Pad Clip Assembly With Return Spring Holding for Floating Disc Brakes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional floating type disc brake designs require separate pad clips on both axial sides, which complicates manufacturing and increases costs due to varying rotor thickness dimensions, and lack a mechanism to hold return springs effectively without impairing function.

Innovation Solution

A pad clip design featuring a clamping portion, radial pressing portion, circumferential pressing portion, and spring holding portion, allowing for separate pad clips on both axial sides while effectively holding return springs, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If separate pad clips are designed for different rotor thickness dimensions, then the pad clip fits specific rotor thicknesses, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepad clip fit for specific rotor thicknessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pad clip is designed with a single, standardized structure that can be universally applied across different rotor thickness dimensions. This eliminates the need to design and manufacture separate pad clips for each rotor thickness specification, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining proper fit and function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pad clip structure is divided into functional segments (clamping portion, pressing portions, holding portion) that can independently adapt to different rotor thicknesses. This segmentation allows the same basic design to accommodate varying dimensions without requiring complete redesign for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If separate pad clips are used on both axial sides, then the pads slide smoothly on the support, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepad sliding smoothnessVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pad clip integrates multiple functions into a single component: the clamping portion secures the pad to the support, the pressing portions maintain contact pressure, and the holding portion secures the return spring. This merging of functions into one standardized component simplifies the overall structure while ensuring smooth pad sliding operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a conventional pad clip design is used, then the pad is secured to the support, but the return spring cannot be held effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepad securing reliabilityVSAvoidreturn spring holding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pad clip is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs pad securing and return spring holding. The holding portion is specifically configured to engage and retain the return spring, eliminating the need for separate spring retention mechanisms and simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the use of common pad clip designs across different rotor thicknesses, reduces manufacturing costs, and maintains the functionality of holding return springs without interfering with the sliding mechanism of the pads.

Implementation Method 1

a return spring which is pressed by the pad clip and holds the return spring, and applies an elastic force to the pad in a direction away from the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a circumferential pressing portion which is configured to press the pad inward in a circumferential direction at a radially inner side than the clamping portion, thereby reducing friction between a pad and a pad guide portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3505787B1Pad clip, assembly of pad clip and return spring, and floating type disc brake
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 AKEBONO BRAKE IND CO LTD
  • EP3505787B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3505787B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3505787B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to realize a structure capable of holding a return spring without impairing the function of pad clips on the premise that the pad clips which are separated from each other are used on an axially inner side and an axially outer side of a rotor. A tongue piece-shaped spring holding portion 34 is provided to extend circumferentially outward from an outer side plate portion 36 configuring a clamping portion 30, and a circumferentially outer side portion of the spring holding portion 34 protrudes circumferentially outward than a base portion of a pair of pressing arms 44 configuring a circumferential pressing portion 33. Further, a coil portion 55 configuring the return spring 24a is placed on an upper surface of the circumferentially outer side portion of the spring holding portion 34, and thus the return spring 24a is held on the circumferentially outer side of the pad clip 23a except a part thereof.