Brake Piston Centering Geometry for Self-Aligning Nut-Spindle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disk brake systems face complex geometry and assembly challenges due to the centering mechanism of brake pistons and nut/spindle modules, which require precise alignment and are prone to tilting and friction issues.
Innovation Solution
A centering mechanism design that avoids force equilibrium by using a suitable geometry, including a conical support surface and spherical opposing surface, allowing the nut/spindle module to automatically return to a vertical position, reducing friction and facilitating easy assembly by ensuring the direction of gravity remains within the contact plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the nut/spindle module is centered in the piston with shape fit, then the components achieve proper alignment, but the geometry becomes complicated and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a conical support surface on the nut and a corresponding spherical support surface on the brake piston. This curved surface geometry enables automatic self-centering through gravitational force, eliminating the need for complex shape-fit centering mechanisms while achieving precise alignment during assembly
2Ease of operation
If the nut/spindle module is introduced vertically into the recess, then assembly is simplified, but tilting and friction issues occur without proper centering
Solution Approach 1:
The conical and spherical support surfaces create a self-centering mechanism where gravity automatically guides the nut/spindle module into the correct vertical position during assembly. The geometry itself provides the centering function without requiring external centering devices or complex alignment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The curved support surfaces (conical on nut, spherical on piston) work together to guide the module vertically and prevent tilting through gravitational force, ensuring reliable alignment while maintaining simple assembly operations
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support surfaces have large contact area, then stability is improved, but friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using conical and spherical curved surfaces instead of flat contact surfaces, the invention reduces the contact area to a line or point contact. This curvature-based approach maintains stable gravitational centering while minimizing friction between the nut and brake piston during assembly and operation
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
This design simplifies the assembly of brake pistons and nut/spindle modules by automatically centering them vertically, reducing friction and preventing tilting, thus making the installation process more straightforward and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
in the case of a vertical arrangement, with the brake piston below the spindle and the nut, a force equilibrium is avoided when the nut/spindle module has been completely moved out of the vertical position
Implementation Method 2
Since a force equilibrium is avoided in the case of an inclined position, the nut/spindle module automatically moves back into the vertical position at all times. Avoiding the force equilibrium is achieved by means of a suitable geometry of the components. Thereby reset forces for setting the nut/spindle module back into the vertical position are generated.
Data Source
AI summary
A centering mechanism with a brake piston of a disk brake of a motor vehicle, with a spindle extending into a cavity in the brake piston, has dimensions that prevent a force equilibrium of a nut-spindle assembly moved completely out of the vertical position. A force vector of the gravitational force on the nut-spindle assembly extends within a contact surface between a nut and the brake piston. Thus, the brake piston can be easily assembled with the nut-spindle assembly.