Pivoting Stator Actuated Mechanical Brake Amplifier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid vehicles require complex control systems for braking, combining electric motor recuperation and conventional mechanical brakes, which increases energy consumption and reduces reliability due to the need for dual control systems.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical amplifier, such as a wedge or drum brake, actuated by the electric machine's pivoting stator, enhances braking torque and provides a mechanical fallback for when electric motor recuperation fails, using a cable pull or transmission element to amplify braking force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a conventional mechanical brake system is combined with electric motor recuperation for hybrid vehicles, then braking torque is improved, but device complexity increases due to dual control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking torqueVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electric motor and mechanical brake system into a unified braking device where both components work together under a single control system. The electric motor can operate in motor mode for acceleration and generator mode for recuperative braking, while the mechanical brake provides supplemental braking torque, eliminating the need for separate dual control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric motor serves multiple functions: it acts as a drive motor during acceleration, a recuperation brake during deceleration, and can also provide torque support during mechanical braking operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components and control systems for each braking mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Force

If a conventional mechanical brake system is combined with electric motor recuperation, then braking torque is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking torqueVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous recuperative braking action by keeping the electric motor in generator mode throughout the braking process, converting kinetic energy to electrical energy continuously rather than intermittently. This maximizes energy recovery while reducing the need for mechanical braking intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system recovers braking energy that would otherwise be dissipated as heat through friction in conventional brakes. The electric motor captures this energy during deceleration and stores it in the energy storage device, converting waste energy into useful stored energy for later use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Force

If a conventional mechanical brake system is combined with electric motor recuperation, then braking torque is improved, but reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking torqueVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the electric motor and mechanical brake into a single unified system with one control unit, the patent eliminates the reliability issues associated with coordinating two separate control systems. The unified control ensures consistent and reliable braking performance across all operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Force

If the electric machine is mechanically amplified using a wedge or drum brake, then braking torque is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking torqueVSAvoidmechanical amplification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical amplification system is designed to be self-actuating through the reaction torque generated by the electric motor itself. When the electric motor operates in generator mode, the reaction torque automatically activates the mechanical amplification mechanism without requiring external control or additional actuators, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 increases braking torque and reliability by allowing mechanical actuation of the braking element, reducing the need for dual control systems and ensuring consistent braking performance even when electric motor recuperation is unavailable.

Implementation Method 1

the braking energy released when the motor vehicle is braked can be recovered proportionately through so-called recuperation by Electric motor is then operated as an electric generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the torque support of the electric machine during recuperative braking operation of the electric machine preferably acts against a spring force (generally against a force storage element)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage: Spring

Implementation Method 3

a so-called wedge brake known to those skilled in the art can also be used, which pushes a wedge between the brake disc and the brake shoe of a disc brake

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1998427B1Braking device of a motor vehicle with an electric recuperation brake
Publication Date: 2015.09.30 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP1998427B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The breaking system has a stator of an electric machine (2), which is deviated around a rotating axis (10) of a rotor of the electric machine. The stator is supported against a force storage element such that is supported in the vehicle or at a wheel or another suitable element of the vehicle. A deviation movement of the stator of the electric machine actuates a mechanical breaking element affective finally at the wheels of the vehicle by a transmission element (7).