Hybrid Brake Caliper Support Structure for Pad Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current brake systems either rely on opposed piston or sliding mechanisms for clamping force creation, lacking a unified solution that can efficiently switch between different braking operations, such as service and parking brakes, while also ensuring proper support for the moving body during force application and release.
Innovation Solution
A brake system that combines the structures and functions of both opposed piston and sliding brake systems, utilizing a support structure to facilitate the creation and release of clamping force, allowing for either simultaneous or sequential operation of both systems during different braking operations, and using the same brake pads for both service and parking brake applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate brake systems are used for service and parking brakes, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is designed so that the same brake pads and caliper structure can perform both service braking and parking braking functions. The caliper can operate in either opposed piston mode or sliding mode depending on the braking requirement, eliminating the need for separate brake systems for different braking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the opposed piston brake structure and sliding brake structure into a single integrated brake system. The caliper incorporates both opposed piston mechanisms and sliding mechanisms, allowing it to switch between different operational modes while using the same brake pads, thereby reducing overall system complexity and weight.
2Reliability
If separate brake pads are used for service and parking brakes, then reliability is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pads are designed to serve dual purposes: they can be used for service braking when the caliper operates in opposed piston mode, and for parking braking when the caliper operates in sliding mode. This eliminates the need for separate brake pads for different braking operations, reducing weight and material costs.
3Device complexity
If sliding brake system is used, then structure is simplified, but brake pad misalignment may occur during force application
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the sliding caliper and the brake rotor assembly. It provides guidance and support during the sliding movement, ensuring that the brake pads remain properly aligned with the rotor even as the caliper moves. This mediator structure prevents misalignment issues while maintaining the simplicity of the sliding brake design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed to provide preemptive support and guidance before misalignment can occur. By incorporating this support structure in advance, the system prevents brake pad misalignment during the sliding movement rather than attempting to correct it after the fact.
4Force
If opposed piston brake system is used, then clamping force is evenly distributed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the opposed piston brake structure and sliding brake structure into a single integrated system. The caliper incorporates both opposed piston mechanisms and sliding mechanisms, allowing it to switch between different operational modes while using the same brake pads, thereby reducing overall system complexity and weight.
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 hybrid brake system reduces weight, cost, assembly time, and size by eliminating the need for separate brake pads, while minimizing the risk of brake pad misalignment during force application, and allows for flexible operation between service and parking brake modes.
Implementation Method 1
The support structure provides a sliding contact between the sliding brake system and the fixed brake system during movement of the sliding brake system relative to the fixed brake while generating or releasing the second clamping force
Data Source
AI summary
A brake system that includes a fixed brake system, a sliding brake system, and a support structure. The fixed brake system has an inboard side and an outboard side and being operable to move an inboard brake pad and/or an outboard brake pad against a brake rotor to generate a first clamping force. The sliding brake system being operable to move relative to the fixed brake system and to move the inboard brake pad and/or the outboard brake pad against the brake rotor to generate a second clamping force. The support structure providing a sliding contact between the sliding brake system and the fixed brake system during movement of the sliding brake system relative to the fixed brake while generating or releasing the second clamping force. The support structure is located in a region of the outboard side of the fixed brake system.