Passive Electromechanical Brake Control with Independent Brake Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic brake systems in trams have limited maintenance intervals due to oil and hose line maintenance requirements, and electromechanical brakes have not yet achieved the same functionality and reliability as hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A device for controlling a passive electromechanical brake system, comprising an electric motor, an engine control unit, a first brake control unit for safety braking, and a second brake control unit for parking braking, which allows these functions to be activated independently, ensuring that if one function fails, the others remain operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic braking systems are used with electronic pressure control, then braking force modulation is achieved, but system reliability deteriorates due to maintenance requirements and potential electronic failures
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into functionally independent control units: a motor control unit for service/emergency braking and separate brake control units for safety and parking braking. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one function does not compromise other braking functions, directly improving reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hydraulic braking mechanisms with an electromechanical system using a spring-loaded brake actuator and electric motor. This substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid and hose lines that require maintenance, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If service brake, safety brake and parking brake functions are functionally linked in electromechanical brakes, then system integration is improved, but reliability deteriorates because a fault in one function can negatively influence the entire braking system
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into separate control units for different braking functions: motor control unit for service/emergency braking, first brake control unit for safety braking, and second brake control unit for parking braking. Each unit can be activated independently and can fail independently, ensuring that a fault in one function does not propagate to other functions, thus improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through independent functional activation
3Duration of action of stationary object
If hydraulic fluid and hose lines are used, then braking force transmission is effective, but maintenance intervals are limited due to fluid degradation and hose line wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes hydraulic fluid transmission with an electromechanical transmission system using a spring-loaded brake actuator and electric motor. This eliminates the hydraulic fluid and hose lines that are subject to degradation and wear, thereby extending maintenance intervals significantly while maintaining effective braking force transmission through the electromechanical actuation 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 enhances the reliability and operational safety of brake functions by ensuring that each brake function (operating/emergency, safety, and parking) can operate independently, even if one function fails, thereby maintaining overall braking system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor for releasing the passive braking device against a spring force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (V) for controlling a passive braking device (2), in particular a passive electromechanical braking device, wherein the device (V) comprises: an electric motor (M) for releasing the passive braking device (2) against a spring force; a motor control unit (4) for controlling the electric motor (M) for service braking and/or emergency braking, wherein the motor control unit (4) is separably electrically connected to the electric motor (M); a first brake control unit (6) for safety braking, wherein the first brake control unit (6) is separably electrically connected to the electric motor (M); and a second brake control unit (8) for parking braking, wherein the second brake control unit (8) is separably electrically connected to the electric motor (M), wherein the service braking and/or emergency braking is controlled by means of the motor control unit (4).The safety braking via the first brake control unit (6) and the parking braking via the second brake control unit (8) can be activated functionally independently of each other. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a brake system (BS) with said device (V) and a method for controlling a passive brake device (2), in particular a passive electromechanical brake device.