Parking Brake Pin Locking Mechanism for Reduced Unsprung Mass

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing parking brakes for vehicles suffer from progressive wear of friction-based pads, leading to decreased braking efficiency, increased maintenance needs, and added unsprung mass, which affects vehicle performance and fuel consumption.

Innovation Solution

A parking brake system utilizing a pin that locks into seats on the disc edge, eliminating the need for a calliper and reducing friction, allowing for a sturdier, simpler, and lighter design with minimal maintenance requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a friction-based calliper system is used for parking brake, then braking action is achieved through friction between pads and disc, but pads wear out progressively requiring maintenance adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking efficiencyVSAvoidpad service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical calliper system with a positive engagement locking mechanism. A locking member engages with a toothed portion of the disc to prevent rotation, eliminating progressive pad wear while maintaining reliable braking action. This substitution transforms the braking mechanism from friction-dependent to geometric-interlock-dependent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter from friction force to mechanical interlocking. By using a locking member that physically engages with disc teeth, the system achieves braking through geometric constraint rather than friction, thereby eliminating wear of friction surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a calliper with pads is used for parking brake, then braking action is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and heavy increasing unsprung mass

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking actionVSAvoidunsprung mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the heavy calliper assembly, pads, and associated friction components from the parking brake system. Only the essential locking member and actuation mechanism remain, dramatically reducing unsprung mass while preserving braking functionality through the simplified positive engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex friction-based calliper mechanism is replaced with a simple locking member that engages disc teeth. This substitution reduces the moving mass significantly while achieving the same braking objective through a more efficient mechanical interlocking system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If friction-based pads are used in parking brake, then braking action is achieved, but maintenance adjustments are required at predetermined time intervals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wear-prone friction pad system with a positive engagement locking mechanism using interlocking teeth. This substitution eliminates progressive wear, allowing the brake to maintain reliable braking efficiency over extended periods without maintenance adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism with engaged teeth provides self-maintaining operation. The geometric interlocking ensures consistent engagement without wear, allowing the system to service itself over time without requiring external adjustment or replacement of friction surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Weight of moving object

If a pin-based locking system is used instead of calliper, then unsprung mass is reduced and maintenance is minimized, but the mechanism must be sufficiently simple and sturdy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunsprung massVSAvoidbrake sturdiness

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a pin with a rounded or cam-shaped end that engages with corresponding features on the disc teeth. This curved geometry provides smooth engagement and disengagement while maintaining strong mechanical locking, ensuring both simplicity and sturdiness in the reduced-mass design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking pin and disc teeth are designed with hardened surfaces or specialized materials at the engagement points to ensure durability and resistance to wear or deformation, maintaining brake sturdiness despite the simplified and lighter overall construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3049291B1Parking brake

Publication Date: 2020.10.28 QOODER SA

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Figure 2a
Figure 2b

AI summary

A parking brake (1) comprises a disc (2) coaxially fixable to the wheel of a vehicle; locking means (4) associated with the disc (2), the disc (2) has at least a seat (3) formed on an edge (2a); locking means (4) comprising a pin (5) associated with the disc (2) and switchable between a locking configuration, in which the pin (5) interferes with the seat (3), and an unlocking configuration in which the pin (5) is removed from the seat (3).