Wheel Brake Pad Retraction Locking for Low Drag Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel brake arrangements in heavy-duty vehicles face challenges in ensuring proper disengagement of brake pads from the brake disc after a braking event, leading to drag losses and reduced operational lifetime of brake components.
Innovation Solution
A wheel brake arrangement featuring axially movable brake pad modules, a spring arrangement with coil springs, and a locking mechanism with a serrated surface and locking cam to ensure proper disengagement and maintain a predetermined distance between brake pads and the brake disc, even after wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If brake pads are kept in constant contact with the brake disc to ensure rapid braking response, then braking speed and responsiveness are improved, but drag losses increase and operational lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pad mounting arrangement allows the brake pads to move axially between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the brake disc. This dynamic positioning enables the system to switch between constant contact (for rapid braking response) and separated (for reduced drag losses), resolving the contradiction between braking speed and energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the axial distance parameter between the brake pads and brake disc based on operational requirements. When braking is needed, the distance is reduced to near-zero for rapid engagement. During normal operation, the distance is increased to eliminate drag losses, thus optimizing both response time and energy efficiency
2Loss of energy
If brake pads are allowed to disengage completely from the brake disc to reduce drag losses, then fuel consumption decreases, but braking response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic axial movement capability allows the brake pads to be positioned in a disengaged state during normal operation to minimize drag losses and fuel consumption, while maintaining the ability to rapidly engage when braking is required, thus balancing energy efficiency with response time
3Device complexity
If a simple spring arrangement is used to move brake pads, then device complexity is reduced, but inability to maintain predetermined distance after wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement provides a mechanical feedback mechanism that automatically engages when the brake pads wear and move axially. The cam groove geometry ensures that when the axial movement reaches a predetermined position, the locking members engage to maintain the correct distance, providing self-regulating positioning accuracy without complex electronic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The cam groove acts as an intermediary element between the simple spring arrangement and the brake pad positioning. It translates the axial movement caused by wear into a controlled engagement of the locking mechanism, maintaining positioning accuracy while keeping the overall system mechanically simple
4Duration of action of stationary object
If locking arrangement is added to maintain predetermined distance, then operational lifetime is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement is designed to engage automatically when the brake pads wear and reach a predetermined position. The mechanical elements work together through their own inherent geometry without requiring external control systems, providing self-service functionality that extends component lifetime while adding minimal complexity
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, increases the operational lifetime of brake components, and ensures rapid and secure brake engagement, regardless of brake pad wear.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arrangement comprising at least one coil spring
Implementation Method 2
The brake disc will thus slip against the brake pads until the wheel has stopped its motion. This creates frictional heat in the brake disc
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel brake arrangement comprising a first brake pad module comprising a first brake pad, and a second brake pad module comprising a second brake pad, a spring arrangement comprising at least one coil spring, a first rod comprising a first end portion attached to a first end of the at least one coil spring and a second end portion operatively connected to the first brake pad module, and a locking arrangement attached to a stationary portion of the wheel brake arrangement, the locking arrangement comprising a first locking member slidable along a surface of the first rod upon moving the first and second brake pads toward each other, and a stop element configured to lock the first locking element to the surface of the first rod upon moving the first brake pad a predetermined distance away from the second brake pad.