Efficient reduction of brake dust by filter sealing and housing design
The technologies comprise novel designs for brake dust filter hoods, which enable an efficient, contact-free capture and filtering of brake dust generated by vehicles with disk brakes.
Challenge
About 85% of the traffic-related particulate matter is formed by tire, brake and road abrasion as well as by the whirling up of the dust layer on the roadways. Brake dust is classified as hazardous to health and is particularly dangerous in the air we breathe. In general, exhaust from Diesel and gasoline engines is regulated by European exhaust norms, which currently do not include brake dust. However, recent reports indicate that the reduction of brake dust generated by vehicles will become mendatory in near future. Due to the nature of brake discs and pads, the brake dust particles can contain extremely harmful substances (for example nickel, chromium and copper). Currently available active systems for brake dust collection usually worsen the energy balance of the vehicle and may be inefficient. Available passive filter solutions cannot efficiently break the boundary layer near the brake disc, which can have a negative impact on the brake dust filtering. The filter hood enclosure can increase the thermal load on the brake disc, which is detrimental to durability and safety.
Our Solution
The present inventions feature novel designs for filter hoods, which enable efficient collection and filtering of brake dust particles generated by vehicles, which are equipped with disc brakes. The filter hood design options are specifically tailored with respect to the brake caliper, disc brake and brake pad. In one embodiment, a distinct region of the brake dust collection device is surrounded by a gap limiting surface, which, together with the brake disc, limits a sealing gap. In this case, the gap limitation area of the brake dust collection hood can be a seal, which is optimized to support the capture of air and the brake dust particle streams. Moreover, the system configurations enable an efficient detachment of the boundary layer together with the brake dust particles, which is one crucial aspect for the filtering procedure. The detached boundary layer is transported together with the brake dust toward a collection device, a filter and/or an adapted suction mechanism. Further attention is drawn on the housing of the filter hood, which contributes to the overall filtering outcome. According to the inventions, the brake dust filter hood designs and mechanisms are adapted to the gradual wear of the disc brake components.
Simplified schemes of a vehicle disc brake system and one possible embodiment of the brake dust filter hood, according to the present inventions and patent applications.
Advantages
- Effective brake dust filtering without contact to moving parts
- Significantly enhanced brake dust filter efficiency compared to commercially available filter technologies
- Filter efficiencies up to 70% possible
- No additional energy consumption in case of passive operation mode
- Upgrade option for commercially available filter hoods
- No negative impact on the cooling properties of brake discs
- Compatible with commercially available disc brake systems including ventilated brake discs
- Filter loading and regeneration adaptable to change intervalls of vehicle brake components
- Compatible with vehicles with Diesel, gasoline, electric and hydrogen drive technology
Applications
- Passenger cars
- Trucks and busses
- Motorcycles
- Rail vehicles
Development Status
Functionality has been successfully tested. Design drawings available. Prototypes in development.
Patent Status
European patent applications:
EP23186759.9
EP23212852.0
References
Unique facility for the testing and optimization of vehicle aerodynamics and fluid mechanics: HUM wind tunnel
Contact
Dr. Mirza Mackovic
Patent & Innovation Manager Technology
E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel.: +49 551 30724 153
References: CPA-2469-FHBW and CPA-2488-FHBW
Tags: Automotive engineering, Physics and Technology & Software
