Spline Assembly for Even Braking Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems experience variations in braking torque and axial forces across stator discs, leading to uneven braking loads and increased wear on closer stator discs.
Innovation Solution
A brake assembly with a spline system that includes a central member and a load member, where the load member moves relative to the central member to reduce relative displacement between stator discs and the spline, thereby reducing frictional forces and ensuring a consistent transfer of axial force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the brake assembly compresses the disc stack with stator discs engaging the torque tube, then braking torque is generated, but variations in axial forces cause uneven braking loads and increased wear on closer stator discs
Solution Approach 1:
The spline is designed with a movable load member that can shift position along the spline axis. This dynamic configuration allows the load member to move in response to varying axial forces during brake compression, automatically balancing the torque distribution across multiple stator discs and preventing excessive load on any single disc
Solution Approach 2:
The spline configuration changes the distribution parameters of axial forces through its geometric design. The specific arrangement of the load member relative to the central member creates a torque arm that modulates force distribution, transforming the axial compression into a more uniform torque profile across the stator discs
2Device complexity
If the load member is fixed relative to the central member, then the structure is simpler, but relative displacement between stator discs and spline increases frictional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The load member is designed to move relative to the central member along the spline axis, creating a dynamic rather than static connection. This movement reduces the relative displacement between the stator discs and the spline during compression, thereby minimizing frictional energy losses while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The movable load member acts as an intermediary between the central member and the stator discs. It mediates the interaction by absorbing relative motion through its own displacement, reducing the friction that would otherwise occur between the stator discs and the fixed spline structure
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 spline system reduces variations in braking torque and axial forces, resulting in more even braking loads across stator discs, reduced wear, and lower temperature variations, which helps extend the lifespan of brake components.
Implementation Method 1
Movement of the load member relative to the central member may result in less relative displacement between the stator discs and the spline (e.g., a load member of the spline) during compression of the disc stack, potentially reducing frictional forces generated during stator disc translation
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a brake assembly includes a torque tube supporting at least one spline configured to receive a torque from one or more stator discs. The spline includes a central member configured to couple to the torque tube and a load member configured to receive the torque. The load member is configured to move relative to the central member from an unloaded position to a loaded position when the load member receives the torque. In examples, the spline includes a flex member biased to return the load member from the loaded position to the unloaded position.