Disc Brake Pad Mounting With Rotatable Stops for Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake pad holders for vehicle disc brakes face issues with brake pads flapping due to vibrations, leading to excessive movement and reduced spring life, as the rigid hold-down devices rely solely on springs to absorb forces.

Innovation Solution

A brake pad holder design featuring a rigid hold-down device combined with a leaf spring and a rotatable abutment element with stops and counter-stops, which limits the radial and axial movement of brake pads, ensuring they remain securely positioned.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid hold-down device is used to secure brake pads, then the brake pads are held firmly in position, but the spring must absorb all forces from sudden movements and vibrations, reducing spring life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake pad position stabilityVSAvoidspring life
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hold-down device is segmented into a rigid bracket portion and a separate stop element. The rigid bracket provides stable positioning, while the stop element (with stop surfaces) works independently with the spring to limit movement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize: the rigid bracket for stability and the spring-stop combination for movement limitation, reducing stress on the spring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stop element acts as an intermediary between the rigid hold-down device and the spring. It provides stop surfaces that directly engage with the brake pad or hold-down device to limit movement, thereby mediating the force transmission and preventing full force from being transmitted to the spring during sudden movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the hold-down device is made rigid to prevent brake pad movement, then positioning is improved, but forces from vibrations and sudden movements cannot be absorbed, potentially damaging the system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake pad positioningVSAvoidsystem durability under vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines rigid and dynamic elements. The bracket is rigid for stable positioning, while the stop element is designed to move and rotate, providing dynamic response to vibrations and sudden movements. The stop surfaces can engage and disengage as needed, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stop element is pre-positioned with stop surfaces that will engage before excessive movement occurs. This beforehand cushioning limits the range of motion during vibrations or sudden movements, preventing damage before it can occur. The spring also provides continuous cushioning force to maintain contact between brake pads and disc.

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

3Duration of action of stationary object

If stops are added to limit brake pad movement, then spring life is extended, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespring lifeVSAvoidhold-down device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop element is merged with the bracket as a single integrated component. The stop surfaces are formed as extensions or features of the bracket structure itself, rather than being separate parts. This merging reduces the number of components while still providing the necessary stop functionality to extend spring life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stop element serves multiple functions: it provides stop surfaces to limit movement, maintains proper spacing between components, and can be designed to facilitate assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while still achieving the goal of extending spring life.

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

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 effectively limits the movement of brake pads during vibrations, reducing the stress on the spring and extending its lifespan by using a combination of spring force and stop mechanisms to maintain pad position.

Implementation Method 1

a spring extends outside, along the hold-down device, with its ends fixed opposite the brake caliper, and it applies a hold-down force to the hold-down device towards the disc brake axle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

one of the two abutments is located on an abutment element which is rotatable about an axis which extends in the circumferential direction of the brake lining and on which at least one stop is formed which is opposite a counter-stop formed on the brake lining

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical stopping: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4163511A1Brake pad mounting of a vehicle disc brake and brake pad for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 BPW BERGISCHE ACHSEN KG
  • EP4163511A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4163511A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP4163511A1 patent drawingFigure 3c

AI summary

A brake pad holder for a vehicle disc brake is proposed, comprising brake pads (3) arranged on both sides of a radially extending brake disc in a pad recess (6), a rigid retainer (7) extending transversely over the brake pads (3), and a leaf spring (9) extending along the retainer (7). This leaf spring is supported at one end by its two spring ends against abutments, and at the other end by a spring section located between the spring ends against the side of the retainer (7) facing away from the brake pads (3). To address the problem of significant movement of the brake pads under certain driving conditions, e.g., in the case of strong vibrations of the disc brake, one of the two abutments (62A) is located on a locking or support element (60) that is rotatable about an axis (13A) extending circumferentially around the brake pad (3).The locking or support element (60) has at least one stop (64) which is opposite a counter-stop (48) formed on the brake pad (3).