Multi-Disc Brake Housing Layout for Compact Emergency Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-disc brakes with emergency release devices require significant installation space due to axial or radial accessibility needs, making them bulky and difficult to integrate into existing brake systems.

Innovation Solution

A recess is formed in the brake housing at an angle to accommodate an adjustable bolt that interacts with the piston, allowing for emergency release without increasing the brake's size, using a threaded bolt and pressure piece design that seals and protects against contamination and unwanted activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the emergency release device is made accessible axially or radially, then the emergency release function is operable, but the installation space requirement increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency release accessibilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The recess is formed at an angle of 30° relative to the axial direction, creating an inclined access path from the radial outer surface to the cylinder chamber. This angular orientation allows the emergency release device to be accessed from the radial direction while maintaining a compact footprint, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space within the brake housing without requiring additional radial or axial envelope dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The emergency release device is nested within the existing brake housing structure. The recess is formed as an internal cavity within the brake housing, and the adjusting bolt is received within this recess. This nesting approach allows the emergency release functionality to be integrated into the existing brake assembly without requiring separate housing or additional installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the adjusting bolt is positioned to protrude beyond the radially outer surface for accessibility, then the emergency release device is easily accessible, but the risk of unintentional activation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency release accessibilityVSAvoidprotection against unintentional activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The recess is formed with specific geometric characteristics: it extends at a 30° angle and has a controlled depth that allows the adjusting bolt to be partially recessed. The radially outer surface of the brake housing is maintained as a smooth, continuous surface except for the precisely defined recess area. This localized geometric design provides just enough access for tool engagement while maintaining a protected appearance that reduces the risk of accidental activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A locking element is introduced as an intermediary component that can close the end of the recess. This locking element acts as a protective cover that can be removed when emergency release is needed but remains in place during normal operation to prevent unintentional activation. The locking element mediates between the need for protection and the need for accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a simple threaded hole and bolt design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but protection against contamination and unintentional activation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency release mechanismVSAvoidcontamination and unintentional activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The recess is pre-formed in the brake housing with its specific 30° angular geometry and depth characteristics before the adjusting bolt is installed. This preliminary structuring of the housing provides inherent protection against contamination and unintentional activation while maintaining simple threaded hole and bolt components. The pre-configured geometry serves as the first line of defense without requiring additional complex protective mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element serves as an intermediary protective component that can close the recess opening. When engaged, it provides a barrier against contamination entering the recess and prevents unintentional activation of the adjusting bolt. The locking element can be easily removed when emergency release is needed, maintaining the simplicity of the underlying threaded hole and bolt design while adding protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration allows for a compact, safe, and easily accessible emergency release mechanism within the existing brake housing, preventing unwanted activation and maintaining the brake's structural integrity while ensuring the brake can be released in emergency situations without additional space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

comprising a spring by which the multi-plate assembly can be compressed to close the multi-plate brake

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

comprising a piston located against the spring and slidably arranged in a cylinder chamber, which can be subjected to pressure to release the multi-plate brake against the force of the spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

In a simple design, the recess can be a threaded hole and the adjusting bolt a threaded bolt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4194713B1Multiple disc brake for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP4194713B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4194713B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-disc brake for a motor vehicle, comprising a disc assembly 4 with at least one brake disc 5, 5' arranged in a disc chamber 2 of a brake housing 1 on an axle beam 3. The brake assembly includes a spring by which the disc assembly 4 can be compressed to close the brake assembly, and a piston 10, which rests against the spring and is slidably arranged in a cylinder chamber 9. The piston 10 can be pressurized against the force of the spring to release the brake assembly, and the disc assembly 4 can be compressed directly or indirectly by the spring via the piston 10. The brake assembly also includes a mechanical emergency release device 14 by which the piston 10 can be pressurized against the force of the spring to release the brake assembly.A recess is formed in the brake housing 1, which extends from the radially outer surface 16 of the brake housing 1 to the cylinder chamber 9 at an angle of <90° to the axle body 3 and opens into the cylinder chamber 9 at the end wall 19 of the cylinder chamber 9 which is closer to the lamellar pack 4, wherein an adjusting bolt is arranged in the recess, the end of which is adjustable in the recess between a position in the cylinder chamber 9 and a position not in the cylinder chamber 9 with its end facing the cylinder chamber.