Electromechanical Brake Disc Structure for Faster Braking Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromechanical drives suffer from inadequate braking force and prolonged braking times, which can compromise safety and efficiency in various applications.

Innovation Solution

The electromechanical drive incorporates a brake disc with an inner area, a ring area with friction surfaces, and an intermediate deformation area that is elastic and deformable, allowing for immediate and effective braking by maximizing frictional contact in the peripheral area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional braking devices are used, then the structure is simple, but the braking force is insufficient and braking time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking forceVSAvoidbraking time
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from conventional single-sided friction braking to dual-sided friction braking by providing friction surfaces on both sides of the brake disc. The braking element simultaneously engages both friction surfaces, effectively doubling the braking force generation area and significantly reducing braking time while maintaining structural compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and geometric parameters of the brake disc by introducing an intermediate region with reduced material thickness compared to the inner and outer regions. This thinning enables elastic deformation under braking load, allowing the friction surfaces to maintain optimal contact pressure and alignment during the braking process, thereby maximizing braking force efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the brake disc is made rigid, then structural strength is high, but braking efficiency is reduced due to inability to adapt friction surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidbraking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The brake disc is designed with non-uniform local properties: the inner and outer regions maintain high material thickness for structural strength and mounting stability, while the intermediate region has reduced thickness to enable elastic deformation. This local differentiation allows the disc to maintain overall rigidity while permitting controlled deformation at the friction surface contact zone for optimal braking performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The brake disc transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that adapts its shape during braking. The intermediate region elastically deforms under the contact pressure of the braking element, allowing the friction surfaces to self-align and maintain optimal contact. This dynamic adaptation occurs rapidly during the braking event, enhancing braking efficiency without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the friction surfaces are kept parallel in released position, then alignment is simple, but braking contact is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment simplicityVSAvoidbraking response speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The friction surfaces are pre-positioned at an angle to each other in the released state, rather than being perfectly parallel. This preliminary angular arrangement ensures that when the braking element engages, the friction surfaces make contact immediately without requiring precise parallel alignment. The angular configuration acts as a built-in alignment mechanism that accelerates the braking response while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances the braking effect and efficiency, providing a quicker and more reliable braking response, thereby improving safety and performance in applications such as forming machines and press drives.

Implementation Method 1

the intermediate region is a deformation region which is elastically deformable in the axial direction by the action of the braking element on the brake disc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first counter-surface is formed on the braking element, which faces the first friction surface and cooperates with the first friction surface in the braking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4298356B1Electromechanical drive
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 TRUMPF MASCHEN AUSTRIA
  • EP4298356B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4298356B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4298356B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an electromechanical drive (1) comprising: - a motor (2), - a rotational part (3) which can be rotated about a rotational axis (4) by the motor (2), and - a brake device (5) which can be actuated between a braking position and a release position. The brake device (5) has a brake disc (6), which rotates together with the rotational part (3), and a brake element (7), which can be adjusted in the axial direction and acts on the brake disc (6) in the braking position. The invention is characterized in that the brake disc (6) has - an inner region (8), - a friction surface region (10) which runs annularly about the rotational axis (4) and comprises a first friction surface (11) that is formed on a first face of the brake disc (6), and - an intermediate region (9) which runs about the rotational axis (4) between the friction surface region (10) and the inner region (8) and in that a first mating surface (17) is formed on the brake element (7), said mating surface facing the friction surface (11) and interacting with the first friction surface (11) in the braking position.