A New, High Torque Brake Design Using Sliding Discs

This paper presents an alternative brake that uses two floating discs, with four rubbing surfaces, to provide a step change improvement in performance over existing products. The paper details the development of this product highlighting the test data, which demonstrates the significant improvements in specific torque, fluid consumption and cooling rates. The design retains conventional materials, existing processes and fits within current package constraints. The sliding discs, which compensate for wear, allow opportunities to simplify the caliper to a fixed design and allow integration with the steering knuckle. Performance, refinement and durability test results indicate the current status of the design as implemented on a small passenger car and an SUV, and show its compatibility with existing vehicle brake control systems. Design options to implement this technology within current and future vehicle systems are also described.