Wheel Brake Pad Return Mechanism for Lower Drag Losses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake disc arrangements in vehicles, such as those described in US 2016/0160945, suffer from brake pads not being sufficiently removed from the brake disc after a braking event, leading to drag losses, increased fuel consumption, and wear, due to insufficient radial movement prevention of the brake pads.
Innovation Solution
A wheel brake arrangement featuring a resilient member connected to a retainer bar and brake pad, which is tensioned to urge the brake pad away from the brake disc upon release, and a pad holding spring on the opposite side to prevent twisting, reducing drag losses and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a pad holding spring is used to prevent radial movement of the brake pad, then the brake pad stability is improved, but the brake pad is not sufficiently removed from the brake disc after braking, causing drag losses and increased fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pad retention function is divided into two independent components: a pad holding bracket that prevents radial movement and twisting, and a resilient member that provides axial urging force. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, improving overall performance without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
A retainer bar is introduced as an intermediary component connecting the resilient member to the brake pad arrangement. The retainer bar transmits the urging force from the resilient member to the brake pad while being disconnectable from the caliper, enabling independent optimization of the retention mechanism
2Force
If the brake pad is held firmly against the brake disc during braking, then braking capability is improved, but the brake pad remains in contact with the brake disc after braking, increasing wear and fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is pre-loaded to store elastic energy during braking, which is then released as an urging force to quickly separate the brake pad from the brake disc after braking. This preliminary energy storage prevents the harmful prolonged contact effect before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The brake pad retention system transitions from a static spring-based mechanism to a dynamic resilient member system that can rapidly change its force characteristics. The resilient member dynamically adjusts between high force during braking and active urging for separation after braking, optimizing contact duration
3Stability of the object's composition
If the retainer bar is permanently connected to the caliper, then structural stability is improved, but maintenance and replacement of components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The caliper assembly is segmented into permanently fixed components (caliper body, brake disc) and disconnectably connected components (retainer bar, resilient member). This allows the retainer bar to be easily removed and replaced for maintenance while maintaining structural integrity during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the retainer bar and caliper transitions from static to dynamic, allowing the retainer bar to be disconnectable when needed for maintenance. This dynamic connectivity enables easy repair while maintaining operational stability, adapting the system's structural characteristics based on operational mode
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 effectively reduces drag losses and wear by ensuring quick return of the brake pads to their non-activated position, thereby minimizing inertia and noise, and enhancing the operational life of brake components.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member connected to the brake pad arrangement and to the retainer bar, the resilient member being tensioned when the brake pad is pressed against the brake disc for urging the brake pad arrangement in a direction axially away from the brake disc when releasing the brake pad from the brake disc
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel brake arrangement for a wheel of a vehicle, the wheel brake arrangement comprising a retainer bar and a resilient member connected between the retainer bar and a brake pad arrangement of the wheel brake arrangement.