Drum Brake Flap Mechanism for Constant Shoe Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drum brakes experience asymmetrical pressure distribution due to traveling direction, leading to inconsistent distance between the brake shoe and drum, resulting in reduced fuel efficiency and brake durability, which is partially addressed by a return spring but has limitations and disadvantages.
Innovation Solution
A drum brake design incorporating a joint with a first and second lever, and a flap that utilizes centrifugal force to maintain a constant distance between the brake shoe and drum when not braking, replacing the need for a return spring and optimizing internal space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a return spring is used to maintain distance between brake shoe and drum, then the distance is partially maintained, but the configuration becomes more complex and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the return spring component from the drum brake system. Instead of using a separate return spring mechanism, the patent utilizes the centrifugal force generated by the rotating drum itself to automatically maintain the brake shoe at a constant distance from the drum surface, thereby simplifying the overall configuration and reducing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum brake system becomes self-regulating through the centrifugal force mechanism. As the drum rotates, the centrifugal force automatically adjusts the brake shoe position, eliminating the need for external return springs or additional control mechanisms. The system uses its own operational characteristics (rotation) to maintain proper clearance.
2Reliability
If a return spring is used to maintain distance, then some distance control is achieved, but internal space of the drum brake is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The return spring component is completely removed from the system. The space previously occupied by the return spring and its mounting mechanisms is now available for other purposes or can be reduced, thereby improving the overall space utilization within the drum brake assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of force application from elastic force (return spring) to centrifugal force (rotation-dependent). This parameter change eliminates the need for dedicated spring housing space and allows for more efficient packaging of the brake components within the available internal volume.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional drum brake components are used, then basic braking function is provided, but drag torque occurs reducing fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a simple, lightweight flap component made from inexpensive materials that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This flap, when properly positioned, prevents drag torque by maintaining optimal brake shoe clearance without requiring complex or expensive mechanisms, thereby improving fuel efficiency with minimal cost increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of brake shoe clearance from static (fixed by spring preload) to dynamic (adjusted by centrifugal force). This dynamic adjustment ensures that the brake shoe maintains optimal distance from the drum surface during rotation, eliminating drag torque and improving fuel efficiency while preserving the basic braking function.
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 effectively maintains a constant distance between the brake shoe and drum using centrifugal force, enhancing fuel efficiency and brake durability by eliminating drag torque and reducing wear, while efficiently utilizing the internal space of the drum brake.
Implementation Method 1
the flap rotates the joint so that the other side is bent outward due to a centrifugal force according to rotation of the drum to press the second lever
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed drum brake includes a drum including a fastening part fastened to a wheel of a vehicle and a side surface part so that the drum has a cylindrical shape of which one side is open, a pair of brake shoes configured to generate a braking force by rubbing against an inner circumferential surface of the side surface part, a joint rotatably provided on the inner circumferential surface of the side surface part and including a first lever formed to protrude along an outer circumferential surface of each of the brake shoes and a second lever formed to protrude toward an inner surface of the fastening part, and a flap of which one side is fixed to the inner surface of the fastening part and the other side is formed to protrude toward an open surface of the drum, wherein the flap rotates the joint so that the other side is bent outward due to a centrifugal force according to rotation of the drum to press the second lever and the first lever supports the brake shoe.