Wheel-Integrated Brake Assembly With Redundant Parking Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional powertrain devices and brake systems for land vehicles, particularly utility and delivery vehicles, face limitations such as inefficiency and complexity, especially when incorporating gas-powered motors and traditional brake mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a frame structure with integrated electric motors directly into the wheels, a brake system featuring a disc with notches and multiple braking devices, including an electronic parking brake mechanism and a parking pawl mechanism, and a modular power cell assembly for efficient electrical power supply, allowing for independent operation and flexible configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional gas-powered motors and traditional brake mechanisms are used, then the vehicle can achieve basic propulsion and braking functions, but the system suffers from inefficiency and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is divided into multiple independent braking devices (first braking device with caliper and piston, second braking device as electronic parking brake, third braking device as parking pawl mechanism) that can operate independently or in combination, allowing each device to be optimized for specific braking functions and enabling modular maintenance and replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system integrates multiple braking devices that can serve different functions: the first braking device provides primary braking, the second provides electronic parking brake capability, and the third provides mechanical parking lock. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate gas-powered motor systems, reducing overall system complexity while improving efficiency through electric motor integration
2Reliability
If multiple braking devices are integrated into the brake system, then braking capability and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is segmented into three distinct braking devices with separate actuation mechanisms: a first braking device with caliper and piston for primary braking, a second braking device as electronic parking brake, and a third braking device as mechanical parking pawl. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized, tested, and maintained, improving reliability while managing complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant braking mechanisms that provide backup capabilities: the electronic parking brake and mechanical parking pawl serve as backup systems that can engage if the primary braking device fails. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures that braking reliability is maintained even if one device becomes inoperative, without requiring overly complex interdependent systems
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 configuration enhances efficiency, reduces complexity, and provides flexible power management, enabling the vehicle to operate effectively without internal combustion engines and with improved braking capabilities, suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first braking device configured to contact an outer face of the disc to resist rotation of one of the plurality of wheels
Implementation Method 2
a second braking device that is circumferentially spaced from the first braking device about the disc and configured to contact the outer face of the disc to resist rotation of the one of the plurality of wheels
Implementation Method 3
a third braking device configured to contact one or more teeth of the disc to resist rotation of the one of the plurality of wheels
Data Source
AI summary
Land vehicles and methods of operating land vehicles are disclosed. A land vehicle includes a frame structure, a plurality of wheels, and a brake system. The frame structure includes a front cage that at least partially defines an operator cabin and a rear compartment positioned rearward of the front cage in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of wheels are supported by the frame structure. Each of plurality of wheels is sized to permit direct integration of an electric motor therein.