Elastic Brake Disc Mounting for Thermal Expansion Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Brake discs in high-performance and sports vehicles experience mechanical issues due to thermal expansion and deformation during braking, particularly in motorcycles, as the brake strip is sensitive to heating and undergoes significant thermal expansion, leading to misalignment and mechanical problems.
Innovation Solution
A brake disc design featuring a brake strip supported by an elastic system with first and second elastically deformable connecting elements, allowing relative movement between the brake strip and the supporting element, which doubles compliance in the radial direction and quadruples it in the axial direction, using a combination of first and second connecting elements to manage thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connection between brake strip and support is used, then structural strength is improved, but thermal expansion causes deformation and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the connecting elements from rigid to elastic, allowing them to deform under thermal stress. This enables the brake strip to expand and contract with temperature changes while maintaining connection to the support, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and alignment stability during thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility through elastic connecting elements that can adapt their deformation state based on thermal conditions. The connecting elements dynamically adjust their position and stress state in response to temperature changes, allowing the system to maintain both strength and alignment stability across varying operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic connecting elements are used to allow relative movement, then compliance is improved, but connection strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the elastic parameters of the connecting elements to achieve an optimal balance between compliance and strength. By carefully selecting the elasticity modulus, cross-sectional area, and length of the connecting elements, the system achieves sufficient compliance to handle thermal expansion while maintaining adequate connection strength for braking forces.
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 enhances the mechanical compliance of the brake disc, reducing mechanical issues caused by thermal expansion and maintaining interchangeability with existing floating brake discs, while using the same number of connecting elements and equipment, thus addressing the deformation and misalignment issues effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first elements (4) for connecting the brake strip (2) with the supporting element (3), which can be elastically deformed in such a way as to allow a relative movement of the brake strip (2) with respect to the supporting element (3)
Implementation Method 2
the brake strip of a brake disc is subjected to a high level of heating during braking and is particularly sensitive to thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a brake disc, rotating about its own axis of rotation, including a brake strip, an element for supporting the brake strip and a plurality of first elements for connecting the brake strip with the supporting element which can be elastically deformed in such a way as to allow a relative movement of the brake strip with respect to the supporting element. The supporting element includes at least a first component and a second component connected to the brake strip by means of the first connecting elements. A plurality of second connecting elements of the first component and of the second component are elastically deformable in such a way as to allow a relative movement between the first component and the second component.