Convex Drum Brake Plate Support for Squeal Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drum brakes for motor vehicles are noisy due to vibrations transmitted from the wheel cylinder to the rear axle through fixing screws, resulting in a squealing noise amplified by the platter at a critical frequency of 1.1 kilohertz.

Innovation Solution

A drum brake plate with a convex support part for the wheel cylinder, which minimizes vibratory coupling by forming a part in relief with a side wall, reducing noise phenomena during hydraulic braking without adding extra elements or increasing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wheel cylinder is fixed to the plate by means of fixing screws, then the wheel cylinder is securely mounted, but vibrations are transmitted from the wheel cylinder to the rear axle resulting in squealing noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mounting of wheel cylinderVSAvoidsquealing noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a convex support part as an intermediary element between the wheel cylinder and the plate. This convex support part acts as a mediator that decouples the direct rigid connection, thereby reducing vibration transmission while maintaining secure mounting. The convex shape creates a compliant interface that absorbs vibratory energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies curvature by designing the support part with a convex shape instead of a flat surface. This curved geometry reduces the contact area and creates a more compliant mounting interface, which effectively dampens vibrations and reduces the squealing noise generated during braking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a convex support part is introduced to reduce vibrations, then noise is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidplate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support function and the vibration reduction function into a single integrated convex support part. This eliminates the need for separate vibration damping elements or additional components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The convex support part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the wheel cylinder, reduces vibration transmission, and simplifies the assembly process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby maintaining simplicity.

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

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the reception zone forms a part in relief with a convex support part, then vibratory coupling is minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibratory coupling reductionVSAvoidconvex shape precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the convex support part (such as radius of curvature, height, and base dimensions) to achieve effective vibration reduction while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing tolerances. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design balances performance requirements with manufacturing capabilities.

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

The convex shape of the support part effectively reduces vibrations and noise at low frequencies, maintaining durability and hydraulic function while simplifying the assembly process.

Implementation Method 1

minimize the vibratory coupling between the wheel cylinder (8) and the support part (10) of the brake plate (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibratory coupling: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3645907B1Plate for a drum brake of a motor vehicle, associated drum brake and associated assembly method
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 FOUND BRAKES FRANCE SAS
  • EP3645907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3645907B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3645907B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present invention concerns a plate (1) for a drum brake of a motor vehicle having a circular edge (2) and a centre comprising: a surface (4) suitable for and intended to support a hydraulic wheel cylinder at a receiving area (9), the receiving area (9) comprising a bearing portion (10) suitable for and intended to be at least partially in contact with the wheel cylinder, the plate (1) being characterised in that the receiving area (9) forms a protruding relief portion protruding relative to the central base (5), the protruding relief portion comprising a side wall (13) surmounted by the bearing portion (10), and in that the bearing portion (10) has a convex shape.