Brake Rotor Weight with Hook Arm for Centrifugal Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake rotor assemblies face challenges in balancing weight distribution and securing weights under centrifugal forces during rotation, leading to potential instability and movement of brake rotor weights.

Innovation Solution

A brake rotor weight with a serpentine configuration and hook arm design is inserted into gaps between vanes of the brake rotor, utilizing bends and arms to secure itself and resist centrifugal forces, ensuring balanced weight distribution and retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If brake rotor weights are used to balance the assembly, then weight distribution is improved, but the weights may move or become unstable under centrifugal forces during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight distribution stabilityVSAvoidweight retention under centrifugal force
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brake rotor weight is divided into multiple segments or sections along its length, with each segment capable of independently engaging with the brake rotor vanes. This segmentation allows the weight to better distribute centrifugal forces across multiple engagement points, preventing movement while maintaining balanced weight distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The brake rotor weight incorporates flexible or movable elements that can dynamically adjust to centrifugal forces during rotation. The weight features flexible arms or deflectable sections that bend or move under centrifugal load, maintaining continuous contact with the brake rotor vanes to prevent displacement while preserving balancing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional brake rotor weights are used, then balancing is achieved, but the design complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight distributionVSAvoidweight structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brake rotor weight combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the balancing mass, the retention mechanism, and the attachment structure are merged into one piece. This eliminates the need for separate retention clips or attachment devices, reducing overall complexity while maintaining effective weight distribution and secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The brake rotor weight is designed to automatically engage and secure itself to the brake rotor vanes through its own structural features, such as self-locking geometry or elastic retention elements. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional fasteners or complex attachment systems, simplifying both the weight design and the overall brake rotor assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If brake rotor weights are secured to prevent movement, then reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight retentionVSAvoidweight manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The brake rotor weight utilizes changes in material properties or geometric parameters during manufacturing to achieve secure retention. For example, the weight may be formed with elastic deformation zones that permanently set the retention geometry during a single forming operation, or use heat treatment to create differential expansion that locks the weight in place, achieving reliable retention through parameter changes rather than complex assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design effectively balances the brake rotor assembly, prevents weight movement under centrifugal forces, and provides a durable, cost-effective solution by using a single piece of steel, ensuring smooth rotation and secure attachment.

Implementation Method 1

resist centrifugal forces, ensuring balanced weight distribution and retention

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3273086B1Brake rotor assembly and a brake rotor weight
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY LLC
  • EP3273086B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3273086B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3273086B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A brake rotor assembly having a brake rotor and a brake rotor weight (22). The brake rotor weight (22) may be received between vanes (44) of the brake rotor. The brake rotor weight may include a hook arm (90), a guide arm (92), and an intermediate portion (94). The intermediate portion (94) may bias the hook arm (90) and the guide arm (92) against the vanes (44).