Floating Caliper Brake Clearance Readjustment via Dynamic Braking Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disc brake systems for vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing clearance adjustments due to wear, leading to uneven wear distribution between brake pads and discs, which increases energy consumption and reduces braking performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and arrangement that utilize a wear detection device, actuator, and control unit to detect wear and adjust the braking force dynamically, ensuring optimal clearance distribution by readjusting the brake caliper, thereby reducing energy consumption and extending component lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If very high braking forces are applied to readjust air gap distribution, then the clearance distribution is corrected, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclearance distributionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the braking force applied during reset operations based on detected wear values. Instead of always applying very high braking forces, the control unit calculates and applies only the necessary braking force required to achieve the desired clearance distribution, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses wear detection devices to continuously monitor brake pad and disc wear, then feeds this information back to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit determines the optimal braking force needed for readjustment, avoiding unnecessary high energy consumption while ensuring proper clearance distribution is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If resetting device is used to reset brake caliper, then brake caliper returns to initial position, but wear on brake pads and disc increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake caliper resettingVSAvoidwear on brake pads and disc
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of always applying excessive braking force to ensure reset, the system calculates and applies only the partial braking force necessary to achieve the reset function. The control unit determines the minimum required braking force based on wear detection, preventing unnecessary additional wear while still achieving complete resetting of the brake caliper.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Use of energy by moving object

If clearance is not readjusted, then energy consumption is reduced, but braking performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidbraking performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wear detection device continuously monitors brake component wear and provides feedback to the control unit. When wear reaches levels that would compromise braking performance, the system automatically initiates readjustment operations at optimal moments, ensuring braking performance is maintained without requiring continuous high energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs readjustment operations proactively based on detected wear trends before braking performance actually deteriorates. By detecting wear early and initiating readjustment at appropriate times, the system prevents performance degradation while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from frequent readjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2479450B1Method for readjusting two-sided clearance for floating caliper brakes of vehicles and corresponding device
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP2479450B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2479450B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2479450B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The method involves determining (S1) a requirement for readjustment by detecting a clearance distribution between an inner clearance and an outer clearance, and determining (S2) a required braking force for readjustment. The two-sided clearance is readjusted (S3) by introducing the determined braking force in the disk brake with stoppage of the vehicle. An independent claim is also included for an arrangement for readjusting two-sided clearance for a disk brake of a vehicle between brake pads and a brake disk.