Disc Brake Guide Pin Offset Alignment via Elastomer Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle disc brake assemblies face challenges in achieving precise alignment and reduced frictional contact between guide pins and anchor brackets, leading to suboptimal braking performance due to lack of effective offsetting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spring-like member, such as an elastomer or rubber bushing, which is secured to the guide pin and bore, to offset the axis of the guide pin relative to the bore, creating a defined point of contact between the shank portion and the bore's inner surface, thereby enhancing alignment and reducing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional guide pin design is used with a single bore, then the structure is simple, but the alignment precision and contact optimization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a first bore for receiving the guide pin, a second bore for receiving the spring-like member, and a slot for accommodating the elastomer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while achieving precise alignment through the coordinated interaction of these separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-like member acts as an intermediary element between the guide pin and the anchor bracket. It provides the necessary biasing force to maintain optimal contact between the guide pin and the bore surface, while also accommodating misalignments and reducing wear through its elastic properties.
2Manufacturing precision
If the guide pin axis is centered in the bore, then the structure is symmetric and simple, but the contact point optimization and wear reduction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin is intentionally positioned asymmetrically within the bore through the offset arrangement of the first and second bores. The spring-like member, received in the second bore, biases the guide pin to contact the bore surface at an optimized point that is not centered, thereby improving alignment precision and reducing wear at critical contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the guide pin assembly are given different functional qualities. The guide pin head provides a specific contact surface, the spring-like member provides localized biasing force at a specific position, and the slot accommodates the elastomer. This local differentiation of qualities allows for optimized contact points and improved performance.
3Reliability
If no spring-like biasing mechanism is provided, then the guide pin structure is simpler, but the braking consistency and wear reduction are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-like member is pre-installed in the second bore and pre-biased to exert a continuous forcing force on the guide pin. This preliminary action ensures that the guide pin is always maintained in optimal contact with the bore surface, preparing the system for consistent braking performance before actual operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer member received in the slot provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing shocks and misalignments that may occur during operation. This protective element cushions the guide pin against excessive forces and maintains stable contact, thereby improving reliability and reducing wear before damage can occur.
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 braking performance by ensuring precise alignment and reduced wear, leading to enhanced braking efficiency and extended component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one spring-like member is operative to bias in a spring-like manner the at least one guide pin in the at least one bore thereby offsetting the second axis of the at least one guide pin relative to the first axis of the at least one bore
Implementation Method 2
the at least one spring-like member is formed from an elastomer material
Implementation Method 3
The brake shoes are moved inwardly toward one another so as to frictionally engage the opposed sides of the disc. Such frictional engagement causes retarding or stopping of the rotational movement of the disc
Data Source
AI summary
A disc brake assembly comprises: an anchor bracket having at least one bore formed therein, the bore defining a first axis; a brake caliper slidably secured to the anchor bracket; a pair of brake pads carried by the disc brake assembly; and at least one guide pin adapted to be disposed in the bore of the anchor bracket, the at least one guide pin defining a second axis; wherein when the at least one guide pin is disposed in the at least one bore of the anchor bracket, the second axis of the at least one guide pin is configured to be offset relative to the first axis of the at least one bore such that there is provided at least one defined point of contact between only a portion of a shank portion of the at least one guide pin and a portion of an inner surface of the at least one bore.