Braking Device with Localized Friction for Tailgate Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking devices for vehicle parts, such as tailgates, often result in high wear and tear and require a large number of components, failing to provide adequate braking force specifically at the end of the displacement path before reaching a stop position.
Innovation Solution
A braking device with a housing element and a piston element, featuring a braking element that provides frictional contact only within a specific portion of the displacement path, utilizing a radial tensioning device like a wrap spring to ensure a controlled braking force, reducing wear and component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a friction element is continuously in contact with the housing element throughout the entire displacement path, then braking force is provided over the full range of motion, but wear and tear increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The braking element is designed to provide frictional contact only in specific local zones of the displacement path rather than continuously. The frictional contact occurs primarily in end portions of the displacement path where damping is most needed, while minimizing contact in intermediate portions, thereby reducing overall wear and tear while maintaining effective braking where required.
2Force
If multiple components are used to provide braking force throughout the displacement path, then adequate braking is achieved, but the number of components and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking element integrates multiple functions into a single component structure. It combines the housing element, frictional contact surfaces, and tensioning device into one integrated assembly that provides controlled frictional braking through its design, eliminating the need for separate braking components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking element serves multiple purposes: it provides braking force in end portions of the displacement path, acts as a structural component of the piston assembly, and incorporates the tensioning device for self-regulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
3Force
If a tensioning device continuously applies radial force to the braking element, then frictional contact is maintained throughout the displacement path, but energy consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning device applies radial tensioning force periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. The braking element is tensioned into frictional contact primarily when needed at end portions of the displacement path, and the tensioning force is reduced or released during intermediate portions, thereby minimizing energy consumption and heat generation while maintaining effective braking when required.
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 dampens the movement of vehicle parts relative to each other by providing a substantial braking force only at the end of the displacement path, reducing wear and tear and simplifying the component structure.
Implementation Method 1
a braking element (23) arranged within the inner bore (201) of the housing element (20) and constituted to provide a friction force for braking a displacement movement of the piston element (21) and the housing element (20) with respect to each other
Implementation Method 2
a tensioning device (24) arranged within the inner bore (201) of the housing element (20) and constituted to radially, with respect to the longitudinal axis (L), act onto the braking element (23) to provide a radial tensioning force
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A braking device (2) for braking a movement of a first vehicle part (10) and a second vehicle part (11) with respect to each other comprises a housing element (20) and a piston element (21) having a shaft (213) being mounted such that the shaft (213) is displaceable along the longitudinal axis (L) of the housing element (20) along a displacement path. A braking element (23) is arranged within the inner bore (201) of the housing element (20) and constituted to provide a friction force for braking a displacement movement of the piston element (21) and the housing element (20) with respect to each other at least within a portion of the displacement path. A tensioning device (24) is constituted to provide a radial tensioning force acting within or onto the braking element.