Wheel Brake Pad Retraction Locking for Low-Drag Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel brake systems in heavy-duty vehicles face issues with brake pad engagement and disengagement, leading to drag losses, increased fuel consumption, and premature wear of brake components.
Innovation Solution
A wheel brake arrangement featuring axially movable brake pad modules, a spring arrangement with coil springs, and a locking mechanism with a serrated surface and locking cam to ensure proper disengagement and maintain a predetermined distance from the brake disc, even with wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If brake pads are kept in engagement with the brake disc to ensure rapid braking response, then braking capability is improved, but drag losses increase and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pad mounting allows the brake pad to be dynamically positioned at different distances from the brake disc. During normal operation, the brake pad is positioned closer for rapid engagement, while during idle periods, it is positioned farther away to minimize drag losses, creating a dynamic balance between braking response and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arrangement pre-positions the brake pad at an optimal distance from the brake disc before braking is required. This preliminary positioning ensures that when braking is needed, the brake pad is already in the correct position for immediate engagement, eliminating delay while allowing the pad to be retracted during non-braking periods to reduce drag
2Reliability
If brake pads are maintained in constant engagement with the brake disc, then braking capability is ensured, but wear of brake pads increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the brake pad position based on operational needs. The brake pad is positioned close to the brake disc when braking is required to ensure reliable braking capability, but is retracted to a greater distance during idle periods to minimize contact and wear, thereby extending brake pad lifetime while maintaining braking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arrangement and locking mechanism work together to prevent continuous contact between the brake pad and brake disc. By pre-positioning the brake pad at an optimal distance and automatically retracting it when not in use, the system counteracts the wear-causing effect of constant engagement before wear can occur, preserving brake pad life while ensuring braking capability is ready when needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If brake pads are allowed to wear down during usage, then operational flexibility is maintained, but braking response time increases due to increased distance from brake disc
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement dynamically adjusts the brake pad position to compensate for wear. As the brake pad wears and thins, the mechanism automatically repositions it closer to the brake disc to maintain the optimal engagement distance, ensuring consistent braking response time throughout the brake pad's operational life while preserving operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arrangement and locking mechanism provide continuous feedback-based adjustment of the brake pad position. As wear occurs and the brake pad thickness changes, the system detects the position change and automatically adjusts the brake pad's distance from the brake disc to maintain optimal braking geometry, preventing response time increases while maintaining operational flexibility
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 reduces drag losses, extends brake pad operational lifetime, improves fuel economy, and ensures rapid and secure brake engagement, compensating for brake pad wear and maintaining optimal brake disc spacing.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arrangement comprising at least one coil spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosure relates to wheel brake arrangement comprising a first brake pad module comprising a first brake pad, and a second brake pad module comprising a second brake pad, a spring arrangement comprising at least one coil spring, a first rod comprising a first end portion attached to a first end of the at least one coil spring and a second end portion operatively connected to the first brake pad module, and a locking arrangement attached to a stationary portion of the wheel brake arrangement, the locking arrangement comprising a first locking member slidable along a surface of the first rod upon moving the first and second brake pads toward each other, and a stop element configured to lock the first locking element to the surface of the first rod upon moving the first brake pad a predetermined distance away from the second brake pad.