Parking Brake Torque Transfer for Single-Actuator Axle Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking brake systems for motor vehicles require multiple actuators for uniform braking action, which increases complexity and cost, and may fail to provide directional stability during emergency decelerations, especially when one actuator is faulty.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where an automated parking brake is constructed on only one wheel of a vehicle axle, with a compensation device, such as an electronically controlled locking differential, to redirect brake torque to the opposing wheel, ensuring uniform braking action and maintaining stability even in case of actuator failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple parking brake actuators are used on both sides of the rear axle, then uniform braking action and sufficient securing action are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronically controlled locking differential acts as an intermediary device that transfers braking force from the actuated wheel to the non-actuated wheel through torque redirection. This mediator enables a single actuator to achieve the braking effect that previously required two actuators, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The braking function is segmented between the active parking brake actuator and the passive wheel, with the locking differential serving as the coupling mechanism. The system divides the braking task into torque generation at the actuated wheel and torque redistribution to the non-actuated wheel, achieving uniform braking with reduced component count
2Device complexity
If a single parking brake actuator is used on one wheel, then costs and structural complexity are reduced, but uniform braking action may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking differential serves as a torque transfer mediator that redistributes the braking force generated by the single actuator to both wheels on the axle. This intermediary mechanism ensures that even with one actuator, uniform braking action is achieved by passively transferring torque to the non-actuated wheel
Solution Approach 2:
The locking differential, originally designed for torque distribution during acceleration, is utilized for its multi-functionality to also distribute braking torque during deceleration. This universal application of the differential mechanism allows a single actuator to achieve braking uniformity across both wheels
3Reliability
If conventional parking brake systems are used, then basic stopping function is provided, but directional stability during emergency deceleration is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The locking differential acts as a stability-control intermediary that automatically redistributes torque between wheels during emergency deceleration. This passive torque redistribution mechanism maintains directional stability without requiring complex active control systems, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the locking differential's inherent torque-redistribution capability to automatically maintain directional stability during emergency braking. The differential self-adjusts torque distribution based on wheel slip conditions, providing stability control without external intervention or complex control algorithms
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
This approach reduces costs and structural complexity while ensuring uniform and stable deceleration, maintaining vehicle control during normal and emergency braking scenarios, even if one parking brake actuator is faulty, by using a single actuator and redirecting torque through the compensation device.
Implementation Method 1
redirecting a portion of the brake torque produced by the parking brake at the first wheel
Implementation Method 2
The braking action produced results from a brake torque which is applied and/or a braking force which is applied to the wheel brake
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a parking brake system includes establishing a parking brake request for a first automated parking brake constructed on a first wheel located on a first side of an axle of a motor vehicle, producing a braking force at the first wheel by activating, in response to the establishing of the parking brake request, the first automated parking brake, and activating a compensation device connecting the first wheel and a second wheel located on a second side of the axle to apply a braking force to the second wheel via the first wheel.