Floating Caliper Parking Brake Kit for Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
High performance sports automobiles often require upgraded braking systems, but existing solutions lack a convenient and secure mounting method for a separate parking brake system, leading to bulkiness, inferior braking power, and the need for modifications to the wheel assembly or suspension components.
Innovation Solution
A parking brake kit that uses a spot-type floating caliper disc brake system, mounting onto pre-existing automotive wheel structures with a frame and bolt system, allowing for easy installation and separate brake pads for enhanced braking performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drum brake system is used for the parking brake, then the parking brake function can be achieved, but the braking power is inferior and the assembly is bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The parking brake system is segmented from the main brake system, using a separate caliper assembly that mounts independently to the wheel housing. This allows the parking brake to have its own dedicated disc brake mechanism rather than sharing components with the main brake, enabling high performance while maintaining a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional drum brake mechanical system with a disc brake system. The parking brake uses a caliper with brake pads that clamp onto a disc, substituting the drum and shoe mechanism with a more efficient disc brake mechanism that provides superior braking power in a lighter, more compact package.
2Reliability
If a separate parking brake assembly is mounted, then the parking brake function is achieved, but the installation requires modifying original equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The caliper assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the main brake caliper and the parking brake caliper. By integrating both functions into a single universal assembly that mounts to existing wheel housing provisions, the system eliminates the need for separate parking brake mechanisms and reduces installation complexity while maintaining reliable parking brake functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mounting mechanism that interfaces between the new caliper assembly and the existing wheel housing. This intermediary mounting system allows the caliper to be installed without modifying the original equipment, using adapter plates or mounting brackets that bridge the gap between the new and existing components.
3Power
If the main brake is used for parking brake function, then the braking power is sufficient, but there is no room for an additional parking brake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the main brake and parking brake functions into a single integrated caliper assembly. The same caliper housing contains both the main brake pads and the parking brake pads, which clamp onto the disc from opposite sides. This merging of functions into one compact assembly provides sufficient braking power for both main braking and parking brake functions while eliminating the need for separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension of the brake disc by positioning brake pads on both the inner and outer radii of the disc. The main brake pads engage from one side while the parking brake pads engage from the opposite side, effectively using the disc's radial space to accommodate both braking functions without requiring additional axial or lateral space.
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
Provides a high-performance secondary braking system that is easily mountable, improves braking power, and maintains the structural integrity of the wheel assembly without requiring extensive modifications, ensuring safer operation and emergency braking capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first brake pad of the first set of brake pads and a second brake pad of the second set of brake pads positioned to contact opposite sides of the brake disc
Data Source
AI summary
A disk brake kit including a pair of brake pads disposed on opposite sides of a brake disc and carried from calipers suspended from a kit frame indexed to predetermined land marks on the wheel housing.