Spring-Loaded Brake Pad Retainer to Reduce Disc Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disc brakes suffer from parasitic drag due to brake pads remaining in contact with the disc when not in use, leading to increased wear, temperature, and decreased energy efficiency, and current solutions like loose sheet metal springs are ineffective in preventing this.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded retainer bracket with an angled engagement to the brake pad rim, using a helical spring for robust biasing, which keeps the pad away from the disc and absorbs vibrations, and a protruding shield to protect against mechanical impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the brake pad is secured to the disc brake housing, then the brake pad is held in position, but the brake pad remains in contact with the disc when not in use, generating parasitic drag
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer bracket is made pivotable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. When the brake is not engaged, the spring forces the bracket to pivot away from the disc, creating clearance. When braking occurs, the bracket pivots back into engagement, maintaining reliable positioning while eliminating parasitic drag during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the retainer bracket from a fixed state to a variable state through pivoting motion. The spring mechanism enables the bracket to change its angular position, transitioning between engaged and disengaged states based on braking conditions, thereby optimizing both positioning reliability and energy efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If a loose spring is used between the brake pad and retainer, then the brake pad can move, but the spring is ineffective at preventing contact with the disc and causes vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer system is segmented into distinct functional components: the retainer bracket for positioning, the helical spring for forcing, and the pivot connection for motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively - the spring provides reliable forcing force without direct contact issues, while the pivot enables controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connection acts as an intermediary between the spring forcing mechanism and the brake pad. It translates the linear spring force into rotational motion of the bracket, mediating the interaction to achieve both reliable pad positioning and effective clearance creation without the vibration problems of loose spring arrangements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the retainer bracket is fixed to the housing, then the structure is stable, but the brake pad cannot be easily accessed for servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer bracket employs a pivot connection instead of a fixed mounting, enabling it to rotate or lift away from its operating position. This dynamic capability maintains structural stability during braking while allowing easy access to the brake pad and internal components for servicing by simply lifting the bracket out of the way.
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
Reduces parasitic drag, minimizes brake pad wear, and enhances energy efficiency by maintaining the pad away from the disc, while providing vibration damping and impact protection.
Implementation Method 1
a helical spring arranged to load the retainer bracket to press against the rim portion of the brake pad
Implementation Method 2
The retainer bracket is arranged to engage the rim portion at an angle, thereby biasing the brake pad in a direction away from the disc
Implementation Method 3
The helical spring also absorbs vibration in the disc brake housing, which is an advantage
Data Source
AI summary
A brake pad retainer arrangement for holding a brake pad in position relative to a disc in a disc brake. The arrangement comprises an elongated retainer bracket arranged to extend transversely over the disc and the brake pad, wherein the retainer bracket is spring loaded to press against a rim portion of the brake pad. The retainer bracket is also arranged to engage the rim portion at an angle, thereby biasing the brake pad in a direction away from the disc.