Parking Brake Locking Device with Segmented Pawls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking brake systems, particularly dry parking brakes, face issues with unreliable locking devices that can unintentionally release, leading to delayed response times and insufficient braking force when stationary, especially when components cool down.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with at least two pawls that engage a ratchet wheel, coupled to an actuating device via a coupling element, allowing for one-sided locking and fast response times, utilizing a ratchet wheel with sawtooth teeth and pawls offset at different pitch angles for secure engagement and disengagement, along with a bistable lifting magnet for quick actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device with multiple pawls is used to prevent unintentional release, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into multiple independent pawls (at least two) that can engage the ratchet wheel separately. Each pawl acts as an independent locking element, so that the failure or unintended release of one pawl does not compromise the overall locking function. This segmentation provides redundancy and improves reliability while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation.
2Reliability
If pawls are positioned to engage the ratchet wheel securely, then reliability is improved, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pawls are designed with dynamic positioning capability through the coupling element, which can adjust the radial position of the pawls relative to the ratchet wheel. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to quickly transition between engaged and disengaged states, improving response time while maintaining secure engagement when locked. The coupling element enables rapid repositioning of pawls without compromising their locking reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling element is designed to move pawls between positions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element merges multiple functions into a single component: it couples the actuating device to the pawls, enables radial movement of the pawls between engaged and disengaged positions, and provides a mechanism for the actuating device to control the locking state. By combining these functions in one element, the design improves ease of operation while minimizing the increase in overall device 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
Ensures reliable maintenance of braking force with fast response times and prevents unintentional release, maintaining the parking brake engaged even when components cool down, thus addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating device can be designed in such a way that a lifting magnet with two stable end positions is used for actuation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking device (1) of a parking brake, comprising a ratchet wheel (10) movable about an axis of rotation (X), at least two pawls (20) which can engage in the ratchet wheel (10) to fix it, an actuating device (50) and a coupling element (30), wherein the coupling element (30) couples the at least two pawls (20) to the actuating device (50), and wherein the coupling element (30) is movable by the actuating device (50) into a first position (A), in which the at least two pawls (20) allow rotation of the ratchet wheel (10) in a first direction of rotation and a second direction of rotation, and a second position (B), in which the at least two pawls (20) can engage in the ratchet wheel (10) and allow rotation in only the first direction of rotation. The present invention also relates to a parking brake with a locking device (1).