Brake Actuator Spindle-Piston Integration for Compact Disc Brakes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanically operable brake actuators for motor vehicle disc brakes require excessive structural space due to the spindle extending through the spindle nut, leading to increased length and cost, and lack precise guidance and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The brake actuator design incorporates a brake piston with a closed end wall that functions as a spindle nut, integrating an internal thread flight and a drive spindle with orthogonal raceway profiles, eliminating the need for additional components and optimizing structural space and guidance, using a rolling bearing positioned within the brake piston to reduce length and enhance precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the spindle extends through the spindle nut, then the ball return guide function is achieved, but the brake piston length increases and structural space is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the brake piston and spindle nut into a single integrated component. The brake piston incorporates an internal thread flight that directly engages with the drive spindle, eliminating the need for a separate spindle nut. This integration allows the ball return guide function to be achieved through the piston's own structure, specifically through the interaction between the internal thread flight and the drive spindle, thereby reducing overall component length while maintaining functional accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake piston is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the braking element and the spindle nut for ball retention and return guidance. The internal thread flight of the piston serves dual purposes of mechanical engagement with the drive spindle and guiding the ball circuit, eliminating the need for dedicated separate components and reducing structural space requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the brake piston is designed with sufficient length for spindle passage, then the spindle can extend through, but the structural space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the brake piston and spindle nut functions into one component, eliminating the need for the spindle to extend through a separate nut. The integrated design allows the spindle to engage directly with the internal thread flight of the piston, maintaining adaptability for spindle passage while significantly reducing the overall volume of the brake actuator assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional components are used for ball return guide, then functional accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates the ball return guide function directly into the brake piston structure through the internal thread flight. The interaction between the internal thread flight and drive spindle creates inherent guidance for ball circulation, eliminating the need for separate ball return guide components and reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake piston's internal thread flight automatically provides the ball return guide function through its own structure. The geometric relationship between the internal thread flight and drive spindle creates self-guiding characteristics for ball circulation, eliminating the need for additional dedicated guidance components and reducing overall system complexity.
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 design achieves a compact, cost-effective brake actuator with precise axial guidance, reducing the risk of collisions and ensuring accurate positioning of the brake piston, thereby enhancing the functional accuracy and efficiency of the brake system.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling bearing, which is arranged between the first and the second rolling bearing seat
Implementation Method 2
The axial movement of the brake piston is commonly effected by a recirculating ball screw drive
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanically operable brake actuator for a motor vehicle disc brake is disclosed, comprising: a brake caliper housing having a recess with a first rolling bearing seat; a brake piston mounted axially movably in the recess and having an inner side facing towards an interior, at least one internal thread flight being formed into the inner side; a drive spindle which has a threaded portion with at least one external thread flight, has a shaft and has a second rolling bearing seat arranged in a transition region from the shaft to the threaded portion. The at least one external thread flight is operatively connected in terms of drive to the at least one internal thread flight such that the drive spindle and the brake piston act together as a spindle drive, and such that the brake piston can be moved axially between a retracted position and an extended position. A rolling bearing is also included, which is arranged between the first and the second rolling bearing seat, the rolling bearing being situated within the interior when the brake piston is in the retracted position.