Brake Back Plate Thermal Path for Conditioning Insert Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brake systems do not effectively manage thermal energy generated during braking, leading to potential damage and reduced lifespan of brake pads due to lack of heat dissipation features.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of thermal management features such as heat fins and thermal transfer bodies coupled with conditioning inserts and back plates to conduct and dissipate heat away from the brake pads during braking events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brake pads are used to generate friction and slow or stop wheel rotation, then braking function is achieved, but significant thermal energy is generated that can damage and shorten the useful life of the brake pads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by capturing the harmful thermal energy generated during braking and converting it into a beneficial cooling process. The back plate with integrated heat sinks and thermal transfer bodies captures heat from the brake pad and actively directs it away, transforming the harmful thermal byproduct into a controlled heat dissipation process that extends brake pad life.
Solution Approach 2:
The back plate serves as an intermediary component between the brake pad and the environment. It includes thermal transfer bodies and heat sinks that mediate the heat transfer process, capturing thermal energy from the brake pad and directing it to designated dissipation areas, thereby protecting the brake pad from direct thermal damage.
2Temperature
If heat dissipation features are added to brake pads, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat dissipation function directly into the back plate structure. The back plate integrates multiple functions: structural support for the brake pad, heat capture from the pad, thermal transfer through integrated bodies, and heat dissipation via heat sinks. This consolidation improves thermal management while avoiding the complexity of separate, discrete cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The back plate is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, thermal management, and heat dissipation. By making the back plate universal in its functions, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated cooling systems, thereby improving heat dissipation capability without proportionally increasing device 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
Enhances heat dissipation, reducing temperature rise and wear on brake components, thereby extending the lifespan and improving the performance of brake systems.
Implementation Method 1
fins coupled with the at least one conditioning insert and configured to conduct heat generated by contact of the at least one conditioning insert with the at least the portion of the surface of the wheel away from the at least one conditioning insert
Implementation Method 2
thermal transfer bodies coupled with the at least one conditioning insert and configured to conduct heat generated by contact of the at least one conditioning insert with the at least the portion of the surface of the wheel away from the at least one conditioning insert
Implementation Method 3
The rubbing contact between the brake pads and the wheel surfaces can generate significant thermal energy (e.g., heat)
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle brake system (100) is provided that includes (or is formed from) a back plate (102) configured to support a composite pad, at least one conditioning insert (320) coupled to the back plate (102) and configured to contact a surface of a wheel during a braking event and thereby to condition at least a portion of the surface of the wheel, and fins (134) coupled with the at least one conditioning insert (320) and configured to conduct heat generated by contact of the at least one conditioning insert (320) with the at least the portion of the surface of the wheel away from the at least one conditioning insert (320).