Gyroscopic Brake Device Using Precession to Eliminate Thermal Fade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional braking systems generate excessive thermal energy, leading to brake fade, pollution, and increased vehicle weight and cost due to cooling systems, and are limited in continuous braking power.
Innovation Solution
A gyroscopic braking device that rotates about multiple axes, utilizing alpha and beta angles to generate continuous braking torque without converting kinetic energy into thermal energy, featuring a body that rotates about the first axis, second axis, and third axis, with independent rotation capabilities, and a rotary connection mechanism to transmit torque and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional friction-based braking systems are used, then braking force is obtained, but excessive thermal energy is generated causing brake fade and requiring heavy cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional friction-based mechanical braking system with a gyroscopic braking system that uses rotational mechanics and precession. The braking torque is generated through the gyroscopic effect where a spinning body (rotor) mounted on gimbals creates a reaction torque when subjected to an applied torque, eliminating the need for friction-based energy dissipation and heavy cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy conversion from thermal (friction-based) to mechanical (gyroscopic). By utilizing the gyroscopic effect and precession, the system converts kinetic energy into a reactive torque through rotational motion parameters (spin rate, moment of inertia, precession angle) rather than converting it to heat through friction.
2Temperature
If cooling systems are added to remove thermal energy, then temperature control is improved, but vehicle weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cooling system entirely by removing the source of the problem - thermal energy generation through friction. The gyroscopic braking system does not generate excessive heat, making cooling systems unnecessary and thereby reducing vehicle weight and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful thermal energy that would require cooling into useful mechanical energy through the gyroscopic effect. The rotational kinetic energy of the rotor is utilized to generate braking torque through precession, turning what would be wasted heat into a beneficial mechanical braking mechanism.
3Temperature
If regenerative braking systems with flywheels are used, then thermal energy generation is reduced, but the flywheels are large and heavy affecting vehicle dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The gyroscopic rotor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the braking torque through precession, acts as an energy storage element through its rotational kinetic energy, and eliminates the need for separate cooling or energy recovery systems. This multi-functionality achieves regenerative braking benefits without the weight penalty of large dedicated flywheels.
4Power
If brake pads are pressed against rotating discs, then braking force is obtained, but brake pads wear out requiring regular replacement and causing pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical contact system (brake pads pressing against discs) with a non-contact gyroscopic system. The braking force is generated through the gyroscopic reaction torque of a spinning rotor, eliminating wear and tear on brake components and preventing dust particle pollution from degraded brake pads.
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 device provides continuous, constant braking torque with reduced vibration, environmental impact, and lower maintenance costs, as it does not dissipate heat during the braking process, maintaining performance without the need for extensive cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
the third axis being the precession axis about which the precession of the body occurs as a result of rotating the body about the first axis and applying torque to the body about the second axis
Implementation Method 2
the body rotates about the first axis, the second axis and the third axis simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A braking device comprising a body mounted for rotation about a first axis; means for rotating the body about the first axis; comprises a second axis, a third axis and a fourth axis, the braking device being configured as to enable the body to further rotate about the second axis and the third axis, the first axis being oriented with respect to the second axis at an alpha angle (α) which is greater than 0 degrees, the second axis being oriented with respect to the fourth axis at a beta angle (β) which is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, the third axis being the precession axis about which the precession of the body occurs as a result of rotating the body about the first axis and applying torque to the body about the second axis.