Opposed-Piston Brake Assembly With Single-Actuator Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake assemblies often require complex mechanisms and multiple actuators to apply and release braking force on both sides of a brake rotor, leading to increased size and complexity, while also potentially reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An opposed piston brake assembly with an actuator generating torque, an inboard-side piston mechanism, and an outboard-side piston mechanism, connected through a shaft and drive mechanisms involving gears and belts, allowing for coordinated operation of brake pads on both sides of the rotor with a single actuator, enhancing efficiency and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional brake assemblies use multiple actuators to apply braking force on both sides of the rotor, then the braking force is sufficient, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuators into a single actuator that operates both inboard and outboard piston mechanisms. The single actuator includes a motor assembly that generates rotational force, which is then distributed through a shaft and drive mechanisms to both pistons, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient braking force.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator serves multiple functions by simultaneously controlling both the inboard and outboard piston mechanisms. The actuator's output shaft connects to both drive mechanisms, allowing one component to perform the work that previously required two separate actuators, thus reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional brake assemblies use multiple actuators, then each side can be controlled independently, but the overall size of the brake assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate actuator assemblies into one integrated actuator unit. The single actuator contains a motor assembly with a shaft that extends to drive both inboard and outboard piston mechanisms, significantly reducing the volume occupied by actuator components while maintaining the ability to control both sides of the brake rotor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the piston mechanisms and drive mechanisms in a compact, space-efficient configuration. The shaft extends from the motor assembly to reach both inboard and outboard sides, utilizing the available space within the brake caliper housing to accommodate the drive mechanisms without increasing overall assembly volume.
3Reliability
If conventional brake assemblies use complex mechanisms with multiple actuators, then braking force application is reliable, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuators into a single actuator unit that controls both inboard and outboard piston mechanisms. This integration reduces the number of moving parts and potential failure points while maintaining reliable brake operation, thereby improving operational efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator continuously drives both piston mechanisms through the shaft and drive mechanisms, ensuring coordinated and simultaneous operation of both inboard and outboard brake pads. This continuous, coordinated action improves operational efficiency by eliminating the need for separate actuator cycles while maintaining reliable braking performance.
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 design enables efficient application and release of braking force on both sides of the rotor with a single actuator, reducing the overall size and complexity of the brake assembly while increasing operational efficiency and providing greater braking force in a smaller package.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to generate torque
Implementation Method 2
an inboard-side drive mechanism operably connected with the actuator and configured to be driven by the torque generated by the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A brake assembly comprises: an actuator configured to generate a torque; inboard-side and outboard-side piston mechanisms disposed to be opposed to each other to perform a brake operation; an inboard-side drive mechanism configured to transfer the torque generated by the actuator to the inboard-side piston mechanism and a shaft extending from an inboard side to an outboard side of the brake assembly; an outboard-side drive mechanism configured to transfer the torque delivered from the inboard side of the brake assembly through the shaft to the outboard-side piston mechanism; and the shaft extending from the inboard side to the outboard side of the brake assembly to transfer the torque of the inboard-side drive mechanism to the outboard-side drive mechanism, such that the torque generated from the actuator and transferred to the inboard-side drive mechanism is transferable to the outboard-side drive mechanism through the shaft to drive the outboard-side piston mechanism.