Wrap Spring Assembly with Anti-Twist Support for Disc Brake Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disc brake adjustment devices face issues with premature fatigue fracture and uneven clearance due to excessive stress on wrap springs, leading to scattering of the switching angle and potential failure.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a U-shaped elevation in the wrap spring with a 90-degree continuation of the first wrap spring end, supported by a bead on the intermediate ring, and an anti-twist device with a threaded ring and grooved ring arrangement to reduce radial forces and transverse moments, enhancing rigidity and preventing deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a conventional wrap spring is used in the adjustment device, then the structure is simple, but the wrap spring is subjected to excessive stress leading to premature fatigue fracture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidwrap spring durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wrap spring is divided into multiple sections: a first wrap spring section and a second wrap spring section, which are arranged radially opposite to each other. This segmentation distributes the stress more evenly across the structure, preventing excessive stress concentration at any single point and thereby reducing the risk of premature fatigue fracture while maintaining the overall simplicity of the design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the wrap spring is positioned without radial support, then the device structure is simpler, but the switching angle scatters due to excessive stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning structure complexityVSAvoidswitching angle consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The wrap spring is pre-positioned in a rotationally fixed or rotationally inhibited manner relative to the adjusting spindle and/or nut part before operation begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the wrap spring starts in the correct orientation and maintains consistent switching angle throughout operation, preventing scattering of the switching angle while avoiding complex additional positioning structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the wrap spring rests circumferentially on the adjusting spindle, then the structure is simpler, but radial forces cause deformation and uneven clearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidclearance uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of supporting the wrap spring only in the circumferential direction, the invention introduces radial support by positioning the wrap spring radially opposite to the drive element and adjusting element. This dimensional change in support orientation counteracts radial forces more effectively, preventing deformation and ensuring even clearance between brake components.

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

4Device complexity

If no anti-twist device is used, then the device is simpler, but transverse moments cause play and increased clearance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-twist mechanism complexityVSAvoidclearance precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-twist device merges multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism. The first and second wrap spring sections are arranged to work together with the drive element and adjusting element, creating a combined structure that resists transverse moments. This merging approach prevents play and maintains clearance precision without adding excessive complexity to the overall device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 U-shaped elevation and anti-twist device configuration significantly reduce the load on the wrap spring, preventing fatigue fractures and maintaining accurate clearance between the brake disc and pads, ensuring consistent braking performance.

Implementation Method 1

the wrap spring being arranged around an outer piston and one end of the wrap spring being connected to a drive ring, as a result of which the wrap spring acts as a one-way/overrunning clutch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOverrunning clutch mechanism: Ratchet

Implementation Method 2

the grooved ring being coupled to a closure cap via a torsion spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 3

Incorporating a U-shaped elevation in the wrap spring with a 90-degree continuation of the first wrap spring end, supported by a bead on the intermediate ring, and an anti-twist device with a threaded ring and grooved ring arrangement to reduce radial forces and transverse moments

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric force distribution: Geometry

Implementation Method 4

an anti-twist device with a threaded ring and grooved ring arrangement to reduce radial forces and transverse moments, enhancing rigidity and preventing deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3685068B1Wrap spring and wrap spring assembly
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 ZF CV SYST EURO BV
  • EP3685068B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3685068B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3685068B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a wrap spring for blocking an unwanted rotational movement of a rotary element. The invention also relates to an adjusting device for adjusting the wear of brake pads of a disc brake. An adjusting device comprises a guide sleeve in which a wrap spring is arranged, a groove ring which encompasses the guide sleeve, wherein the groove ring is coupled to a closure cap via a torsion spring, and an opening ring encompassing the groove ring. The invention further relates to a disc brake for a vehicle, in particular for a utility vehicle, wherein the disc brake has an adjusting device with a wrap spring.