Brake Actuator Pressure Plate With Switchable Service-Parking Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake actuators lack a modular design that can efficiently integrate both service and parking brake functionalities, complicating integration and customization to meet varying customer and engineering requirements.
Innovation Solution
A pressure plate for brake actuators featuring a base section, peripheral radial wall, and connection elements that allow for non-simultaneous cooperation with a cover or spring brake unit, enabling a modular design suitable for both service and parking brake actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure plate with non-simultaneous connection elements is used, then adaptability to both service brake and parking brake actuators is improved, but device complexity increases due to the dual-cooperation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure plate is designed with a connection element that can non-simultaneously cooperate with two different components: a cover for service brake actuators and a spring brake unit for parking brake actuators. This universal design allows a single pressure plate structure to serve multiple functions and be adapted to different brake actuator types without requiring separate specialized components for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element incorporates a switching mechanism that enables dynamic reconfiguration of the pressure plate's cooperation target. Through actuation, the connection element can switch between connecting to the cover (service brake mode) and connecting to the spring brake unit (parking brake mode), allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If a modular pressure plate design is implemented, then ease of manufacture and customization are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake actuator system is divided into modular components: a reusable pressure plate with standardized connection elements, interchangeable covers, and separate spring brake units. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standardized processes, improving ease of manufacture and enabling customization by simply replacing specific modules rather than manufacturing entire assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure plate is designed as a universal component with standardized connection elements that can interface with different covers and spring brake units. This universality reduces the variety of unique parts that need to be manufactured with high precision, as the same pressure plate can serve multiple configurations, thereby improving ease of manufacture while distributing precision requirements across standardized interfaces.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention is directed to a pressure plate (100) for a brake actuator, which comprises a base section (102) a peripheral radial wall (104) extending from the base section in a longitudinal direction (L). A peripheral rim (106) is arranged on a distal end (108) of the peripheral radial wall for connecting to a non-pressure plate of the actuator. An inlet port (110) is provided for receiving a pressurized fluid (CA). A central opening (112) is arranged on the base section and is configured to receive a pressure rod of a spring brake unit. A connection element (114) configured to cooperate with a respective cooperating connection element of a cover configured to tightly close the central opening, and with a respective cooperating connection element of a spring brake unit, such that the pressure rod of the spring brake unit is aligned with the central opening.