Drum Brake Segment Axial Retention via Abutment Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drum brake segments can be displaced relative to the plate during side impacts or repeated braking, leading to incorrect positioning and potential failure of the braking system, compromising safety.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating axial abutment means, such as a cylindrical skirt and washer, with a prestressing nail to maintain segment positioning and prevent excessive spring compression, ensuring correct brake shoe alignment and operation under various conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If only a spring is used to hold the segment, then the structure is simple, but the segment can be displaced over large amplitudes during side impacts or repeated braking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesegment positioning stabilityVSAvoidholding mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: a spring for elastic retention, an axial skirt for lateral constraint, and a washer for positional stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of the positioning problem, improving overall reliability without creating a monolithic complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from one-dimensional spring retention to multi-dimensional constraint by adding the axial skirt that prevents displacement in radial directions and the washer that stabilizes axial positioning. This dimensional expansion of the holding mechanism effectively restricts segment movement in all relevant directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the segment is allowed to move freely, then the spring is not excessively compressed, but the segment positioning becomes incorrect and braking system may fail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking system reliabilityVSAvoidspring compression force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The axial skirt and washer are pre-installed in positions that define maximum allowable segment displacement before braking operation. This preliminary positioning prevents excessive spring compression during normal operation while ensuring the segment remains within safe positional limits, thereby maintaining braking system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The axial skirt acts as an intermediary element between the segment and the spring, providing a mechanical stop that limits spring compression. This intermediary structure allows the spring to exert sufficient retaining force while preventing over-compression that would occur if the segment were completely free to move.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If abutment means are added to retain the segment, then segment positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesegment retention reliabilityVSAvoidabutment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The axial skirt and washer are designed to be self-retaining components that automatically perform their retention function without requiring additional active control mechanisms. The skirt's geometry and the washer's positioning create a passive but effective retention system that improves reliability while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 retains the segment's position during adverse conditions, preventing brake failure and avoiding irreversible spring deformation, thus ensuring reliable braking performance.

Implementation Method 1

a spring capable of maintaining the core of the segment in a position of axial equilibrium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

By friction, the kinetic energy of the drum linked to the hub is transformed into thermal energy, thus reducing the speed of the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3080475B1Drum brake provided with a member for holding a brake segment
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 CHASSIS BRAKES INT BV
  • EP3080475B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3080475B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3080475B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The vehicle drum brake (10) comprises a plate (12), at least one segment comprising a core (16) and a brake lining (22), a spring (24) able to keep the core (18) of the segment (16) in an axially balanced position, means (28) for prestressing the spring (24) characterised in that said means (26) for prestressing the spring comprise stop means (32) limiting the ability of the core (18) of the segment (16) to move axially.