US 5,003,829 AGranted

Energy absorbing device and torque measuring apparatus therefor

AssigneeJohn P. DeConti

InventorsJohn P. DeConti, Raymond N. Quenneville

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Abstract

In a dynamometer, an internally cooled disc is utilized in a braking system which can apply a large amount of torque for an extended period of time. A hollowed braking disc comprising individual cooling cells is employed. Cooling liquid is injected into the center of the braking disc and, by centrifugal force, is forced into the cooling cells via a flow tube ring. The cooling liquid vaporizes in the cooling cells thus absorbing the heat generated. The vapor escapes the disc via vent holes. A unique torque measurement system is also utilized with its braking system. A resultant force, formed by the sum of individual forces upon braking pistons within the braking system, is measured utilizing a strain gauged load cell. The strain gauged load cell is strategically positioned to measure a resultant displacement of the braking caliper due to the applied torque.

Claims66

Dependent claims

An internally cooled disc assembly for use in a disc brake assembly, the disc brake assembly having a brake shaft for receipt of rotational energy which is to be retarded by the brake assembly, brake pads for imparting friction against a disc, and means for exerting force to the brake pads, the disc assembly comprising:

A. a disc having;
(1) means for mounting to the brake shaft so that rotation of the brake shaft causes rotation of the disc;
(2) first and second flat surfaces on opposing sides of the disc, each flat surface having a braking face region for frictional contact by at least one brake pad of the disc brake assembly;
(3) at least one cooling cell formed within the disc, each cooling cell dimensioned for receipt of a cooling liquid so as to remove thermal energy from the disc by heating the liquid to a higher temperature liquid or liquid/vapor state;
and
(4) means communicating with each cooling cell for removing cooling liquid or liquid/vapor from each cooling cell;
B. means for conveying the cooling liquid to the outer perimeter of each cooling cell so as to prevent a vapor lock condition, said conveying means having first ends each positioned radially inward for receipt of the cooling liquid and second ends each positioned radially outward within a cooling cell so as to discharge the cooling liquid toward the radially extended portion of the cooling cell;
and means for supplying cooling liquid to said first ends.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.