Abstract: A method of determining a speed of a wheel that involves providing a resolver having a rotor and a stator which resolver produces at least one output signal, operatively connecting the rotor to a wheel such that the resolver is rotated by the rotation of the wheel, producing digital signals indicative of a position of the rotor relative to the stator based on the at least one output signal, and calculating a velocity of the wheel from the digital signals. The digital signals may be used alone or in conjunction with analog wheel speed signals. Also a speed sensor for practicing this method.

Abstract: An electromechanical braking system includes a brake rotor, a brake stator, an EMA (52) having a rotor shaft (36), a ram (42) operably connected to the EMA (52) having a first end movable between a first position urging the brake stator against the brake rotor and a second position, a clamp device (32) shiftable between a first clamping position in clamping engagement with the rotor shaft (36) and a second clamping position and a clamp controller (46) for shifting the clamping device (32) between the first and second clamping positions. Also a method of using the braking system as a parking brake.

Abstract: A power system (10) includes a power source (12) having a power output (14) and a signal output (16) and is shiftable between an off state and an on state supplying a given power from the power output (14), the power source (12) producing a signal on the signal output (16) for a period of time when the power source (12) shifts from the off state to the on state and at least one component (18, 24) having a power input (20, 26) and a signal input (22, 28), the at least one component (18, 24) shifting to a diagnostic state when power at the power input (20, 26) rises from below the given power level to at least the given power level and a signal is present on the signal input (22, 28) and shifting to a second state when power at the power input (20, 26) rises from below the given power to at least the given power level and no signal is present on the signal input (22, 28).

Abstract: A brake system includes a piston for applying an output force to a brake, a motor operatively connected to the piston and a controller receiving a braking request and sending a brake force signal commanding a level of brake force to the motor to cause the motor to move the piston and apply an output force to the brake. When the brake force signal remains at a first level for a given period of time, the controller automatically decreases, or increases and then decreases, the level of the brake force signal from a first value. Also a method of controlling such a brake system.

Abstract: A method of determining a speed of a wheel that involves providing a resolver having a rotor and a stator which resolver produces at least one output signal, operatively connecting the rotor to a wheel such that the resolver is rotated by the rotation of the wheel, producing digital signals indicative of a position of the rotor relative to the stator based on the at least one output signal, and calculating a velocity of the wheel from the digital signals. The digital signals may be used alone or in conjunction with analog wheel speed signals. Also a speed sensor for practicing this method.

Abstract: A braking system is disclosed that includes a brake (22), a ram (20) shiftable in a linear direction relative to the brake (22) for actuating the brake (22), and a stop (24) for limiting movement of the ram (20). The system further includes a motor (12) for moving the ram (20) which motor (12) includes a stator and a rotor (13) and a commutation sensor (14) producing an output. A motor controller (28) receives a commutation signal based on the output and controls the motor (12) based on the commutation signal. A processor (31) also uses the commutation signal to generate a position signal indicative of the position of the ram (20) relative to the stop (24). Methods of using this system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A brake system includes a piston for applying an output force to a brake, a motor operatively connected to the piston and a controller receiving a braking request and sending a brake force signal commanding a level of brake force to the motor to cause the motor to move the piston and apply an output force to the brake. When the brake force signal remains at a first level for a given period of time, the controller automatically decreases, or increases and then decreases, the level of the brake force signal from a first value. Also a method of controlling such a brake system.

Abstract: A brake system (10) having a brake carrier (12), a first EMA (40) mounted on the brake carrier (12) having a first stall force and a first response speed, and a second EMA (50) mounted on the brake carrier (12) having a second stall force and a second response speed different from the first response speed. A method of using such a brake system (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power system (10) includes a power source (12) having a power output (14) and a signal output (16) and is shiftable between an off state and an on state supplying a given power from the power output (14), the power source (12) producing a signal on the signal output (16) for a period of time when the power source (12) shifts from the off state to the on state and at least one component (18, 24) having a power input (20, 26) and a signal input (22, 28), the at least one component (18, 24) shifting to a diagnostic state when power at the power input (20, 26) rises from below the given power level to at least the given power level and a signal is present on the signal input (22, 28) and shifting to a second state when power at the power input (20, 26) rises from below the given power to at least the given power level and no signal is present on the signal input (22, 28).

Abstract: An electromechanical braking system is disclosed that includes a brake rotor, a brake stator, an EMA (52) having a rotor shaft (36), a ram (42) operably connected to the EMA (52) having a first end movable between a first position urging the brake stator against the brake rotor and a second position, a clamp device (32) shiftable between a first clamping position in clamping engagement with the rotor shaft (36) and a second clamping position and a clamp controller (46) for shifting the clamping device (32) between the first and second clamping positions. A method of using the braking system as a parking brake is also disclosed.

Abstract: A braking system is disclosed that includes a brake (22), a ram (20) shiftable in a linear direction relative to the brake (22) for actuating the brake (22), and a stop (24) for limiting movement of the ram (20). The system further includes a motor (12) for moving the ram (20) which motor (12) includes a stator and a rotor (13) and a commutation sensor (14) producing an output. A motor controller (28) receives a commutation signal based on the output and controls the motor (12) based on the commutation signal. A processor (31) also uses the commutation signal to generate a position signal indicative of the position of the ram (20) relative to the stop (24). Methods of using this system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of enhancing repeatability of the force applied to an object by an electromechanical system having an electric motor, a rotary to linear motion converter and a gear train mechanically coupling the motor to the converter includes providing an analog signal having a magnitude indicative of the desired force, supplying the analog signal to the motor to apply force to the object, removing the analog signal from the motor and reapplying the signal before any free play motion within the converter and gear train can occur. During a command for a desired force, the sequence of supplying the analog signal to the motor to apply force to the object, removing the analog signal from the motor, and resupplying the analog signal to the motor prior to any free play motion occurring within the gear train and converter are repeated several times. The rapid reapplication of the analog signal prevents any backlash associated with the gear train and converter.