• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.55-59
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• 2018

This paper proposes a new type of electro-mechanical wedge brake for commercial vehicles. The brake operates on a novel mechanism for self-boosting braking friction forces using eccentric shafts, and involves wedges that are inserted between the rampbridge and traverse; this self-boosting mechanism is explained herein. A dynamic analysis using ADAMS was conducted, and the findings are reported. The constraint and contact conditions are explained to verify the precision of the dynamic analysis. The dynamic analysis shows that in the proposed mechanism, the self-boosting effect occurs as desired. However, it is also noted that the system has a limitation in terms of the production of unlimited braking forces that can jam the roller inside the wedges. After demonstrating the self-boosting effect, dynamic analyses are performed for several values of the wedge angles and friction coefficients between the brake pads and disks. Conventionally, a lower wedge angle has been suggested owing to its provision of a larger clamping force for given friction coefficients. However, it is noted that lower wedge angles can lead to a higher probability of occurrence of undesirable high braking forces, which can jam the roller into the wedge; thus, a larger wedge angle is preferable for avoiding the undesirable jamming phenomena. These analysis results are presented and discussed herein.