Ball Ramp Brake Assembly Spacer for Even Pad Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ball ramp type brake assemblies face challenges in evenly distributing force to brake pads due to convex surfaces in the load transfer path, leading to suboptimal performance and increased wear.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spacer with a ring-shaped surface that contacts the lever radially outwardly of the convex surfaces, allowing for even load transfer and distribution across a plane, thereby optimizing the force applied to the brake pads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If convex surfaces are used in the load transfer path, then the brake assembly can transfer load, but the force distribution to brake pads becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer is introduced as an intermediary component between the lever and the second brake pad. The spacer has a radially outward surface that contacts the lever radially outwardly of the convex surfaces, and a disc-shaped surface that contacts the thrust bearing. This intermediary spacer creates a flat load transfer path that eliminates the problematic convex surfaces from the force distribution path, ensuring even force application to both brake pads.
2Ease of operation
If ball bearings are housed in concave surfaces on the lever, then the brake assembly can function, but convex surfaces remain in the load transfer path causing uneven force
Solution Approach 1:
The brake assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: the lever with concave surfaces for ball bearing housing, the spacer with separate contact surfaces for the lever and thrust bearing, and the brake pads. This segmentation allows the convex surfaces to remain on the lever for bearing function while the spacer creates a separate, flat load transfer path that ensures even force distribution to the brake pads.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A brake assembly (10) for use with a rotating shaft such as on the wheel of a vehicle or on industrial equipment. The brake assembly includes a first brake pad (32), a second brake pad (26), a lever (16) having a plurality of concave surfaces (60) and corresponding plurality of convex surface (62), a bracket (12), a ball bearing (14) moveable into and out of each of the plurality of concave surfaces and a spacer (20) positioned between the lever and the second brake pad. The spacer contacts the lever radially outwardly of the convex surfaces.