Wheel Brake Restoring Element Mounting for Accessible Reset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheel brake designs with integrated adjustment units face difficulties in user-friendly resetting of the adjustment element due to complex manufacturing and accessibility issues, especially in wheel brakes with a central adjustment device and double pressure plunger.

Innovation Solution

A wheel brake design where the restoring element is rotatably mounted on a component that moves with the adjustment unit, allowing for a structurally simple and independent resetting mechanism, with a pressure plate accommodating the reset element and utilizing a gear system for easy access and reduced force exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the restoring element is integrated into the adjustment device as a functional part, then the adjustment function is maintained, but the resetting element becomes difficult to access for mechanics

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of resetting elementVSAvoidIntegration of restoring element
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the adjustment device into two independent parts: the adjustment element (for continuous wear adjustment) and the restoring element (for resetting to initial position). This segmentation allows the restoring element to be independently accessible on the housing without interfering with the adjustment mechanism, solving the accessibility problem while maintaining functional simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the restoring element is arranged on the housing transversely to the adjustment element, then accessibility is improved, but the structure becomes complex with helical gearing and additional compression spring

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of restoring elementVSAvoidStructure of restoring mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the restoring element from the adjustment device and mounts it directly on the housing as a separate component. This eliminates the need for complex transmission mechanisms like helical gearing and compression springs, achieving both accessibility and structural simplicity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the adjustment element accessible from the outside (which would complicate the adjustment mechanism), the patent inverts the approach by making the restoring element accessible while keeping the adjustment element integrated with the moving components. This inversion solves the accessibility issue without compromising adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the restoring element is fixed in the housing, then structural stability is maintained, but the resetting mechanism becomes complex with overrunning clutch and pinion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePosition of restoring elementVSAvoidResetting mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex overrunning clutch and pinion mechanism by directly mounting the restoring element on the housing. The restoring element is simply rotated by a hexagon tool to turn back the adjustment element, eliminating unnecessary intermediate components while maintaining functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If the restoring element is coupled to the adjustment element, then resetting function is achieved, but the restoring element is subjected to frequent and high forces reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLong-term operation of restoring elementVSAvoidForce exposure on restoring element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the force transmission path by coupling the restoring element only to the adjustment element through a simple gear engagement, rather than integrating it with the high-force application device. This allows the restoring element to operate independently under minimal force conditions, significantly improving its reliability for long-term operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 simplifies the structure and manufacturing of the wheel brake, reduces the complexity of the resetting process, and allows for reliable long-term operation with reduced force exposure on the restoring element, enhancing user accessibility and mechanical simplicity.

Implementation Method 1

the adjusting element (10) has an external toothing (14) with which a toothing (17) of the restoring element (13) forms a gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP1820992B1Wheel brake and pressure plate for wheel brake
Publication Date: 2011.04.06 BPW BERGISCHE ACHSEN KG
  • EP1820992B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1820992B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1820992B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The wheel brake has a restoring element (13) supported in rotating manner at a pressure plate (8) that follows the tensioning movement. The wheel brake has a pressure piston (2) operating against a brake lining (4) and moving inside the brake housing. The restoring element is arranged in the brake housing (1), without adjustment function, for turning back an adjustment unit (11) in the case of a brake lining change. The adjustment unit with a gradual rotating adjusting element (10) is dependent on the brake wear, for the adjustment of the aeration play. An independent claim is also included for pressure plate for brakes having a pressure surface for an actuating device at a rear end, and a unit for an adjustment unit at a front end.