Wheel Brake Locking Mechanism for Steep-Gradient Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems, including transmission parking locks and parking brakes, are complex and costly, especially in vehicles without transmissions, and may fail to prevent rolling on steep gradients under unfavorable conditions.
Innovation Solution
A braking system that integrates a friction brake with an additional mechanical locking device using a form-fit mechanism to secure the vehicle wheel, eliminating the need for a transmission parking lock and enhancing prevention of rolling on steep gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transmission parking lock is used to prevent vehicle rolling, then the vehicle is secured in parked position, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly, especially in vehicles without transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the parking lock function with the existing friction brake system by integrating a blocking element into the brake caliper. This merging eliminates the need for a separate transmission parking lock, reducing system complexity while maintaining the vehicle security function.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction brake system is given dual functionality: it serves both as the service brake and as the parking lock mechanism. The blocking element integrated into the brake caliper enables the brake system to perform both braking and wheel locking functions, making the system universal and applicable to all vehicle types including electric vehicles without transmissions.
2Device complexity
If a friction-based parking brake is used to prevent vehicle rolling, then the system is simple to implement, but it fails to prevent rolling on steep gradients under unfavorable conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the parking brake system into two independent components: a friction-based brake mechanism and a mechanical blocking element. The blocking element (blocking catch) works in conjunction with the ratchet wheel to provide form-fit locking, separating the friction function from the mechanical locking function to ensure reliability on steep gradients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite braking system that combines friction-based braking with form-fit mechanical locking. The integration of the blocking catch and ratchet wheel mechanism with the friction brake creates a hybrid system that leverages both friction and mechanical engagement to prevent vehicle rolling under all conditions.
3Reliability
If multiple redundant systems (transmission parking lock and parking brake) are implemented to ensure vehicle security, then reliability is improved, but the cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the transmission parking lock and parking brake into a single integrated system. The blocking element integrated into the brake caliper combines the wheel locking function with the friction brake, eliminating the need for separate redundant systems and reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated brake system performs multiple functions: service braking, parking braking, and wheel locking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transmission parking locks and steering wheel locks, reducing the number of variants required for different transmission types and steering configurations, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
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 effectively prevents vehicle rolling on steep gradients without the complexity and cost of traditional systems, ensuring maximum security in all situations.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission of force here takes place by the friction-fit of the brake pads on a brake disc
Implementation Method 2
an additional mechanical locking device of the vehicle wheel, which fixes in a form-fitting manner the vehicle wheel in the parked state
Data Source
AI summary
A braking system for a vehicle that includes at least one vehicle wheel and a friction brake associated with the vehicle wheel. The friction brake acts during an operation state of the vehicle and/or while the vehicle is in a parked state. The braking system includes an additional mechanical locking device for the vehicle wheel. The mechanical locking device secures the vehicle wheel in a form-fitting manner when the vehicle is in the parked state to prevent the vehicle wheel from rolling.