Vehicle Parking Brake Load Transmission Unit for Uniform Piston Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking brake systems for vehicles often result in non-uniform load transmission to multiple pistons, leading to uneven wear of friction pads and degraded braking performance.
Innovation Solution
A parking brake apparatus featuring a load transmission unit that includes a pair of ring gear sections and transmission gear sections, which allows for uniform load distribution between pressing units by meshing with planetary gear sections and sun gear sections, ensuring that each brake pad is pressed with consistent force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator drives multiple pistons, then the device complexity is reduced, but the load transmission uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A load transmission unit is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and multiple pistons. This unit includes load transmission members that selectively connect the actuator to different pistons, enabling uniform load distribution while maintaining a single actuator configuration. The intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by adding complexity only where needed for load balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the actuator by controlling the engagement and disengagement of load transmission members. By selectively connecting the actuator to different pistons at different times, the system achieves uniform load transmission across multiple pistons while using a single actuator, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and load uniformity.
2Manufacturing precision
If load transmission unit is engaged, then the load transmission uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load transmission unit employs dynamic engagement and disengagement of load transmission members rather than a permanently engaged complex mechanism. The members can be selectively connected or disconnected based on operational needs, providing uniform load transmission when engaged while allowing the system to remain simpler when disengaged, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The load transmission unit is segmented into multiple independent load transmission members that can operate selectively. Each member connects the actuator to a specific piston, allowing the system to achieve uniform load distribution through coordinated operation of simpler individual components rather than a single complex mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If friction pads are pressed with non-uniform loads, then the device operation is simpler, but the braking performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load transmission unit acts as an intermediary that equalizes the load distribution to friction pads while maintaining simple actuator operation. By introducing load transmission members that selectively connect the actuator to different pistons, the system achieves uniform braking force on all pads without complicating the basic actuator operation, thus resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and braking reliability.
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 solution ensures uniform load transmission to brake pads, preventing uneven wear and enhancing braking performance by maintaining consistent pressure across all pistons.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear section rotated by being meshed with the sun gear section
Implementation Method 2
the pair of ring gear sections may be directly meshed with each other
Implementation Method 3
a solenoid section which extends and retracts the restraint lever with an electromagnetic force when electric power is inputted
Implementation Method 4
two friction pads mounted to the piston and the caliper housing are pressed against both surfaces of a disc to restrain the rotation of the disc
Data Source
AI summary
A parking brake apparatus for a vehicle includes a pair of pressing units receiving power from a driving unit, and pressing a brake pad; a load transmission unit installed between the pair of pressing units, connected to each of the pair of pressing units, and transmitting a pressing load of any one of the pair of pressing units to the other pressing unit; and a load transmission unit restraint unit selectively restraining driving of the load transmission unit.