Brake Carrier Mount Interference Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Disc brake assemblies experience slippage and bolt loosening due to drag torque and repeated forward and reverse vehicle movements, leading to insecure mounting of brake carriers and mounts.

Innovation Solution

A disc brake assembly with a fixing mechanism that interlocks the brake carrier and mount using a connector with a protrusion forming an interference connection, restricting translational movement and preventing bolt rotation and loosening, by selecting hardness levels for the connector and corresponding regions to enable a press-fit engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If bolts are used to secure the brake carrier and mount together, then the assembly can be easily mounted and dismounted, but slippage occurs between the brake carrier and mount due to drag torque during braking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting and dismounting convenienceVSAvoidconnection stability under drag torque
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into multiple functional elements: bolts for easy mounting/dismounting and a fixing mechanism with protrusion and recess for preventing slippage. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the brake carrier and mount. The protrusion from one component fits into a recess in the other component, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents slippage while allowing the bolt system to maintain ease of mounting and dismounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If bolts are used to secure the brake carrier and mount, then assembly is simple, but repeated slippage causes bolts to rotate and loosen during forward and reverse vehicle movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidbolt retention under repeated movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism with protrusion and recess provides preliminary anti-action against slippage before it can cause bolt loosening. By preventing the relative movement that leads to bolt rotation, the system averts the harmful effect of repeated slippage during forward and reverse movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion and recess are pre-configured in the brake carrier and mount respectively, creating a ready-to-eng age interlocking mechanism. This preliminary action ensures that when the components are assembled, the anti-slippage feature is already in place to prevent bolt loosening during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a fixing mechanism with interference connection is added to prevent slippage, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stability under dynamic loadsVSAvoidnumber of components and assembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing mechanism is merged into the existing brake carrier and mount structures. The protrusion and recess are integrated as features of these components rather than separate parts, so the reliability improvement comes without adding significant device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion and recess features serve multiple functions: they prevent slippage under drag torque, maintain bolt retention during repeated movements, and provide a simple mechanical interlock. This multi-functionality achieves reliability improvement without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 restricts undesirable movement between the brake carrier and mount, preventing bolt loosening and ensuring secure mounting under dynamic loads, thereby enhancing braking performance and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The connector comprises a protrusion to extend from a first fixing region of the brake carrier or mount and form an interference connection with a corresponding second fixing region of the mount or brake carrier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference connection: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The connector hardness and second hardness are selected so that the second fixing region is deformable by the protrusion and the protrusion can be press-fitted into the second fixing region to form the interference connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPress-fit engagement: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3333442B1Fixing for a brake carrier and a mount for a disc brake and method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 MERITOR HEAVY VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEMS (UK) LIMITED
  • EP3333442B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3333442B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3333442B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fixing for a brake carrier (10) of a disc brake and a mount (20) for a disc brake. The mount (20) may be an axle mount for mounting the brake carrier on an axle of a vehicle. The fixing comprises a connector (100) to engage the brake carrier (10) and the mount (20), the connector comprising a protruding portion to extend from a first fixing region of the brake carrier (10) or mount (20), the protruding portion having a hardness to deform a corresponding second fixing region of the mount (20) or brake carrier (10) and thereby form an interference connection between the first fixing region and second fixing that restricts relative translational movement, as the brake carrier (10) and mount (20) are mounted together. A further aspect relates to a disc brake assembly comprising a brake carrier (10), mount (20) and at least one fixing (100), and to a method of fixing a brake carrier (10) and mount (20) using a fixing (100).