Asymmetric Brake Disc Connecting Elements for Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilated brake discs face poor cooling due to connecting elements blocking airflow between friction ring halves, leading to reduced braking performance and increased mass, which is particularly problematic in high-speed vehicles where weight savings are crucial.
Innovation Solution
The axial displacement of connecting elements relative to the friction ring's center allows for unobstructed airflow through ventilation slots, enhancing cooling and enabling a reduction in friction ring size and mass, while also optimizing the brake disc hub's design for improved airflow and reduced mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If connecting elements are arranged symmetrically around the friction ring center, then structural balance is maintained, but ventilation slots are blocked and cooling performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by displacing the central axes of connecting elements from the friction ring center in the axial direction. This asymmetric arrangement creates clearance between connecting elements and friction ring halves, preventing blockage of ventilation slots and enabling improved cooling airflow while maintaining structural integrity.
2Temperature
If friction ring diameter is increased to improve cooling, then cooling performance is enhanced, but mass increases and rotating mass reduction goal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent solves the cooling-mass contradiction by shifting the solution from the radial dimension (increasing diameter) to the axial dimension (displacing connecting elements). This allows ventilation slots to be cleared for cooling without increasing friction ring diameter, thereby maintaining low mass while achieving improved cooling performance.
3Temperature
If connecting elements are positioned to allow airflow, then cooling improves, but structural connection strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones: the axial displacement of connecting elements locally clears ventilation paths for cooling, while the connecting elements maintain their structural connection function through their widened portions that are cast with the brake disc chamber, ensuring both cooling and structural integrity.
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 solution results in improved braking performance, reduced susceptibility to cracking, and significant weight reduction in brake systems, enhancing fatigue strength and overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
cooling air can flow into them unhindered. This results in considerably improved cooling of the friction ring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The disk (1) has a friction ring (2) and a brake disk pot (3), which is connected with the friction ring by several connection units (6) running in a radial direction and arranged around a circumference of the brake disk pot, where the connecting units are asymmetrically arranged against the friction ring. Middle axes (6a) of the connecting units are displaced against centre (2c) of the friction ring in an axial direction of the friction ring. The connecting units engage in two bars that connects two friction ring halves (2a, 2b) of the friction ring together.