Mechanical Brake Linkage for Parallel Pad Disc Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional braking systems for aircraft rotors face reliability issues due to hydraulic and electromechanical complexities, and mechanical brakes require significant reduction in applied force.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical braking system utilizing a link member and resilient member configuration that maintains the brake pad parallel to the disc during travel, with a rotating lever and spring-urged pressing member to apply braking force efficiently without significant force reduction, and a control system for monitoring and adjusting the braking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a hydraulic actuator is used to move the brake pad, then the braking system can be compact and controllable, but the reliability deteriorates due to poor hydraulic system reliability and gasket degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic actuator system with a purely mechanical linkage system consisting of a lever and link member. The mechanical linkage directly transmits force from the actuating member to the brake pad without requiring hydraulic fluid, seals, or gaskets, thereby eliminating the reliability issues associated with hydraulic systems while maintaining compactness and controllability.
2Measurement precision
If an electromechanical braking system is used, then the control precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to problematic control electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromechanical control system with a mechanical linkage system that provides sufficient control precision through its geometric design. The lever and link member create a predictable mechanical advantage ratio that provides precise control without requiring electronic components, sensors, or control algorithms, thereby eliminating electronic reliability issues while maintaining adequate control precision.
3Reliability
If a simple mechanical brake is used, then the reliability is improved by eliminating complex systems, but the force application deteriorates requiring significant reduction in applied force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cam mechanism with a curved profile that converts rotational motion into linear motion while providing mechanical advantage. The cam's curved surface creates a varying leverage ratio during rotation, allowing the system to multiply the applied force effectively. This geometric approach provides force multiplication without requiring complex hydraulic or electronic systems, thereby maintaining both reliability and adequate force application.
4Device complexity
If the brake pad moves in a straight line, then the mechanism is simple, but the brake pad cannot maintain parallelism with the brake disc throughout the range of travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cam mechanism with a specifically designed curved profile that guides the brake pad along a curved path rather than a straight line. This curved path compensates for the rotational motion of the lever, ensuring that the brake pad remains parallel to the brake disc throughout its entire range of travel. The cam's geometry is designed to provide the exact motion compensation needed to maintain parallelism without requiring complex additional linkages.
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 system provides reliable and efficient braking with consistent force application, maintaining brake pad parallelism and accounting for wear, ensuring effective rotor braking without hydraulic or electronic complexities.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member may be a spring.
Implementation Method 2
The resilient member may be configured to urge the pressing member towards a brake disc throughout the entire range of travel of the lever.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an apparatus for applying a braking force to a brake disc (12;412) using a brake pad (22;422). The apparatus comprises a lever (50;450) configured to rotate about a first fulcrum (53;453), and a pressing member (30;430) attached to said lever (50;450) and for urging a brake pad (22;422) against a brake disc (12;412). A component (40;490) is arranged and configured to ensure that said pressing member (30;430) has a circular translational movement upon rotation of said lever (50;450), and a rotatable input member (140;540) is configured to rotate a first member (130;530). In use, rotation of said first member (130;530) causes movement of an actuating member (102;502) along an first axis (A), and said axial movement of said actuating member (102;502) causes said lever (50;540) to rotate about said first fulcrum (53;453) for applying a braking force to said brake disc (12;412).