Brake Pad Backing Plate Geometry for Thermal Expansion Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake pads for disc brakes face challenges in maintaining proper alignment and secure mounting on the caliper, especially under thermal expansion, which can lead to misalignment and reduced braking performance.

Innovation Solution

A backing plate with a protrusion extending away from the first side, configured for resting against the caliper, and an angled fourth side that tapers towards the central axis of the brake disc, providing a stiff and compact design that enhances secure mounting and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the brake pad is mounted on the caliper with a simple backing plate design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision and mounting reliability deteriorate under thermal expansion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacking plate designVSAvoidmounting reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The backing plate features an asymmetric protrusion with a tapered geometry (第四侧面 angled relative to the third侧面) that creates an asymmetric contact interface with the caliper. This asymmetric design provides inherent alignment features and mechanical interlocking that maintain mounting reliability under thermal expansion without requiring complex additional components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion extends in the axial direction (first dimension) from the backing plate, creating a three-dimensional mechanical interface. The tapered fourth侧面 adds angular geometry (second dimension consideration) to the contact surface, providing both alignment and retention functions that prevent thermal expansion-induced misalignment

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

2Manufacturing precision

If the backing plate uses a tapered protrusion design, then the alignment precision and secure mounting are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidbacking plate manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protrusion is segmented into distinct geometric features: a base portion, a tapered portion with fourth侧面, and a contact portion with third侧面. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized independently for its specific function (alignment, retention, contact) while maintaining overall manufacturability through standard forming processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4517135A1Lubricating mechanism for planetary gear train
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 ZF WIND POWER (TIANJIN) CO LTD
  • EP4517135A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4517135A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4517135A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a backing plate for a brake pad of a disc brake, wherein the backing plate has a first side (10) and a second side (12) opposite and parallel to the first side (10). The first side (10) is configured for mounting to a caliper of the vehicle disc brake. The second side (10) is configured for fixation of a brake lining of the brake pad. The backing plate has a protrusion (20) extending away from the first side (10). The protrusion (20) forms a third side (22) of the backing plate and a fourth side (24) of the backing plate opposite the third side (22). The third side (22) is configured for resting against the caliper of the vehicle disc brake. The fourth side (24) is angled towards the third side (22) in a direction away from the first side (10). The invention further relates to a brake pad and a disc brake.