Wet-running Multi-disc Brake with Bidirectional Self-energizing Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wet-running multi-disc brakes used in road vehicles face challenges with complex actuation systems and reduced braking efficiency when reversing, due to mechanical ramp actuation systems that do not meet modern commercial vehicle braking requirements.

Innovation Solution

A wet-running multi-disc brake design that allows mechanical actuation with self-reinforcement in both directions of rotation, eliminating the need for pneumatically actuated clamping devices and direction of rotation detection, featuring an axially adjustable actuation ring and a pressure ring with ramps aligned in opposite directions for independent actuation and self-boosting, enabling seamless braking in both forward and reverse directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical ramp actuation systems are used in wet-running multi-disc brakes, then the brake can be actuated mechanically, but the braking efficiency is reduced when reversing and the system becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical actuationVSAvoidbraking efficiency when reversing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brake system is divided into separate functional components: an actuating ring with ramps for mechanical actuation in one direction, and a pressure ring with additional ramps for bidirectional self-reinforcement. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific functions, enabling reliable braking in both forward and reverse directions while maintaining mechanical actuation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from unidirectional ramp actuation to bidirectional ramp actuation by adding ramps on both sides of the pressure ring. This dimensional expansion allows the self-reinforcement mechanism to function in both directions of rotation, eliminating the braking efficiency loss when reversing while keeping the mechanical actuation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two actuating cylinders or direction of rotation detection systems are added to achieve bidirectional braking, then braking in both directions is possible, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebidirectional braking capabilityVSAvoidactuation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure ring serves multiple functions: it transmits clamping force during braking, provides self-reinforcement through its ramps in both directions of rotation, and eliminates the need for separate actuating cylinders or direction detection systems. This multi-functionality achieves bidirectional braking capability while keeping the actuation system simple and robust.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp surfaces on the pressure ring automatically engage with rolling bodies to provide self-reinforcement in both directions of rotation without requiring external control systems. The system self-adjusts to the direction of rotation and provides appropriate braking force, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Force

If conventional brake actuation is used, then sufficient clamping force is achieved, but the actuation energy requirement is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidactuation energy
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp surfaces act as mechanical intermediaries that convert a small portion of the actuation force into a much larger self-reinforcement force. The rolling bodies facilitate this force multiplication by engaging with the ramps, allowing the actuator to generate high clamping forces with minimal input energy, achieving 30-50% energy reduction compared to conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This design reduces actuation energy requirements by 30-50% compared to conventional systems, simplifies installation, and maintains consistent braking performance without the need for additional components, enhancing usability and efficiency in road vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

The actuating ring (5) has a ramp (14) in the area assigned to the rolling body (8), which increases against the direction of rotation of the drive pinion (4) and thus of the actuating ring (5). When the application device is actuated, the actuating ring (5) is rotated via the drive pinion (4), the actuating ring (5) being displaced axially in the direction of the rotor disks (2) by the ramp increase in interaction with the rolling body (8) located in a spherical cap of the brake housing (15).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRamp mechanism: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

The pressure ring (6) is provided with a friction surface (10) which, when clamped, is pressed against an associated rotor disk (3) forming a brake disc by means of the actuating ring (5).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2409049B1Wet-running multi-disc brake
Publication Date: 2014.03.12 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP2409049B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2409049B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2409049B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a wet-running multi-disc brake, comprising stator discs (2) which are arranged in parallel to and at a distance from each other in a rotationally fixed manner, a rotatable rotor disc (3) being positioned in each base between said stator discs, wherein the radially extending stator discs (2) and rotor discs (3) can be pressed against one another during braking by means of a brake application device while overcoming a clearance. The wet-running multi-disc brake is designed in such a manner that the brake application device can be mechanically actuated and, via an actuating unit, engages a self-energizing device which comprises a pressure ring (9) that can be pressed towards the rotor discs during braking independently from the rotational direction of said rotor discs (3).