Brake Piston Nut Flexible Retainer for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake piston systems face challenges in achieving a positive and consistent return movement after fluid pressure is released, leading to brake drag and unnecessary fuel consumption, due to the compromise between sealing and retraction functions in designs like the square o-ring system.
Innovation Solution
A brake piston assembly featuring a flexible retainer, such as an o-ring, located in a groove of the brake piston nut, which compresses against a projection during fluid pressure actuation and expands to facilitate a controlled return movement upon pressure release, separating the sealing and retraction functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fluid pressure is released to allow vehicle rolling, then fuel consumption is reduced, but brake drag occurs due to incomplete return of the brake pad
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible retainer provides self-powered retraction of the brake piston using its elastic energy stored during compression. This self-service mechanism ensures complete return of the brake pad without requiring additional energy input, eliminating brake drag while maintaining the ability to roll freely
2Force
If the friction between the o-ring and piston is increased to improve retraction, then retraction force is improved, but the o-ring design for sealing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the sealing function (handled by the piston seal) from the retraction function (handled by the flexible retainer). This segmentation allows the flexible retainer to provide high retraction force through friction with the piston without compromising the sealing performance of the dedicated piston seal
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 ensures consistent repositioning of the brake piston, reduces brake drag, and simplifies seal designs by effectively separating fluid sealing and piston return functions, enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of the brake system.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible retainer, the flexible retainer located in a groove in an outer wall of the brake piston nut; wherein, when the piston nut is fully inserted into the cavity, the flexible retainer will be located between the projection and the front face
Data Source
AI summary
A brake piston assembly is described. The brake piston assembly includes a brake piston, the brake piston comprising: a front face and a back surface, the front face opposite the back surface and the front face configured to exert pressure on a brake pad; a cavity extending into the brake piston from the rear surface; and a projection located within a cavity of the brake piston at a position intermediate the front face and the rear surface; a brake piston nut receivable into the cavity; and a flexible retainer, the flexible retainer located in a groove in an outer wall of the brake piston nut; wherein, when the piston nut is fully inserted into the cavity, the flexible retainer will be located between the projection and the front face.