Wheel Brake Unit With Hydraulic Transmission for High Braking Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern brake systems in vehicles face challenges in optimizing force and installation space, particularly in automated systems without a brake pedal, necessitating high transmission ratios and increased component loads.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized brake unit with a hydraulic transmission system is mounted directly on the wheel, utilizing an axially movable brake piston and drive device, which reduces frictional forces and allows for a higher transmission ratio, using a hydraulic piston with a larger diameter to exert greater braking force with less input force, and incorporates a spring element for redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an electromechanical brake with a high transmission ratio is used in automated vehicles, then the braking force can be achieved, but the component loads and frictional forces increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic transmission by introducing a hydraulic drive unit with a drive piston and brake piston connected through hydraulic fluid. The electric motor drives the drive piston, which transmits force hydraulically to the brake piston, generating the required braking force. This hydraulic transmission system reduces the mechanical transmission ratio and component loads compared to direct electromechanical braking.
2Force
If an electromechanical brake with a high transmission ratio is used, then the required braking force can be generated, but the frictional forces of the components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic transmission system replaces high-ratio mechanical gearing with fluid-based force transmission. The hydraulic fluid transmits force from the drive piston to the brake piston with minimal friction losses, significantly reducing the frictional forces and energy losses associated with mechanical gear trains and high transmission ratios.
3Reliability
If a centralized hydraulic brake unit is used, then the braking system is reliable, but the installation space and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking system by placing a complete hydraulic drive unit directly at each wheel. Each wheel brake unit is self-contained with its own electric motor, drive piston, and brake piston, eliminating the need for a centralized hydraulic system with long brake lines and complex distribution networks. This decentralization reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized (single-point) hydraulic system to a distributed (multi-point) system by placing drive units at each wheel. This spatial redistribution eliminates the need for extensive hydraulic piping and central control mechanisms, simplifying the overall system architecture while improving response time and 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
The system achieves efficient, safe, and long-lasting braking with reduced component loads and installation space requirements, enabling energy-saving and reliable operation with minimal friction losses.
Implementation Method 1
The brake element is coupled to the drive device in a force-transmitting manner by means of a hydraulic transmission
Implementation Method 2
The brake piston is guided in an axially movable manner in the brake housing by means of a volume displacement of the brake fluid
Implementation Method 3
incorporates a spring element for redundancy
Data Source
AI summary
A brake unit for mounting on a wheel of a motor vehicle including an axially movable brake element and a drive device which selectively moves the brake element axially. The brake element is configured as an axially movable brake piston that is coupled to the drive device in a force-transmitting manner by means of a hydraulic transmission.