Disc Brake Actuation Mechanism Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disc brake actuation mechanisms face challenges in maintaining correct alignment and stability due to misalignment and vibration-induced torques, leading to impaired brake function.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a rolling element bearing between the driving portion of the adjustment mechanism and the yoke, along with a resilient element and a one-way clutch, to ensure precise friction control and alignment, reducing the risk of misalignment and vibration-induced de-adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a rolling element bearing is introduced between the driving portion and the yoke, then alignment precision and friction control are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A rolling element bearing is introduced as an intermediary component between the driving portion and the yoke. This bearing serves as a mediator that simultaneously achieves precise radial alignment of the driving portion and provides controllable friction through its rolling elements, while also reducing misalignment risks during installation and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If friction is increased to prevent vibration-induced de-adjustment, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficulty in controlling friction levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability against de-adjustmentVSAvoidfriction control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The friction characteristics are controlled by changing physical parameters of the rolling element bearing, specifically by selecting appropriate bearing types (deep-groove ball bearing, angular contact ball bearing) and adjusting preloading forces. This allows precise control of friction levels to prevent vibration-induced de-adjustment while maintaining alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the driving portion is made rotatable to enable adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but alignment stability deteriorates due to misalignment risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidalignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling element bearing acts as an intermediary that enables the driving portion to rotate freely for adjustment purposes while simultaneously maintaining stable radial alignment. The bearing's rolling elements facilitate rotation while the bearing structure itself prevents misalignment, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and alignment stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances the controllability of friction within the actuation mechanism, maintains alignment, and prevents unwanted de-adjustment, resulting in stable and reliable disc brake performance.

Implementation Method 1

a rolling element bearing is located between the driving portion of the adjustment mechanism and the yoke

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling element bearing: Ball Bearing

Implementation Method 2

enables a precise control of friction within the actuation mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

A resilient element is arranged to provide a load acting to urge the facing surfaces of the yoke and the piston into contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

The driving portion may be part of a one-way clutch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOne-way clutch: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentEP3581448B1A disc brake
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 MERITOR HEAVY VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEMS (UK) LIMITED
  • EP3581448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3581448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3581448B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An actuation mechanism for a disc brake is provided. The actuation mechanism comprises: a non-rotatable yoke to transmit an actuating force from an operating shaft; a piston configured to be driven by the yoke to transmit the actuating force to a brake pad, the piston comprising a portion rotatable with respect to the yoke to cause the piston to extend; and a wear adjustment mechanism for adjusting extension of the piston to account for wear of the brake pad, the wear adjustment mechanism including a driving portion configured to be driven by the operating shaft, to transfer torque from the operating shaft to the rotatable portion of the piston to cause the rotatable portion to rotate and extend the piston, wherein a rolling element bearing is located between the driving portion of the adjustment mechanism and the yoke.