Segmented Railway Brake Disc Pivot Joint Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake disc systems face issues with thermal expansion leading to misalignment, wear, and noise due to inadequate heat distribution and alignment of segments, causing damage and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A segmented brake disc design with arcuate segments connected by joining elements and a pivot joint system that restricts radial and circumferential movement, ensuring proper alignment and even heat dissipation through radial fins and transverse holes, preventing segment misalignment and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If brake disc segments are allowed to move freely to accommodate thermal expansion, then heat dissipation is improved, but segment misalignment and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot joint enables dynamic adjustment of segment position to accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining proper alignment with the brake shoe, resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation needs and alignment stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows controlled parameter changes in segment position through the pivot joint mechanism, enabling thermal expansion while constraining movement within acceptable alignment tolerances
2Reliability
If segments are rigidly fixed to prevent misalignment, then alignment stability is improved, but thermal expansion capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot joint transforms the rigid connection into a dynamic joint that adapts to thermal conditions, allowing expansion while maintaining alignment through controlled movement
3Temperature
If cooling air flow is increased to dissipate heat, then heat dissipation is improved, but temperature gradients and thermal stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the brake disc into multiple segments with gaps between them creates distributed heat dissipation paths, reducing temperature gradients by allowing localized expansion and improving uniform heat distribution across the disc
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 reduces damage from thermal expansion, operates more quietly, and maintains performance by ensuring proper alignment and heat distribution, reducing wear and noise issues.
Implementation Method 1
a groove on the inner side of the segment configured to receive a coupling member to form a pivot joint for positioning the segment on the surface of the wheel
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of joining elements for connecting the segments to adjacent segments
Data Source
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AI summary
A brake disc for providing a braking surface on a rotating body, such as a railway wheel is provided. The brake disc includes a plurality of arcuate segments (126) arranged to form a ring and a plurality of joining elements (38) for connecting the segments to adjacent segments. Each segment includes: an inner side configured to contact a surface of a wheel; an outer side having a braking surface for contacting a braking mechanism; at least one socket (140) on each radial end (142) of the segment (126) for receiving one of the plurality of joining elements (38); and a groove on the inner side of the segment configured to receive a coupling member to form a pivot joint (58) for positioning the segment (126) on the surface of the wheel.