Floating Caliper Disk Brake Automatic Resetting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disc brake designs for commercial vehicles face issues with brake pad wear and overheating due to constant friction during non-braking conditions, leading to reduced service life and increased maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A disc brake design featuring a resetting device positioned opposite the application device, with a compression spring assembly and adjustment mechanism to maintain even force distribution and compensate for wear and deformation, ensuring minimal system rigidity and effective automatic resetting of the brake caliper.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the brake caliper is held in a fixed position during braking, then braking force is maintained, but the brake linings continue to rub against the brake disc after braking, causing overheating and excessive wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake performance consistencyVSAvoidbrake lining wear and overheating
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The restoring device automatically returns the brake caliper to its initial position after braking without external intervention. The spring mechanism self-activates when braking force is released, pulling the caliper away from the brake disc and eliminating the need for manual resetting or additional actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The brake caliper undergoes periodic positioning: during braking it is pressed against the disc to generate friction, and after braking it is automatically restored to the initial position. This periodic action ensures the brake linings are in contact with the disc only when braking force is applied, preventing continuous rubbing and overheating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If a restoring device is integrated into the guide rail to automatically return the brake caliper, then the brake caliper can be reset, but the guide rail structure becomes more complex requiring special production measures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic brake caliper resettingVSAvoidguide rail structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restoring device is segmented into distinct functional components: a separate spring element, a mounting bracket, and connection points on the caliper and carrier. This modular segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, avoiding the need to modify the guide rail structure while still achieving automatic resetting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The restoring device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the brake caliper and the brake carrier. Rather than modifying the guide rail directly, the spring-based restoring device mediates the resetting action, connecting the caliper to the carrier in a way that simplifies the overall structure compared to integrating the restoring function directly into the guide rail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If the restoring element is formed from a leaf spring to pull the brake pad out of contact, then automatic resetting is achieved, but the retraction distance varies greatly due to wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic brake pad retractionVSAvoidconstant retraction distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element is designed with specific mechanical parameters (coil diameter, wire diameter, number of coils, material properties) that provide a consistent restoring force and displacement characteristic. These parameters are carefully selected to ensure the spring extends by a predetermined, constant amount regardless of brake pad wear, maintaining precise retraction distance throughout the service life of the brakes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design extends the service life of brake pads and discs by minimizing friction during non-braking conditions, reducing wear and overheating, and maintaining consistent brake performance through adjustable clearance compensation.

Implementation Method 1

a compression spring (8), with which the brake caliper (1) is automatically brought into a starting position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2831452B1Disk brake
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP2831452B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2831452B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2831452B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a disk brake, in particular for a utility vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (1) that reaches over a brake disk (5) and is designed as a floating caliper, the brake caliper being fastened to a stationary brake carrier (2), a brake application device, by means of which an associated, action-side brake lining (3) can be pressed against the brake disk (5) during braking, and at least one restoring device (6) having a restoring element, by means of which restoring device the brake caliper (1) can be brought into an initial position after displacement and release of the brake as a result of braking, is designed in such a way that the restoring device (6) is retained both in the brake caliper (1) and in the brake carrier (2) on the side of the brake disk (5) facing the brake application device (22).