parking Brake Force Device with Dual Stiffness Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force generating devices for applications like parking brakes lack reliable and easy-to-control mechanisms, often resulting in inaccurate force detection and potential component damage due to uncontrolled force application.
Innovation Solution
A force generating device with a spring module prestressed by a mechanical engagement device, featuring a travel sensor to detect displacement and control the force application, ensuring a defined minimum force is applied while preventing excessive force, using two spring elements with different stiffnesses and mechanical engagement devices to manage force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a travel measurement of a spring element is used to determine force, then force detection is possible, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex sensor-based force measurement systems with a mechanical spring element system. The spring element's deformation directly indicates force magnitude through its mechanical properties, eliminating the need for Hall sensors, processors, and complex characteristic curve evaluations. This mechanical substitution simplifies the device while maintaining force detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves dual functions: it both generates the braking force and provides visual indication of force magnitude through its deformation. The system uses its own mechanical state (spring deformation) to communicate force information, eliminating the need for separate measurement and processing systems.
2Device complexity
If indirect force detection using motor current is used, then the device is simpler, but the measurement precision deteriorates to a low degree of accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical current-based indirect force detection with a direct mechanical indication system using spring elements. The spring's physical deformation provides a more accurate and direct representation of actual force applied, eliminating the inaccuracies inherent in current-based estimation methods.
3Reliability
If high force is applied to ensure reliable braking action, then braking reliability improves, but the risk of component damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-tensions the spring element before braking operation. This preliminary action ensures that the spring is already in a state ready to provide controlled force, allowing for precise force application from the start of braking operation and preventing sudden excessive force that could damage components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the spring element (pre-tensioning) to optimize force characteristics. By adjusting the spring's initial state and mechanical properties, the system achieves reliable braking force while maintaining control to prevent component damage.
4Ease of operation
If a spring element with limited resilient flexibility is used, then force control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to mechanical engagement devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring element's mechanical engagement device with the spring element itself, integrating the force generation and engagement functions into a single component. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining force control capability.
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 solution provides reliable and controlled force application, preventing component damage and ensuring accurate braking action by detecting and signaling specific force thresholds, allowing for precise control of the drive motor, thus enhancing the reliability and longevity of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, wherein a spring is prestressed by a mechanical engagement device with a predetermined support force in such a way that the spring can be placed under further stress only when the predetermined support force has been exceeded
Implementation Method 2
a travel sensor is provided for indirectly or directly detecting a displacement of the force generating element
Data Source
AI summary
A device for generating a force applied to a component includes a force generating element supported on a resilient support device having first and second, or only a second, spring elements in series in a force transmission chain being stressed during force transmission. The first spring element is less stiff than the second. The first spring element is stressed by a first supporting force over a first spring travel. A spring travel exceeding the first spring travel and a force absorption by the first spring element exceeding the first supporting force are prevented by a first mechanical engaging device. The second spring element is formed by a spring module having a second spring stressed by a second mechanical engaging device with a second supporting force permitting the second spring to only be further stressed when exceeding the second supporting force. A travel sensor detects displacement of the force generating element.