Brake Caliper Pad Wear Compensation by Axial Vibration Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional brake caliper devices suffer from reduced braking effectiveness due to pad wear over time, requiring regular maintenance and replacement.

Innovation Solution

A brake caliper device with a caliper actuator unit that includes an actuating member, a bolt member, and a threaded sleeve, which, when driven by an external force, causes axial vibration to push the pads toward the brake disk, automatically compensating for pad wear by rotating relative to the bolt member and providing a travel stroke.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional brake caliper devices are used without automatic compensation, then the structure is simple, but braking effectiveness decreases over time due to pad wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking effectivenessVSAvoidcaliper structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The caliper actuator unit automatically compensates for pad wear through the threaded sleeve rotating relative to the bolt member, adjusting pad position without external intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains braking effectiveness while eliminating the need for manual adjustment or replacement, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the threaded sleeve can rotate along the bolt member to continuously adjust pad position as wear occurs. This dynamic compensation ensures consistent braking performance throughout the pad's service life, transforming a static system into one that adapts to wear conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If manual inspection and replacement of worn pads is performed, then manufacturing complexity is low, but loss of time increases due to regular maintenance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance timeVSAvoidpad wear compensation automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic compensation mechanism continuously adjusts pad position in response to wear, eliminating the need for manual inspection and replacement. The threaded sleeve and bolt member work together to self-adjust the pad position, completely removing maintenance requirements and resolving the contradiction between time loss and automation level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The compensation mechanism operates continuously during normal brake operation, automatically adjusting for wear as it occurs rather than requiring periodic maintenance stops. This continuous useful action ensures braking effectiveness is maintained without interruption, eliminating maintenance time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If the threaded sleeve rotates relative to the bolt member to compensate for wear, then braking performance is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking performance consistencyVSAvoidactuator unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bolt member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables threaded rotation of the sleeve for adjustment, and acts as a guide for the compensation mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining reliability while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device maintains effective braking performance by automatically adjusting for pad wear, ensuring consistent braking without the need for frequent maintenance and replacement.

Implementation Method 1

the actuating member is capable of vibrating axially to cause an axial vibration of the bolt member, which prompts the threaded sleeve to rotate relative to the bolt member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3851695B1Brake caliper device having automatic pad wear compensation mechanism
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 LIAO CHIH HSIEN
  • EP3851695B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3851695B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3851695B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A brake caliper device (100) is adapted to be used with a brake disk (200), and includes a main body unit (10), first and second pads (20, 30), and a caliper actuator unit (50). The caliper actuator unit (50) includes an actuating member (52), a bolt member (54) that abuts against the actuating member (52), and a threaded sleeve (55) that is threadedly engaged to the bolt member (54). When the actuating member (52) is driven by an external force, the actuating member (52) is capable of vibrating axially to cause an axial vibration of the bolt member (54), which prompts the threaded sleeve (55) to rotate relative to the bolt member (54) for pushing the first pad (20) toward the brake disk (200), thereby automatically providing a travel stroke that compensates for pad wear.