Brake Disk Hub Cooling via Segmented Support Webs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake discs lack effective cooling of the hub area, leading to potential overheating during braking, especially in heavy-duty applications.
Innovation Solution
The brake disc features axially extending support ridges that act as cams, gripping between support members and securing the disc circumferentially on the hub, creating radial flow channels for air and minimizing heat conduction through a T-shaped configuration of support and connecting webs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the support webs are connected radially to the outer circumference of the pot-like section, then structural strength is improved, but cooling efficiency deteriorates due to blocked air flow channels
Solution Approach 1:
The support webs are segmented into multiple separate elements rather than continuous radial connections. This segmentation creates gaps between the webs that form air flow channels, allowing cooling air to pass through the hub area while still providing sufficient structural support through the distributed web elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support webs are designed with varying properties: they are sufficiently strong at critical load-bearing locations but intentionally reduced or spaced apart in regions where air flow is needed for cooling. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both structural strength and thermal management.
2Reliability
If intermediate elements are used for torque transmission, then connection reliability is improved, but heat conduction from brake disc to hub increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate elements serve as necessary mediators for torque transmission and connection reliability, but they are designed with thermal break features or sufficient spacing that limits their thermal conduction path. The T-shaped configuration of support webs with intermediate elements creates thermal barriers while maintaining mechanical functionality.
3Strength
If the brake disc is securely fastened to the hub, then torque transmission is improved, but air flow for cooling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system uses segmented support webs and intermediate elements rather than solid continuous connections. This segmentation provides sufficient torque transmission through the distributed fastening points while creating channels that allow cooling air to flow radially through the hub area.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from two-dimensional solid connections to a three-dimensional structure with vertical support webs and radial air flow channels. The T-shaped configuration in side view creates vertical support for torque transmission while opening radial pathways for air flow, utilizing multiple spatial dimensions to resolve the contradiction.
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 cooling of the hub area by increasing air supply and reducing heat conduction from the brake disc to the hub, while being cost-effective and easy to assemble/disassemble.
Implementation Method 1
flow channels for air are formed radially on the inside to the support webs and the support elements
Implementation Method 2
heat conduction from the brake disc through the cams to the inner hub area
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A brake disk with a hub (2) and with a friction ring that is connected with connection rods, and has the following disk-hub connection for connecting the brake disk with the hub (2): the brake disk has support elements on the inner peripheral area and the hub (2) has cams (19); the hub (2) has a pot-like, hollow-cylinder section (10) that merges with a disk section (11) that extends outward radially, whereby the disk section (11) has support rods (13) that extend outward radially and that extend into the area where the brake disk contacts the pot-like section (10) and that merge with the cams (19)that in turn grab between the support elements of the brake disk, and whereby the support rods (13) radially-placed inside the extension of the brake disk do not, or only by means of thin connection rods (15), connect radially with the outer periphery of the pot-like section.