Brake Caliper Self-Aligning Module Prevents Push Arm Fracture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional brake calipers suffer from angular misalignment issues between the push member and the side seat, leading to interference and potential fracture of components.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a self-aligning module with a self-aligning joint, such as a ball stud and socket, or a self-aligning bearing with an inner and outer ring, to allow for misalignment without interference between the extension tube and the axle through hole, preventing fractures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional brake caliper structure is used without self-aligning features, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but angular misalignment between the push member and side seat causes interference and component fracture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of component fractureVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A self-aligning module is introduced as an intermediary component between the push member and the side seat. This module includes a connection hole with a non-circular cross-section that matches a corresponding non-circular connection portion, serving as a mediator that accommodates angular misalignment while maintaining reliable mechanical connection, thereby preventing component fracture without significantly complicating the overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection hole is designed with a non-circular cross-section rather than a conventional circular one. This parameter change in the geometric shape allows the connection to accommodate angular misalignment between the push member and side seat, enabling the connection to adapt to varying alignment conditions while maintaining structural integrity and preventing fracture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If rigid alignment between push member extension tube and side seat axle through hole is enforced, then manufacturing precision can be controlled, but any angular misalignment causes interference and fracture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance to misalignmentVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The self-aligning module introduces dynamic adaptability to the previously static rigid connection. The non-circular connection hole and corresponding portion allow relative rotational movement and angular adjustment, enabling the connection to dynamically adapt to misalignment conditions during assembly and operation, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining adequate manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3434925B1Brake caliper
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 LIAO CHIH HSIEN
  • EP3434925B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3434925B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3434925B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A brake caliper (100) includes a main body unit (10), a braking unit (30) and an actuating unit (40). The main body unit (10) includes interconnected first and second side seats (11, 12). Thebrakingunit (30) includes first and second push arm assemblies (31, 32) respectively mounted to the first and second side seats (11, 12). The actuating unit (40) is for moving at least a portion of the first push arm assembly (31). The first push arm assembly (31) includes a self-aligning module (60) including at least one self-aligning joint, so that misalignment between the first side seat (11) and a portion of the first push arm assembly (31) without interference between the first push arm assembly (31) and the first side seat (11) is permitted.