Brake Retraction Spring Anti-Rotation for Correct Pad Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake assemblies with springs face challenges in preventing improper installation and rotation of retraction springs, which can lead to incorrect alignment and functionality during braking operations.
Innovation Solution
The brake assembly incorporates a retraction spring design with anti-rotation features, including a coil and arms, that are mounted between brake pad modules and a retainer bracket, preventing rotation towards the rotor and ensuring correct orientation through specific hole configurations in the brake pad assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spring designs are used without anti-rotation features, then the brake assembly structure is simpler, but the retraction spring can rotate improperly during installation and operation leading to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction spring incorporates asymmetric anti-rotation features including a first arm extending from the first end, a second arm extending from the second end, and a tab feature protruding from the coil. These asymmetric elements engage with corresponding asymmetric features on the brake pad assemblies (first and second holes at specific positions and angles), allowing the spring to be installed only in the correct rotational orientation. This asymmetry prevents improper installation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the retraction spring is made more rigid to prevent rotation, then anti-rotation capability is improved, but the spring cannot properly retract the brake pads during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction spring is segmented into distinct functional zones: a flexible coil section that provides the retraction force and allows rotation during operation, and rigid arm sections (first arm and second arm) with anti-rotation features that prevent improper installation. The coil portion remains flexible to enable the spring to retract brake pads during normal operation, while the arm portions with anti-rotation features maintain their shape to prevent rotation during installation and when engaged with the brake pad assemblies.
3Manufacturing precision
If the anti-rotation features are made more prominent to ensure correct installation, then installation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation features (first arm, second arm, and tab feature) are merged into a single integrated retraction spring component rather than being separate parts. This consolidation ensures correct installation orientation while simplifying manufacturing, as the entire spring including all anti-rotation features can be formed in one piece using spring manufacturing processes. The first and second holes in the brake pad assemblies also serve dual purposes: mounting the spring and providing anti-rotation engagement, reducing the need for additional features.
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 effectively inhibits improper installation and rotation of the retraction springs, ensuring proper alignment and functionality, thereby enhancing the reliability and safety of the brake assembly during braking and maintenance processes.
Implementation Method 1
The retraction spring may include a first end, a second end, a coil, and at least one anti-rotation feature. The coil may be disposed between the first end and the second end.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake assembly having a retraction spring. The retraction spring may be mounted to a first brake pad module and a second brake pad module. The retraction spring may have an anti-rotation feature that inhibits rotation of the retraction spring. The anti-rotation feature may engage the first brake pad module.