Parking Brake Sensor Unit Integrating Hall Effect Displacement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic parking brakes require complex assembly structures and increased number of elements due to the need for a bearing module to convert rotation into rectilinear motion for force measurement on parking cables, complicating the sensor and brake systems.
Innovation Solution
A simplified sensor unit with a movable magnet housing within a sensor housing, using a Hall IC to sense magnetic force variations, and an elastic member for support, which eliminates the need for a separate bearing module and reduces assembly complexity by integrating displacement conversion directly into the sensor unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bearing module is used to convert rotation into rectilinear motion for force measurement, then the force sensor can accurately measure brake force, but the assembly structure becomes complex and the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bearing module function directly into the sensor housing structure. The sensor housing is designed with an integrated bearing that supports the magnet housing, eliminating the need for a separate bearing module. This merging of functions reduces the number of components while maintaining the ability to convert rotational motion into rectilinear motion for accurate force measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing serves multiple functions: it houses the Hall IC, supports the magnet housing through an integrated bearing, and provides the structural framework for force measurement. By making the sensor housing multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated components like a separate bearing module, thereby reducing assembly complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a separate bearing module and housing support are used, then the force sensor can be properly positioned and measured, but the manufacturing cost increases due to more elements
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing support function is merged into the sensor housing structure itself. The sensor housing includes an integrated bearing that directly supports the magnet housing, eliminating the need for a separate housing support component. This reduction in part count directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining proper sensor positioning and measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If a complex assembly structure with multiple components is used, then the force sensor can be properly supported, but the sliding region of the parking cable is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the bearing support directly into the sensor housing, the patent eliminates the need for additional external support structures. This compact integration frees up space along the parking cable path, increasing the sliding region while maintaining reliable sensor support through the integrated bearing mechanism.
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 simplifies the sensor and brake system structures, reduces the number of components, lowers manufacturing costs, and increases the sliding region of the parking cable, while effectively measuring brake force with improved assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a Hall IC to sense variation of magnetic force caused by displacement of a magnet
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member to elastically support the magnet housing between the sensor housing and the magnet housing
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a sensor unit having a simple sensor structure to detect intensity of force applied to a parking cable upon braking a vehicle and an electronic parking brake with the same. The disclosed sensor unit includes a sensor housing, in which a Hall IC is installed to sense variation of magnetic force caused by displacement of a magnet, a magnet housing arranged to be movable within the sensor housing, the magnet being installed in the magnet housing, and an elastic member arranged between the magnet housing and the sensor housing, to elastically support the magnet housing. The magnet housing is coupled to a power conversion unit to operate for pulling of the parking cable or release of the pulling.