A biomimetic brake disc structure with snake-shaped and fish-scale-shaped heat dissipation fins coupled to a heat pipe.

Abstract

This invention provides a brake disc structure with biomimetic snake-shaped and fish-scale heat dissipation ribs coupled with heat pipes, belonging to the field of automotive brake disc thermal management technology. It includes heat pipes, flow channel heat dissipation ribs, and brake discs. The snake-shaped flow channel heat dissipation ribs extend radially. The heat pipes and flow channel heat dissipation ribs are embedded between upper and lower brake discs. Several layers of stacked biomimetic fish-scale scales are arranged on the opposite surfaces of the brake discs. Several heat pipes and flow channel heat dissipation ribs are provided, and these ribs are evenly distributed circumferentially on the brake discs. The heat pipes are located between adjacent flow channel heat dissipation ribs. The flow channel heat dissipation ribs have a biomimetic snake-shaped structure. Through the integration of biomimetic principles and composite heat dissipation technology, a multimodal collaborative thermal management system is constructed. During braking, the flow channel heat dissipation ribs and fish-scale heat dissipation ribs enhance the heat exchange efficiency between the brake disc and the air, forming a highly efficient heat conduction and heat dissipation channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive brake disc thermal management technology, specifically a brake disc structure with biomimetic snake-shaped and fish-scale heat dissipation fins coupled with heat pipes. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of electric vehicles, braking systems face increasingly higher thermal load challenges. The instantaneous high torque output and high-frequency braking characteristics of electric vehicles significantly increase the thermal load on brake discs. Traditional ventilated brake discs rely on a single air-cooling design, which suffers from defects such as insufficient surface area of ​​the heat dissipation fins and inadequate optimization of airflow paths. Their heat dissipation efficiency is limited by unreasonable airflow organization, leading to a sharp increase in temperature during continuous braking, causing problems such as thermal fade and thermal stress concentration, which seriously affect driving safety.

[0003] Common heat dissipation methods include air cooling and heat pipes. Both of these methods require additional energy during operation and are known as active thermal management technologies. Both dissipate heat by utilizing the flow of a medium. Heat pipes have a thermal conductivity tens of times that of copper, relying solely on internal working fluid circulation to transfer heat from the brake disc to other cooling areas. They offer high reliability and can effectively dissipate heat even when the vehicle is at low speed or stationary. Air cooling, on the other hand, depends on ambient airflow. At low speeds or during frequent braking, such as on a racetrack with continuous curves, its heat dissipation capacity significantly decreases, easily leading to thermal fade. Therefore, heat pipe technology has received widespread attention in recent years and shows great promise for brake disc thermal management. However, current heat pipe manufacturing processes are complex, requiring vacuum sealing and working fluid filling. Brake disc integration design is challenging, and the combination of heat pipes and cooling fins may be heavier than a pure air-cooled system. Therefore, heat pipe cooling technology is currently mostly used in aerospace or high-end experimental vehicles.

[0004] In existing technologies, while heat pipes can conduct heat efficiently, they are easily affected by airflow when used alone; biomimetic heat dissipation structures (such as fish-scale heat dissipation fins) can enhance turbulence, but their localized heat dissipation effect in high-temperature areas is limited. Biomimetic research shows that the turbulence-enhancing characteristics of fish scales and the stress diffusion mechanism of a serpentine body provide new ideas for brake disc structure innovation. However, how to transform the characteristics of biological prototypes into engineered heat dissipation structures, while simultaneously achieving the synergistic effect of heat pipes and biomimetic structures, remains a pressing technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a brake disc structure with a biomimetic snake-shaped and fish-scale heat dissipation fin coupled heat pipe.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a brake disc structure with a biomimetic snake-shaped and fish-scale heat dissipation rib coupled heat pipe, comprising a heat pipe, a flow channel heat dissipation rib, and a brake disc, wherein the extension direction of the snake-shaped flow channel heat dissipation rib is radial, the heat pipe and the flow channel heat dissipation rib are embedded between two upper and lower brake discs, and a plurality of stacked biomimetic fish-scale scales are provided on the opposite surface of the brake disc, and a plurality of heat pipes and flow channel heat dissipation ribs are provided, the plurality of flow channel heat dissipation ribs being evenly distributed circumferentially on the brake disc, the heat pipe being located between adjacent flow channel heat dissipation ribs, and the flow channel heat dissipation rib having a biomimetic snake-shaped structure.

[0007] As a further improvement, the heat pipe has a biomimetic serpentine structure.

[0008] As a further improvement: the heat pipe is divided into three parts, with an overall "mountain" shaped layout. The longer heat pipe in the middle points from the inner edge of the brake disc to the outer edge, while the shorter heat pipes on both sides point from the outer edge to the inner edge with the longer heat pipe in the middle as the axis of symmetry.

[0009] As a further improvement, it also includes a plurality of polyhedral heat dissipation ribs, which are provided and attached to the flow channel heat dissipation ribs along the tangential direction. The layout of the polyhedral heat dissipation ribs is generated by topology optimization.

[0010] As a further improvement: the polygonal heat dissipation ribs are arranged on the convex side of the flow channel heat dissipation ribs.

[0011] As a further improvement: the shape of the polygonal prism heat dissipation fin is a hexagonal prism.

[0012] As a further improvement, the upper and lower brake discs are connected to the heat pipe by welding.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: by integrating bionic principles and composite heat dissipation technology, a multimodal collaborative thermal management system of "bionic structure enhancement - rapid heat conduction of heat pipe - continuous heat dissipation of air cooling" is constructed, which deeply integrates the synergistic advantages of heat pipe and air cooling system.

[0014] During braking, the heat pipe evaporation section absorbs heat from the center of the friction area between the brake disc and brake pads, and transfers the heat to the air-cooled area through the cooling section. The flow channel cooling fins and fish-scale cooling fins improve the heat exchange efficiency between the brake disc and the air, forming a highly efficient heat conduction and dissipation channel. Under low-temperature conditions, the air-cooling system can meet the heat dissipation requirements; under high-temperature conditions, the heat pipe and air-cooling system work closely together to ensure that the brake disc temperature remains stable within a safe range. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a brake disc with a biomimetic snake-shaped and fish-scale heat dissipation rib coupled heat pipe.

[0016] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the side structure of a brake disc with a biomimetic snake-shaped and fish-scale heat dissipation rib coupled heat pipe.

[0017] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a brake disc with a biomimetic snake-shaped and fish-scale heat dissipation fin coupled heat pipe.

[0018] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a heat pipe and polygonal prism heat dissipation rib structure for a brake disc structure that couples a heat pipe with a biomimetic snake-shaped and fish-scale heat dissipation ribs.

[0019] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a heat pipe, flow channel heat dissipation ribs, and polygonal prism heat dissipation ribs structure for a brake disc structure of a biomimetic snake-shaped and fish-scale heat dissipation ribs coupled heat pipe.

[0020] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a biomimetic fish scale structure for a brake disc structure that couples a heat pipe with a snake-like shape and fish scale heat dissipation fins.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Heat pipe; 2. Polygonal prism heat dissipation fins; 3. Flow channel heat dissipation fins; 4. Bionic fish scales; 5. Brake disc. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solution of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0023] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0024] Please see Figures 1 to 6 In one embodiment, a brake disc structure with a biomimetic snake-shaped and fish-scale heat dissipation ribs coupled to a heat pipe includes a heat pipe, flow channel heat dissipation ribs, and a brake disc. The snake-shaped flow channel heat dissipation ribs extend radially. The heat pipe and flow channel heat dissipation ribs are embedded between two upper and lower brake discs. Several layers of stacked biomimetic fish-scale scales are provided on the opposite surface of the brake disc. Several heat pipes and flow channel heat dissipation ribs are provided. The flow channel heat dissipation ribs are evenly distributed circumferentially on the brake disc. The heat pipes are located between adjacent flow channel heat dissipation ribs. The flow channel heat dissipation ribs have a biomimetic snake-shaped structure.

[0025] In this embodiment, the heat pipe cooling section is located at the air inlet and outlet of the brake disc, and the disc is made of cast iron.

[0026] The flow channel cooling fins replace traditional cooling fins. Their unique serpentine design optimizes the airflow channels between the brake discs, causing the air to constantly change direction and generate turbulence during flow. This turbulence disrupts the boundary layer between the air and the brake disc surface, allowing for more thorough contact between the air and the brake disc and accelerating heat transfer. The rounded design of the flow channel cooling fins avoids airflow separation and eddy current losses caused by sharp edges, allowing for smoother airflow, reducing drag and energy loss. While supporting the brake discs, the flow channel cooling fins also guide airflow using their shape, creating a deflector-like effect, optimizing airflow distribution, and allowing air to flow more evenly across all parts of the brake disc. Furthermore, the flow channel cooling fins achieve better heat dissipation without requiring a large number of additional cooling fins, significantly improving the overall heat dissipation performance of the brake disc, ensuring that the brake disc maintains good working condition during long-term use, and effectively preventing performance degradation caused by overheating.

[0027] The fish-scale heat dissipation fins mimic the natural shape of overlapping fish scales, and their heat dissipation principle is closely related to their structural design. Each "fish scale" has a specific tilt angle and overlaps with others. When air flows over them, these staggered structures disrupt the originally stable airflow, causing tiny eddies. These eddies break the boundary layer formed between the air and the brake disc surface, allowing for more thorough contact and accelerating heat transfer. The overlapping shape of the fish-scale heat dissipation fins also acts like a "guide vane," directing airflow along a specific path to ensure more even coverage of the brake disc surface and prevent localized poor heat dissipation. Drawing inspiration from the turbulence-enhancing properties of fish scales, an irregularly shaped scale design is introduced on the inner surface of the brake disc. This design significantly improves convective heat transfer efficiency by enhancing air turbulence. The special arrangement and shape of the biomimetic scales break the traditional laminar boundary layer, promoting turbulence within the ventilation channels, resulting in more even heat distribution and rapid dissipation.

[0028] The heat pipes and flow channel cooling fins work together to form an organically coupled cooling system that combines heat pipe conduction and air cooling. Under low-temperature conditions, the air cooling system is sufficient to meet the brake disc's cooling requirements. Under high-temperature conditions, the heat pipes rapidly absorb heat and work closely with the air cooling system to quickly dissipate the heat, ensuring the brake disc always operates within its normal temperature range. Compared to existing single-mode or simply combined cooling systems, this provides more reliable protection for driving safety.

[0029] The spaced-apart cooling fins between the brake discs serve a dual function: supporting the discs and enhancing heat dissipation. These fins replace traditional cooling fins, optimizing airflow channels between the discs and increasing the heat dissipation area. Simultaneously, the polygonal prism cooling fins, with their regular three-dimensional structure, increase the heat dissipation surface, while the biomimetic fish scale-like fins enhance air turbulence through their biomimetic layered shape. Together, these three elements construct a highly efficient air-cooling network.

[0030] Please see Figures 3 to 6 In one embodiment, the heat pipe has a biomimetic serpentine structure.

[0031] In this embodiment, a serpentine design is adopted in the heat pipe cooling section. Compared with a straight pipe layout, this design utilizes the phase change characteristics of the working fluid inside the heat pipe—absorbing heat through evaporation and releasing heat through liquefaction upon cooling—combined with its meandering shape. This increases the contact area between the heat pipe and the air, while also increasing the distance the gas needs to travel through the cooling section, thus lengthening the cooling time and enhancing the heat exchange process. This process effectively prevents the brake disc from overheating, and by utilizing the heat pipe's temperature uniformity, it significantly reduces the temperature difference on the brake disc surface, extending the brake disc's service life.

[0032] By embedding heat pipes inside the brake disc, their ultra-high thermal conductivity rapidly transfers the localized high temperatures generated by friction to the low-temperature regions, improving the uniformity of temperature distribution. Under low-temperature or conventional braking conditions, the ventilated structure can meet the heat dissipation requirements through air convection; however, under high-temperature or extreme braking conditions, the synergistic effect of heat pipes and air cooling becomes particularly important. The heat pipes can quickly remove the heat generated by friction from the high-temperature areas, while the ventilation system accelerates heat dissipation. The two complement each other, ensuring stable operation of the brake disc within a safe temperature range.

[0033] Please see Figures 3 to 6 In one embodiment, the heat pipe is divided into three parts, which are arranged in a "mountain" shape. The longer heat pipe in the middle points from the inner edge of the brake disc to the outer edge, and the two shorter heat pipes on the sides point from the outer edge to the inner edge with the longer heat pipe in the middle as the axis of symmetry.

[0034] In this embodiment, the heat pipe adopts an innovative "mountain"-shaped layout: the heat pipe is divided into three parts. The longer middle heat pipe extends from the inner edge of the brake disc (heat pipe condensation section) to the outer edge (heat pipe evaporation section), while the two shorter heat pipes extend from the outer edge (heat pipe condensation section) to the inner edge (heat pipe evaporation section) with the longer middle heat pipe as the axis of symmetry. Compared to traditional single-layout heat pipes, this design allows the heat pipe evaporation section to more comprehensively cover the high-temperature area of ​​the brake disc, quickly absorbing the large amount of heat generated by the friction between the brake disc and brake pads during braking. By significantly increasing the contact area with air through the heat pipe, and along the long gas cooling path, the vaporization heat absorption and liquefaction heat release cycle of the working fluid inside the heat pipe are enhanced, greatly improving the overall heat dissipation efficiency.

[0035] Please see Figures 3 to 6In one embodiment, the device further includes a plurality of polyprismatic heat dissipation ribs, which are arranged in a tangential direction and attached to the flow channel heat dissipation ribs. The layout of the polyprismatic heat dissipation ribs is generated by topology optimization, and the polyprismatic heat dissipation ribs are arranged on the convex side of the flow channel heat dissipation ribs.

[0036] In this embodiment, the multi-prism heat dissipation ribs are fixed between the brake discs. The multiple sides can provide more heat dissipation surface area than cylindrical or rectangular ribs, and the corners are prone to boundary layer separation, which enhances local turbulence and breaks the thermal boundary layer.

[0037] With its regular three-dimensional structure, the multi-faceted heat dissipation fins, compared to the single planar structure of ordinary heat dissipation fins, expand multiple heat dissipation surfaces within a limited space. These facets can simultaneously contact the air and transfer heat from different directions such as circumferential, radial, and axial directions, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation efficiency of the brake disc.

[0038] Asymmetric polygonal prism heat dissipation fins are used instead of traditional straight fin structures, leveraging their honeycomb geometry to significantly increase the heat dissipation surface area. This design not only improves heat dissipation efficiency but also optimizes airflow paths, allowing heat to be transferred to the surrounding environment more effectively. The layout of the polygonal prism heat dissipation fins has been topologically optimized to ensure maximum heat dissipation performance while maintaining a lightweight design.

[0039] Please see Figures 3 to 6 In one embodiment, the polygonal heat dissipation fins are hexagonal prisms.

[0040] In this embodiment, the hexagonal shape has good geometric stability. When the brake disc rotates at high speed, its stable three-dimensional structure avoids the problems of chattering, deformation or even breakage that may occur in ordinary heat dissipation fins under high-speed rotation, ensuring long-term stable heat dissipation function, effectively improving the heat dissipation performance and service life of the brake disc, and ensuring that the heat dissipation structure always functions normally.

[0041] Please see Figures 3 to 6 In one embodiment, the upper and lower brake discs are connected to the heat pipe by welding.

[0042] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention, and no reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0043] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A brake disc structure with a biomimetic snake-shaped and fish-scale-shaped heat dissipation fin coupled heat pipe, characterized in that, The device includes heat pipes, flow channel cooling ribs, and brake discs. The flow channel cooling ribs extend radially. The heat pipes and flow channel cooling ribs are embedded between two upper and lower brake discs. Several layers of biomimetic fish scales are arranged on the opposite surface of the brake discs. Each "fish scale" has a specific tilt angle and overlaps with each other to form fish scale cooling ribs. Several heat pipes and flow channel cooling ribs are provided. The flow channel cooling ribs are evenly distributed circumferentially on the brake discs. The heat pipes are located between adjacent flow channel cooling ribs. The flow channel cooling ribs have a biomimetic snake-shaped structure. The heat pipe is divided into three parts, and the whole is arranged in a "mountain" shape. The longer heat pipe in the middle points from the inner edge of the brake disc to the outside, and the two shorter heat pipes on the sides point from the outer edge to the inside with the longer heat pipe in the middle as the axis of symmetry. It also includes a plurality of polyhedral heat dissipation ribs, which are provided and attached to the flow channel heat dissipation ribs along the tangential direction. The layout of the polyhedral heat dissipation ribs is generated by topology optimization. The heat pipe has a biomimetic serpentine structure, and the multi-faceted heat dissipation ribs are located on the convex side of the flow channel heat dissipation ribs.

2. The brake disc structure with a biomimetic snake-shaped and fish-scale heat dissipation rib coupled heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the polygonal prism heat dissipation fins is hexagonal prism.

3. The brake disc structure with a biomimetic snake-shaped and fish-scale heat dissipation rib coupled heat pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper and lower brake discs are connected to the heat pipe by welding.

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