Brake Apparatus Eccentric Cam Mechanical Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional brake apparatuses, such as those described in JP10-505038A, face inefficiencies in mechanical efficiency due to the large forces required to rotate the eccentric pin during braking, which results in suboptimal performance.

Innovation Solution

The brake apparatus employs a configuration where brake discs are sandwiched by brake linings, utilizing a pair of link arms with a booster unit and eccentric cam to enhance mechanical efficiency by redirecting tangential forces away from the eccentric cam, allowing for a smaller actuator and reduced size and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If an eccentric pin or eccentric cam is used to rotate link arms during braking, then the braking function is achieved, but circumferential tangential forces from the brake disc act on the eccentric pin/cam requiring large forces and reducing mechanical efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical efficiencyVSAvoidforce required to rotate eccentric pin
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the eccentric cam from the path of tangential forces by positioning it such that the link arms rotate about a fulcrum that is offset from the eccentric cam's center of rotation. This geometric arrangement causes the tangential forces from brake disc contact to act on the link arms and fulcrum rather than directly on the eccentric cam, thereby reducing the force burden on the eccentric cam and improving mechanical efficiency during braking operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Force

If a larger actuator is used to overcome the large forces on the eccentric pin during braking, then sufficient braking force is achieved, but the size and weight of the brake system increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking forceVSAvoidweight of brake system
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potentially harmful tangential forces into a beneficial configuration where these forces act on the link arms and fulcrum rather than the eccentric cam. By positioning the fulcrum offset from the eccentric cam's center, the tangential forces create a favorable moment arm relationship that reduces the force amplification effect, allowing a smaller actuator to achieve the required braking force while reducing overall system weight.

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

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 configuration improves mechanical efficiency by reducing friction resistance and enabling a larger braking force with a smaller actuator, resulting in a more compact and lightweight brake system.

Implementation Method 1

an eccentric cam configured to rotate the link arms by boosting a force transmitted from the rod by the rotation of the levers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

brake the rotation of the wheel by frictional forces between the brake discs and brake linings by sandwiching the brake discs from opposite sides by a pair of brake linings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3045760B1Brake apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 KYB CORP
  • EP3045760B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3045760B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A brake apparatus (100) includes a coupling member (35) configured to couple one end parts (31) of a pair of link arms (30), an actuator (20) mounted on the coupling member (35) and configured to advance and retract an output member (21), a lever (40) rotatably coupled to the output member (21) and configured to rotate by advancing and retracting movements of the output member (21) and a booster unit (50) provided on at least one of the one end parts (31) of the pair of link arms (30) and configured to rotate the link arms (30) with supporting portions (32) as fulcrums by boosting a force transmitted by the rotation of the lever (40).