Disc Brake Pad Retainer Spring for Fast Response and Low Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional brake pad holding devices for floating caliper brakes in commercial vehicles suffer from delayed brake response and noise issues due to manufacturing tolerances and deformation of the brake carrier, leading to uneven contact with the brake disc, which results in inefficient braking and noise during operation.

Innovation Solution

A brake pad holding device with a spring element inserted into a recess in the pad holder, which supports the lining holder on the inlet-side lining horn, eliminating play and ensuring immediate contact with the brake disc outlet horn during braking, thus preventing delay and damage, and is designed to work within the elastic range to maintain functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate pad spring is arranged between the brake pad and the backing plate, then the brake response is improved, but the pad spring is compressed in the reverse direction during braking to such an extent that plastic deformation cannot be ruled out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake responseVSAvoidpad spring durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A resilient element is introduced as an intermediary component between the brake pad and the brake carrier horn. This resilient element absorbs the reverse compression forces during braking, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the pad spring, thus maintaining both brake response and spring durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient element is positioned to provide cushioning before the pad spring can be damaged by reverse compression. By placing the resilient element in the force transmission path ahead of the spring, it preemptively absorbs the harmful reverse forces, preventing plastic deformation of the pad spring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a spring element is arranged at the bottom of the brake pad recess to press the brake pad radially, then the brake pad contact is improved, but the design prevents normal radial insertion of the brake pads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake pad contactVSAvoidbrake pad installation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient element is segmented into multiple parts: a first resilient element positioned at the bottom of the recess for radial pressing, and a second resilient element positioned at the side of the recess for axial pressing. This segmentation allows the brake pad to be inserted radially while still providing the necessary contact forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the brake pad recess are equipped with different resilient elements having different orientations and functions. The bottom region has a resilient element for radial contact, while the side region has a resilient element for axial contact, allowing localized optimization of contact quality without compromising installation ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the brake pad is supported in both directions of rotation by pad horns with clearance, then the brake pad can move smoothly, but the clearance results in delayed brake response and unwanted noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake pad movementVSAvoidbrake response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient element is pre-loaded to maintain constant contact between the brake pad and the brake carrier horn. This preliminary action eliminates clearance before braking occurs, ensuring immediate brake response without compromising the smooth movement capability of the brake pad

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution ensures immediate and consistent contact with the brake disc, preventing delayed brake response and noise, while maintaining structural integrity and allowing for safe braking, and can be integrated with existing conventional lining shaft designs without compressing excessively.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (20), in particular a resilient element, which is supported by a pad horn (3, 4) and a support surface (19) of the pad holder (11) adjacent to this pad horn (3, 4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3203102B2Brake lining and brake lining device of a disc brake
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3203102B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3203102B2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3203102B2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a brake pad retaining device for a disc brake of a motor vehicle. The brake pad retaining device (1) comprises a brake carrier (2) stationary on the vehicle side, having a pad recess for receiving a brake pad, wherein the pad recess is bounded with respect to a main direction of rotation (HDR) of the brake disc on the brake disc inlet side and brake disc outlet side respectively by a pad horn (3, 4) of the brake carrier (2). The brake pad retaining device (1) further comprises a brake pad (10) guided in the pad recess, comprising a pad holder (11) and a friction lining (17) attached thereto; as well as a spring element (20) which is supported on a pad horn (3) and a support surface (5) of the pad holder (11) adjacent to this pad horn (3). The spring element (20) is inserted in a recess (12) of the pad holder (11). The invention further relates to a correspondingly designed brake pad as an independent object.