Brake Actuator Gear Pocket for Grease Retention and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems face issues with lubricant scattering, reduced braking stability, durability, and increased noise and vibration due to the separation of grease from gears during operation, which affects the fastening force and power transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pocket with a swellable rubber material around the gears to accommodate and absorb grease, preventing its scattering and maintaining a consistent fastening force, thereby enhancing braking stability and reducing noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grease is applied to gears for lubrication, then friction and wear are reduced, but grease scatters during operation causing loss of lubrication effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
A pocket structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the gear and the external environment. This pocket contains the grease and prevents it from scattering during gear operation, while still allowing the grease to be applied to and remain in contact with the gear teeth for effective lubrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket is made of swellable rubber material that can expand when absorbing grease. This flexible structure adapts to the grease volume changes and maintains containment while allowing the gear to rotate freely within the pocket.
2Reliability
If a pocket structure is added to contain grease, then grease scattering is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket is constructed from a single piece of flexible rubber material that can be easily molded into the required shape. This simple construction method minimizes manufacturing complexity while effectively containing the grease.
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket material's swelling parameter is utilized to its advantage. The material naturally expands when absorbing grease, creating an adaptive containment structure that requires no additional mechanical components or adjustment mechanisms.
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 solution effectively maintains a consistent fastening force between gears, improves braking stability, reduces noise and vibration, and extends the lifespan of the actuator and brake system by ensuring the grease remains in contact with the gears, thus enhancing overall performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a pocket provided around at least one of the gears to accommodate grease applied to the gear therein and swell in contact with the grease
Implementation Method 2
the pocket may be made of a rubber material that absorbs some of the grease and increases in volume
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator and a brake system including the same are provided. The actuator includes a motor configured to generate power by receiving electric power from a power supply and a gear assembly configured to transmit the power provided from the motor to an output shaft, and the gear assembly includes a plurality of gears engaged with each other and a pocket covering around at least one of the gears to accommodate grease applied to the gear and a swellable material capable of swelling in contact with the grease.