Brake Wear Indicator Rod Layout for External Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake wear indication methods are cumbersome for new and unconventional brake assembly configurations, especially in electrified working machines, making it difficult to measure brake wear without disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A brake assembly with a wear indicator assembly featuring an indicator rod that has a second end visible from the outside of the brake housing, positioned further away from the rotational axis than the first end, allowing for easier measurement of brake wear on a side surface without disassembly, and optionally using a flexible rod and adjustable end piece for enhanced calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional wear indicator pin is used that is axially movable parallel to the rotational axis, then the wear can be measured by observing the position change of the indicator pin, but the indicator position is difficult to observe from the outside of the brake housing without disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator rod is configured with its second end positioned at a greater radial distance from the rotational axis than its first end, creating an offset arrangement that allows the indicator to be observed from the outside of the brake housing. This dimensional change from a purely axial configuration to an offset radial configuration enables external observation of brake wear without requiring disassembly of the brake assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the brake assembly uses new and unconventional configurations, then the brake design can be more adaptable to modern working machines, but existing wear indication methods become cumbersome and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator rod assembly serves multiple functions: it indicates brake wear through its offset position, it can be integrated into various brake assembly configurations, and it provides a universal solution that works with different brake housing designs. The offset indicator rod can be positioned to indicate wear for different friction members and can be observed from various external positions, making it adaptable to new and unconventional brake configurations without requiring complex additional components.
3Ease of operation
If the indicator rod's second end is positioned at a greater distance from the rotational axis, then the indicator becomes visible from the outside of the brake housing, but the indicator rod structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator rod is segmented into two distinct ends with different functional requirements: the first end inside the brake housing that contacts or follows the friction member, and the second end outside the brake housing that serves as the visible indicator. This segmentation allows each end to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall structure relatively simple. The offset positioning creates a lever arm that amplifies the wear indication visually.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset indicator rod acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the internal wear of the friction member into an externally visible position change. Rather than directly exposing the wear surface, the indicator rod mediates between the internal friction member wear and the external observer, converting mechanical wear into a visible positional displacement that can be read from outside the brake housing.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a brake assembly, including a brake housing; a wheel rotor rotatable around a rotational axis; a friction member coupled to the wheel rotor; a first braking member and a second braking member arranged to sandwich the friction member; and a wear indicator assembly for indicating wear of the at least one friction member at an indication position on an outside of the brake housing. The wear indicator assembly includes an indicator rod having a first end inside the brake housing and a second end visible from the outside of the brake housing. The second end of the indicator rod is at a second distance from the rotational axis, greater than the first distance of the first end.