Magnetic latch mechanism and method particularly for trailer brakes
US5582275A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2129/065
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mono-stable brake system having a mono-stable magnetic array composed of one or more permanent magnets and one or more electromagnets, the stable brake system condition being the brake applied mode in which the magnetic array is magnetically latched by permanent magnet power, without any electromagnet power, to a rotatable member being braked. To release the brake, the permanent magnet field strength is neutralized or at least decreased by appropriate energization of the one or more electromagnets until the magnetic array is moved by magnetic force away from the rotatable member being braked. The brake is preferably in a vehicle braking system, and particularly a trailer braking system, in which the electromagnets are kept energized at all times when the brake is released for trailer movements. The amount of brake application in the service braking mode is controlled by decreasing the magnetic field strength of the one or more electromagnets in accordance with the braking action demand placed on the system. The disclosure covers various magnetic assemblies having different magnetic array configurations as well as mounting the magnetic assembly on a brake activation arm so that th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.