Brake Disk Metallic Coating Intermetallic Bonding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing brake discs are costly and lack durability, with iron oxide formation leading to corrosion and wear issues, affecting both performance and longevity.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a metallic coating of aluminum or titanium applied to a ferrous base body through immersion in a melt, forming an intermetallic connection and subsequent oxide layer, which enhances wear resistance and corrosion protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If thermal spraying is used to apply protective material to the brake disc surface, then the surface can be coated with hard materials, but the connection is only mechanical and not durable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface hardnessVSAvoidconnection durability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the connection mechanism from mechanical (thermal spraying) to metallurgical by using immersion in molten aluminum, which creates an intermetallic compound layer between the ferrous base body and the aluminum coating, providing a durable metallurgical bond

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate layer of aluminum that forms intermetallic compounds with the ferrous base body, serving as a mediator that creates a strong metallurgical bond between the base material and the protective surface layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If iron is used as the base material for brake discs, then the material is strong and cost-effective, but iron oxide formation causes corrosion and wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase material strengthVSAvoidcorrosion and wear
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure with a ferrous base body providing strength and an aluminum-based protective layer preventing corrosion and wear, combining the advantages of both materials into a single brake disc component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of iron oxide formation into a benefit by replacing the surface layer with aluminum, which forms a protective oxide layer instead of corrosive iron oxide, thus protecting the strong ferrous base material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Strength

If aluminum brake discs are made with hard material particles like silicon carbide, then wear resistance improves, but production becomes difficult and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simple, inexpensive ferrous base material instead of expensive aluminum alloys with added hard particles, achieving comparable or superior wear resistance through the aluminum coating system while greatly simplifying production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 method results in a cost-effective, durable brake disc with improved wear resistance and corrosion protection, extending the brake disc's lifespan and maintaining optimal optics and acoustics.

Implementation Method 1

at least regional immersion of the ferrous base body in a melt made of aluminum or titanium, with the effect of heat producing an intermetallic connection between the metallic coating and the surface of the base body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntermetallic connection: Diffusion Welding

Implementation Method 2

Forming an oxide layer on the metallic coating intermetallically bonded to the surface of the base body, the oxide layer being formed from an aluminum oxide or from a titanium oxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3022338B1Method for producing a brake disk, and brake disk
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • EP3022338B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3022338B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3022338B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing a brake disk for a vehicle. For this purpose, a protective layer is arranged on a main part (2) of the brake disk, said protective layer having an oxide layer (11). According to the invention, the method has the following steps: - providing a main part (2) preferably made of iron, in particular cast iron; - applying a metal coating (10) onto at least some sections of a surface (9) of the main part (2); - producing a metal connection between the metal coating (10) and the surface (9) of the main part (2); and - forming the oxide layer (11) on the metal coating (10) metallically connected to the surface (9) of the main part (2). The invention further relates to a brake disk for a vehicle, said brake disk having a main part (2) with a protective layer arranged on at least some sections. The protective layer has an oxide layer (11) formed on the main part (2). The main part (2) is preferably made of iron, in particular cast iron, and the oxide layer (11) is formed on a metal coating (10) metallically connected to a surface (9) of the main part (2).