Friction brake cushions an object in a vehicle from axially applied vibration and steady-state acceleration forces. The brake incorporates a doubly tapered piston that applies a controlled radial force to friction brake segments bearing against the walls of a cylinder

Fraser, G. F.

Zawadski, G. Z.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Pst 
Was 
Belleville 
Spring Wa 
Adjusti 
Lock 
C
Nut 
asher 
rake 
December 1966	 Brief 66-10608 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Friction Brake Cushions Acceleration and Vibration Loads 
The problem: 
To design a brake that will cushion an object, such 
as a seat, in a vehicle from axially applied vibration 
and steady-state acceleration forces. The brake must 
be effective in damping the motion of the object 
against axial forces which tend to accelerate or de-
celerate the vehicle.
The solution: 
A friction brake incorporating a doubly tapered 
piston that applies a controlled radial force to friction 
brake segments bearing against the walls of a cylinder. 
The braking friction varies as a function of the im-
pulsive or steady-state axial forces acting on the 
vehicle.
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000606 2020-03-11T17:46:31+00:00Z
How it's done: 
The brake segments are maintained in contact 
with the cylinder bore by the Belleville spring and 
force distribution washers. Adjustment nuts are used 
to limit the stroke of the piston between two extreme 
positions within the cylinder. When the piston moves 
axially relative to the cylinder as the result of an 
external force on the vehicle, the tapered surfaces on 
the piston transmit a radial force to the friction 
brake segment. The force of friction thus produced 
between the brake segments and the cylinder bore 
is of sufficient magnitude to resist the applied impact 
or acceleration force on the vehicle. 
Notes: 
1. This design configuration minimizes the difference 
between static and dynamic friction loads.
2. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
rected to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Manned Spacecraft Center 
Houston, Texas 77058 
Reference: B66-10608 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: G. Z. Zawadski and G. F. Fraser

of North American Aviation, Inc.

under contract to

Manned Spacecraft Center

(MSC-715) 
Brief 66-10608	 Category 05


Friction brake cushions acceleration and vibration loads

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