Bearing Brake Arrangement With Spring Friction and Easy Gap Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing arrangements with brake devices are costly to manufacture and maintain, require precise adjustment of the gap between the solenoid and the anchor plate for high brake torque, and suffer from abrasive wear and short maintenance intervals.
Innovation Solution
A bearing arrangement with a brake device that includes a brake element connected to a first bearing element, a counter surface connected to a second bearing element, and at least one spring element. The spring element is integrated and biased to press the brake element against the counter surface, generating a frictional engagement. An actuable adjustment device, such as a solenoid, reduces the contact force to modify the brake force and release the frictional engagement, allowing the bearing elements to rotate relative to each other with little force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a strong solenoid is used to generate high brake torque, then the brake torque is improved, but the manufacturing precision and mounting effort are worsened due to the requirement for small gap between solenoid and anchor plate
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the solenoid and the anchor plate. The pressure plate can be adjusted axially to set the gap, and once adjusted, its position is fixed using a locking mechanism (such as a set screw or elastomeric element). This intermediary allows for easy gap adjustment without requiring complex fine-thread mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining the necessary small gap for high brake torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure plate is designed to be axially movable during assembly to allow gap adjustment, and then locked in position to maintain the set gap. This dynamic adjustment capability enables flexible gap setting without requiring precision manufacturing, as the gap can be adjusted after assembly using simple locking mechanisms rather than complex fine-thread adjustments.
2Force
If the gap between solenoid and anchor plate is made small for high brake torque, then the brake torque is improved, but the device complexity is worsened due to the need for fine thread adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure plate serves as a simple intermediary that replaces complex fine-thread adjustment mechanisms. It provides a straightforward axial adjustment capability that can be locked in position, eliminating the need for complex threaded adjustment systems while maintaining the small gap necessary for high brake torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assembly is segmented into distinct components (solenoid, pressure plate, anchor plate, friction pad) that can be independently adjusted and assembled. The pressure plate's axial position can be set separately to define the gap, simplifying the overall adjustment mechanism compared to integrated fine-thread systems.
3Device complexity
If a flexible pressure hose is used to generate contact force, then the brake device is simplified, but the reliability is worsened due to abrasive wear and leaking of the pressure hose
Solution Approach 1:
The friction pad is designed as a replaceable wear component that can be easily replaced when worn. This allows the use of simple, cost-effective materials for the friction pad without compromising overall system reliability, as the wear-prone component is easily replaceable rather than requiring a complex, durable pressure hose system.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible pressure hose is replaced by extracting its function into separate components: rigid springs provide the contact force, and the friction pad provides the braking surface. This separation eliminates the reliability issues of the pressure hose while maintaining the necessary contact force generation.
4Reliability
If a permanent friction brake unit is used, then the reliability is improved by preventing unwanted movements, but the ease of operation is worsened because the brake torque cannot be released
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is designed to be dynamically switchable between engaged and disengaged states. The solenoid actuates to move the pressure plate axially, thereby engaging or disengaging the friction pad from the anchor plate. This dynamic capability allows the brake to provide stable torque when needed while being easily releasable when operation is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid generates a magnetic force that counteracts the spring force to release the brake. When the solenoid is energized, it attracts the pressure plate away from the anchor plate, overcoming the spring's biasing force and disengaging the friction pad. This counteracting force mechanism enables reliable brake release while maintaining stable braking when the solenoid is de-energized.
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
The bearing arrangement is cost-efficient to manufacture and maintain, with reduced assembly complexity and no need for precise gap adjustment. The design minimizes abrasive wear and extends maintenance intervals by reducing the contact force and using a larger friction surface, resulting in a compact, reliable, and efficient brake mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element (44) which presses the brake element (26) against the counter surface (34) by means of a spring force
Implementation Method 2
generating a frictional engagement... The frictional engagement causes a frictional force during a relative movement of the two bearing elements to each other
Implementation Method 3
current is applied to a strong solenoid... The resulting magnetic field acts against the pressure force of the springs and attracts the anchor plate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a bearing arrangement (10) having at least one first bearing element (12) and one second bearing element (14), which are connected to each other rotatably relative to each other along a common longitudinal axis (16), wherein the bearing element (10) comprises a braking device (24) which inhibits the relative rotation of the two bearing elements (12, 14) to each other, wherein the braking device (24) comprises a brake element (26) connected to the first bearing element (12), a counter surface (34) connected to the second bearing element (14), and at least one spring element (44) which presses the brake element (26) against the counter surface (34) using the spring force for generating a frictional engagement, and an actuable adjustment device (42), by means of which a contact force by which the brake element (26) is pressed against the counter surface (34) may be reduced, wherein the counter surface (34) is arranged on an extension (38) of the second bearing element (14), which is oriented transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the effective direction of the contact force, wherein said extension (38) is formed integrally with the second bearing element (14).