Caliper Actuated Sphere Brake Rotor Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems, such as disk and drum brakes, are larger and require more maintenance compared to sphere brake systems, which have limitations in applying effective braking pressure to drive shafts and axles efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A braking system comprising a brake sphere rotor mounted to the wheel hub with a caliper arm assembly that includes hemispherical friction material, actuated by mechanical, pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic power, and supported by a camshaft tube and bracket assembly, allowing for easy replacement of friction material and adaptation to various vehicle systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional disk and drum brake systems are used, then braking performance can be achieved, but the system size is larger and maintenance requirements are higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spherical brake elements instead of traditional flat brake pads or drums. The sphere brake system utilizes a rotating sphere that contacts friction material at multiple points, creating a curved surface interaction that improves braking efficiency while reducing overall system volume. This spherical geometry allows for more compact positioning and better force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system is divided into modular components including the sphere brake element, caliper arm assembly, and friction material segments. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance and replacement of individual components without replacing the entire brake system, addressing the maintenance requirement issue.
2Reliability
If traditional disk and drum brake systems are used, then braking performance can be achieved, but maintenance requirements are higher
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is divided into modular components including the sphere brake element, caliper arm assembly, and friction material segments. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance and replacement of individual components without replacing the entire brake system, addressing the maintenance requirement issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction material is designed as a separate, extractable component that can be removed and replaced independently from the caliper arm and sphere brake elements. This extraction capability significantly simplifies maintenance procedures, allowing quick replacement of wear components without disassembling the entire brake assembly.
3Volume of moving object
If sphere brake systems are used, then system size is reduced, but applying effective braking pressure to drive shafts and axles efficiently is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems to replace purely mechanical force application. This substitution allows for more efficient and controllable application of braking pressure to the sphere brake elements, overcoming the limitation of mechanical force transmission while maintaining compact system dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The caliper arm assembly is actuated by pneumatic or hydraulic power to apply force to the friction material against the sphere brake. This use of fluid power provides more effective and controllable braking pressure application compared to mechanical linkages, enabling the compact sphere brake system to achieve sufficient braking force on drive shafts and axles.
4Device complexity
If caliper arm assembly is actuated by mechanical power, then system complexity is reduced, but braking control and force application efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The caliper arm assembly is actuated by pneumatic or hydraulic power to apply force to the friction material against the sphere brake. This use of fluid power provides more effective and controllable braking pressure application compared to mechanical linkages, enabling the compact sphere brake system to achieve sufficient braking force on drive shafts and axles.
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 system provides improved braking performance with reduced maintenance, enabling efficient slowing of drive shafts and axles while being adaptable for retrofitting to existing wheel systems, enhancing braking efficiency and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
Each caliper arm further comprises hemispherical friction material located between the caliper arm and the brake sphere rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A braking system is presented that comprises a brake sphere rotor that is mounted to the wheel hub of an axle. The braking system incorporates a caliper arm assembly that comprises at least one caliper arm. Each caliper arm further comprises hemispherical friction material located between the caliper arm and the brake sphere rotor.