Brake Pad Backing Plate Protrusion for Stable Caliper Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake pads for disc brakes face challenges in maintaining proper alignment and secure mounting, particularly due to thermal expansion, and require effective compensation mechanisms to prevent slipping and falling out of the caliper.

Innovation Solution

A backing plate with a protrusion extending axially from the first side, featuring a tapered geometry to enhance secure mounting and alignment, and through holes for weight reduction and guiding pins, manufactured through stamping or milling processes to ensure rigidity and ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional backing plate design is used, then the brake pad can be mounted on the caliper, but the alignment and mounting stability are insufficient due to thermal expansion and slippage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidbacking plate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backing plate is segmented into functional zones: a mounting surface with alignment features for caliper attachment, a reinforcement rib structure for structural stability, and a brake lining interface zone. This segmentation allows each zone to independently address specific requirements (alignment, stability, friction) without compromising overall mounting reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a protrusion extending from the mounting surface in a direction perpendicular to the brake lining interface. This dimensional addition creates a mechanical interlock feature that prevents slippage and enhances mounting stability without increasing in-plane complexity

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

2Ease of manufacture

If a rigid one-piece backing plate is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but thermal expansion compensation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacking plate fabricationVSAvoidthermal compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The backing plate incorporates reinforcement ribs that are strategically positioned to provide localized structural support and stiffness where needed, while other areas maintain flexibility for thermal expansion. This non-uniform structural distribution allows the rigid one-piece plate to be easily manufactured while adapting to thermal variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement ribs are designed with specific geometric parameters (thickness, spacing, orientation) that allow the rigid backing plate to accommodate thermal expansion through controlled deformation patterns, maintaining structural integrity while adapting to temperature changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of moving object

If through holes are added to the backing plate, then weight is reduced and guidance is improved, but structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake pad weightVSAvoidbacking plate strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The backing plate utilizes a composite structure combining the base plate material with strategically placed reinforcement ribs that compensate for the strength reduction caused by through holes. This composite approach reduces weight through material removal while maintaining strength through strategic reinforcement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The through holes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they reduce the weight of the brake pad, provide guidance features for proper alignment during installation, and act as attachment points for the brake lining. This multi-functionality justifies the structural modification without compromising overall strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4563840B1Backing plate for a brake pad of a disc brake
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 ZF AFTERMARKET IBERICA S L U
  • EP4563840B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4563840B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

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.