Self-Adjusting Load Brake Assembly for Friction Disc Thinning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rescue hoists face challenges in maintaining effective load control and braking mechanisms, particularly under varying loads, due to the wear and thinning of friction discs, which can lead to instability and inefficiency in cable operation.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting automatic load brake mechanism is introduced, featuring a system with a first and second shaft, reaction plates, friction discs, and a ball ramp assembly that accommodates thinning wear surfaces by sliding disposition within an annular hollow portion, ensuring consistent braking performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction discs are used in the load brake mechanism, then braking performance is improved, but the friction discs thin due to wear over time, leading to instability and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the brake disc pack adjustable in thickness. The brake disc pack includes a first set of friction discs and a second set of friction discs that can be selectively positioned between reaction plates. This allows the thickness of the brake disc pack to be dynamically adjusted as friction discs wear, maintaining consistent braking performance throughout the service life of the brake mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by changing the thickness parameter of the brake disc pack. The adjustable thickness is achieved through the selective positioning of friction discs using a ball ramp assembly and spring mechanism. This parameter change compensates for wear-induced thinning, ensuring reliable braking performance over extended operational periods.
2Device complexity
If the brake disc pack thickness is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate wear and thinning of friction discs, leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static brake disc pack into a dynamic, adjustable structure. The ball ramp assembly with movable balls and spring mechanisms enables the brake disc pack to adapt its thickness automatically or manually, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-adjusting mechanism where the spring-loaded ball ramp assembly automatically compensates for friction disc wear. As friction discs thin, the spring mechanism allows the brake disc pack to maintain its effective thickness without requiring external intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing operational complexity.
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 provides stable and efficient load control and braking, maintaining effective operation even as wear surfaces thin, preventing adverse effects on the hoist's performance and ensuring reliable cable management.
Implementation Method 1
the first shaft is coupled to a ball ramp assembly configured to translate the first shaft in the axial direction in response to thinning of the first wear surface and the second wear surface
Implementation Method 2
a first pressure plate is operably coupled to a first bias element configured to apply an axial load to the first reaction plate, the second reaction plate and the plurality of friction discs via the first pressure plate
Data Source
AI summary
A self-adjusting automatic load brake for a hoist is disclosed. In various embodiments, the load brake includes a first shaft defining an annular hollow portion; a second shaft defining an engagement portion, the engagement portion configured for sliding disposition within the annular hollow portion; a first reaction plate coupled to the first shaft; a second reaction plate coupled to the second shaft; and a plurality of friction discs, with at least one of the plurality of friction discs coupled to a cup and disposed between the first reaction plate and the second reaction plate, the annular hollow portion of the first shaft and the engagement portion of the second shaft being sized and configured to accommodate thinning of the plurality of friction discs.