Sliding Caliper Brake Release with Single Reset Pad Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric park brake systems require complex spindle and spindle nut geometries with specialized machining, leading to manual adjustments and multiple servicing steps, and fail to ensure a complete and even reset release operation for both inboard and outboard brake pads.
Innovation Solution
A brake system with a sliding caliper and fixed caliper body, featuring stops and engagement features that allow the spindle nut to contact the fixed caliper body, driving the sliding caliper in opposing directions to achieve a single reset operation, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and specialized machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radial stoppers are used to prevent wedge locking effect, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized machining requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radial stopper features from the spindle and spindle nut and replaces them with a dedicated detent mechanism comprising a detent pin and detent slot. This separation allows the main threading components to have simpler geometry while the detent mechanism provides the necessary stopping function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent pin acts as an intermediary element between the spindle and spindle nut, providing the stopping function without requiring complex radial stopper geometries on the threaded components themselves. The detent slot in the fixed caliper body serves as the receiving structure for this intermediary mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If radial stoppers are machine-fabricated with specialized fixtures, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex radial stopper features from the difficult-to-machine spindle and spindle nut components and relocates the stopping function to the fixed caliper body where the detent slot can be more easily fabricated. This extraction eliminates the need for specialized fixtures for aligning radial stoppers on rotating components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of machining complex radial stopper geometries, the patent uses a simpler detent pin that copies the essential stopping function. The detent pin can be manufactured as a separate, simple component that engages with the detent slot, avoiding the need for complex machining operations on the spindle and spindle nut.
3Reliability
If spindle nut is driven to reset inboard brake pad, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to loss of time for manual adjustment of sliding caliper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reset functions for both inboard and outboard brake pads into a single automated operation. The detent mechanism ensures that when the spindle nut is driven to the detent slot, both brake pads are simultaneously positioned at the correct clearance, eliminating the need for separate manual adjustment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism provides self-service by automatically establishing the correct reset position for both brake pads. When the spindle nut engages the detent slot, the system self-regulates to provide the proper clearance for both inboard and outboard brake pads without requiring technician intervention for manual adjustment.
4Reliability
If conventional reset operation is performed, then reliability is improved by capturing relative motion, but device complexity increases requiring manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the manual adjustment requirement from the reset operation by implementing an automated detent mechanism. The detent pin and detent slot automatically capture the spindle nut at the correct position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of the sliding caliper body while maintaining reliable clearance establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated detent mechanism. Instead of requiring technicians to manually position and secure the sliding caliper body, the detent pin automatically engages the detent slot to establish the correct clearance, substituting manual mechanical operation with an automated mechanical system.
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
Facilitates a robust and reliable single reset operation that reduces servicing complexity, ensures complete release of braking force, and provides even clearance for both brake pads, enhancing the efficiency of brake servicing.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the threaded engagement between the spindle and spindle nut, the spindle radial stopper angularly translates while the spindle nut radial stopper approaches the spindle nut radial stopper by axial translation.
Implementation Method 2
torque applied by the spindle and frictional forces between the spindle nut and the spindle or caliper structure can cause the spindle nut to lock in place against the spindle or caliper structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake system and a method of performing a release operation with the brake system. The brake system comprises a sliding caliper body and a fixed caliper body. The fixed caliper body has a stop formed therein and accommodates a spindle nut that mates with the stop in a release operation. The brake system comprises a spindle that drives the spindle nut in a second direction during the release operation. Continued translation of the spindle after mating of the spindle nut with the stop drives the sliding caliper body in a first direction opposing the second direction.