Ventilated Brake Rotor Shielding for Debris-Free Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilated brake rotors are prone to foreign bodies entering through ventilation openings, leading to damage, noise, and increased maintenance costs, while also compromising cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A ventilated brake rotor design that incorporates a protective element with a lower thickness than the cup-shaped body, which is reversibly removable and made in a separate piece, to shield ventilation openings from foreign bodies while maintaining cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ventilation openings are provided on the brake rotor to improve cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but foreign bodies can enter through the openings causing damage and increased maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a protective film or coating on the inner surface of the ventilation openings that acts as a barrier to foreign bodies while allowing air and cooling fluids to pass through. This thin film structure maintains the ventilation function while providing protection against stones, dust, and other contaminants that would otherwise enter and damage brake components.
2Temperature
If ventilation openings are made larger to improve cooling airflow, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the risk of foreign body entry and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By applying a protective film to the ventilation openings, the patent enables larger opening dimensions to be used for improved cooling airflow without proportionally increasing the risk of foreign body damage. The film acts as a protective barrier that allows the openings to be optimized for thermal exchange while mitigating the harmful effects of foreign body entry.
3Reliability
If protective covers are added to ventilation openings to prevent foreign body entry, then protection is improved, but cooling efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protective film provides the benefits of a protective cover by blocking foreign bodies from entering the ventilation openings, while simultaneously maintaining cooling efficiency because the film is permeable to air and cooling fluids. This eliminates the need for solid covers that would obstruct airflow and reduce thermal exchange.
4Reliability
If multiple components are used to protect ventilation openings, then protection is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective function with the existing ventilation opening structure by applying a film directly to the inner surface of the openings. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective components such as covers, screens, or shields, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining effective protection against foreign bodies.
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 prevents foreign bodies from entering the brake rotor, reduces noise, and maintains high cooling efficiency, thereby reducing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of brake components.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fluid to pass through said ventilation openings so as to cool said brake rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilated brake rotor rotationally associated with a vehicle element to be braked, having a rotation axis and defining an axial direction, parallel to or coinciding with the rotation axis, a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction and a circumferential direction, perpendicular to both the axial and radial directions, has a cup-shaped body having at least one ventilation opening passing through a cup-shaped body thickness to allow passage of a cooling fluid for cooling the ventilated brake rotor, at least one front annular portion for connecting the ventilated brake rotor to the vehicle element to be braked, and a side portion extending from the at least one front annular portion at least in the axial direction. A protective element shields the at least one ventilation opening preventing foreign bodies from entering into the cup-shaped body and allowing the cooling fluid to cross the at least one ventilation opening.