Disc Brake Caliper Bridge With Detent-Locked Wear Adjustment Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disc brake calipers experience unintended rotation of threaded wear adjustment tubes, which can alter the running clearance between friction pads and the rotor, negatively impacting brake performance.
Innovation Solution
A bridge for the caliper with anti-rotation means, such as detents, that engage the teeth on the threaded wear adjustment tubes to prevent unintended rotation by inhibiting movement when the rotational force is less than a predetermined force, ensuring the desired clearance is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If threaded wear adjustment tubes are used to adjust friction pad position, then the desired running clearance can be maintained, but unintended rotation of the tubes can occur which alters the clearance and negatively impacts brake performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating detents that engage with teeth on the threaded adjustment tubes before unintended rotation can occur. The detents create a preliminary restraining force that prevents the tubes from rotating unintentionally, thereby maintaining the desired running clearance and preventing negative impacts on brake performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary element (the detent) that mediates between the threaded adjustment tube and the bridge body. The detent engages with the teeth on the tube to prevent unintended rotation while allowing intentional adjustment when force is applied to overcome the detent engagement.
2Reliability
If detents are added to prevent tube rotation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anti-rotation function with the existing threaded bore structure by integrating detents into the bridge body that engage with teeth formed on the threaded adjustment tubes. This combination approach prevents unintended rotation without requiring entirely separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A bridge for a disc brake caliper includes a body defining a first bore disposed about an axis. The first bore includes a plurality of threads. The body further defines a second bore extending radially from an outer surface of the body into the first bore. A tube is received within the first bore and supports a tappet at one end for engaging a friction pad. The tube is configured to receive one end of an adjustment shaft of a friction pad wear adjuster therein. The tube defines a plurality of threads on a radially outer surface configured for engagement with the plurality of threads in the first bore and at least one of the plurality of threads on the first tube defines a plurality of teeth. A detent extends through the second bore and engages the teeth to inhibit rotation of the tube within the body.