Rotor drive key assembly

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "Rotor Drive Key Assembly." In some examples, an assembly includes a rotor drive key configured to fit around a wheel boss defined by a wheel of a vehicle. The rotor drive key includes a support member. The assembly also includes a fastener configured to extend through the wheel boss and the support member in a substantially axial direction of the wheel when the rotor drive key fits around the wheel boss. The fastening member is configured to engage a portion of the fastener that extends beyond the support member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wheel brake system for a vehicle, and in particular, to a rotor drive key assembly for a wheel brake system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles, such as aircraft, may use a wheel braking system that includes a multi-disc brake assembly. For example, a multi-disc brake assembly may include multiple rotors that engage the wheels and multiple stators interleaved with the rotors. The rotors and wheels are configured to rotate about an axis while the stators remain stationary. In order to decelerate the rotational motion of the rotating wheel, the brake assembly may displace a piston against a pressure plate to press the rotating rotor engaged with the wheel against the stationary stator, thereby generating a torque that decelerates the rotational motion of the wheel. In some examples, the rotor may engage the wheel via a rotor drive key located on the inner surface of the wheel. In some such examples, the rotor may define a slot configured to receive the rotor drive key. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some examples, the assembly includes a rotor drive key configured to fit around a wheel boss defined by a wheel. The rotor drive key defines a support member. The assembly also includes a fastener configured to extend through the wheel boss and the support member in a substantially axial direction of the wheel when the rotor drive key fits around the wheel boss. The fastener is configured to engage with the fastening member such that the wheel boss and the support member are located between the head of the fastener and the fastening member. In some examples, the support member and the wheel boss each define a bearing surface, and the bearing surfaces are configured to contact each other when the rotor drive key fits around the wheel boss. The bearing surfaces can be planar or, in some examples, complementary in other ways. Additionally, in some examples, the rotor drive key includes a groove configured to at least partially surround the wheel boss, the support member, and the fastening member.

[0004] In some examples, the fastening member includes a first bearing surface and the support member includes a second bearing surface. The first bearing surface and the second bearing surface are planar or, in some examples, otherwise complementary. In some examples, the fastening member includes one or more arms configured to extend between the slot and the inner surface of the wheel when the fastening member is engaged with the fastener, thereby providing additional axial stability to the heat shield lining a portion of the inner surface of the wheel. In some examples, the axially aligned fastener is configured to serve as, or cause other components of the assembly to serve as, an anchor for the rotor drive key, and the rotor drive key is cantilevered within the wheel in a substantially axial direction of the wheel.

[0005] In one example, the present disclosure relates to a rotor drive key configured to be positioned above a wheel boss of a wheel, wherein the rotor drive key defines a support member; a fastener configured to extend through the wheel boss and the support member in a substantially axial direction of the wheel when the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss, wherein a fastening section of the fastener extends beyond the support member when the fastener extends through the wheel boss and the support member; and a fastening member configured to engage with the fastening section.

[0006] In another example, the present disclosure relates to an assembly comprising: a vehicle wheel including a wheel boss defining a boss hole; a rotor drive key configured to be positioned above the wheel boss, wherein the rotor drive key includes a support member defining a support member hole, the support member hole being configured to be aligned with the boss hole in a substantially axial direction of the wheel; a fastener including a fastener head at a first end and a fastening section at a second end, the fastener being configured to extend through the boss hole and the support member hole such that the wheel boss is between the fastener head and the support member and the fastening section extends beyond the support member hole; and a fastening member configured to engage with the fastening section to secure the fastener in position relative to the rotor drive key.

[0007] In another example, the present disclosure relates to a method comprising: placing a rotor drive key including a support member around a wheel boss of a vehicle wheel; extending a fastener in an axial direction of the wheel through a boss hole defined by the wheel boss and a support member hole defined by the support member until a fastening section of the fastener extends beyond the support member; and engaging the fastening member with the fastening section.

[0008] The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary wheel including a plurality of rotor drive keys on an inner surface of the wheel.

[0010] Figure 2 It is shown that Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary wheel and brake assembly of a wheel.

[0011] Figure 3is a plan view with selected cross-sections illustrating an exemplary assembly including a rotor drive key on the inner surface of a wheel.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exemplary perspective view of a wheel and components.

[0013] Figure 5 is an isometric view of an exemplary rotor drive key including a support member.

[0014] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary fastening member including a first arm and a second arm.

[0015] Figure 7 is an isometric view of a segment of an exemplary wheel boss.

[0016] Figure 8A yes Figure 3 A top view of an exemplary rotor drive key.

[0017] Figure 8B yes Figure 3 A front view of an exemplary rotor drive key.

[0018] Figure 8C yes Figure 3 A side view of an exemplary rotor drive key.

[0019] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an exemplary assembly attached to the inner surface of a wheel via a fastener and a fastener locking mechanism.

[0020] Figure 10 yes Figure 3 An exemplary perspective view of components of .

[0021] Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of attaching a rotor drive key to an inner surface of a wheel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present disclosure describes articles, systems, and techniques related to a rotor drive key for a wheel brake system of a vehicle. The rotor drive key described herein is configured to be attached to an inner surface of a wheel, and specifically to a wheel boss defined by the inner surface of the wheel, by means of a fastener (e.g., an elongated fastener, such as a bolt), the fastener being configured to extend through the wheel boss and a support member of the rotor drive key in a substantially axial direction of the wheel. The substantially axial direction of the fastener can be, for example, an axial direction of the wheel, a near-axial direction of the wheel within a range permitted by manufacturing tolerances, or within 45 degrees of the axial direction of the wheel. In examples, the substantially axial direction of the fastener is within 30 degrees, 10 degrees, or 5 degrees of the axial direction of the wheel.

[0023] The wheel boss and the support member may each include a bearing surface and may each define a hole extending through the wheel boss and the support member, respectively. The holes of the wheel boss and the support member may be configured to align when the rotor drive key is fitted on the wheel boss. Fasteners may be inserted through the aligned holes in a substantially axial direction of the wheel (e.g., axially or in a near-axial direction within the range allowed by manufacturing tolerances) to place the wheel boss bearing surface and the support member bearing surface in contact and attach the rotor drive key to the wheel. For example, fasteners may be inserted in a direction along the length of the rotor drive key. In some examples, a portion of the rotor drive key may be configured to complement a portion of the wheel boss, or vice versa, so as to provide additional axial, radial, or tangential stability to the rotor drive key during rotation or braking of the wheel.

[0024] The fastener includes a fastener head at a first end and a fastening section at a second end and can extend through the wheel boss and the support member of the rotor drive key such that at least some portion of the fastening section extends beyond the support member. The fastening section can engage with the fastening member such that the wheel boss and the support member are positioned between the fastener head and the fastening member. For example, the fastening section can define a set of external threads configured to threadably engage a set of internal threads defined by the fastening member. The fastening member can include a bearing surface configured to contact and frictionally engage a bearing surface of the support member.

[0025] In some examples, the rotor drive key defines a slot that is configured to surround a portion of the wheel boss, the support member, and the fastening member when the rotor drive key is engaged around the wheel boss. The slot can be configured to substantially conform to a portion of the wheel boss, which can provide radial and tangential stability to the rotor drive key during operation and braking of the wheel, among other advantages. The fastening member can include one or more arms configured to extend outside of the slot when the fastening member is engaged with the fastener, wherein the one or more arms are configured to be positioned between the slot and the inner surface of the wheel when the fastening member is mounted on the fastener and while the rotor drive key is positioned over the wheel boss. This can provide further radial stability to the rotor drive key. In an example, the one or more arms are configured to provide axial support to a heat shield within the wheel.

[0026] The wheel boss, rotor drive key, fastener, and fastening member may form an assembly, wherein a bearing surface of the wheel boss frictionally engages a first bearing surface of a support member of the rotor drive key, and a bearing surface of the fastening member frictionally engages a second bearing surface of the support member of the rotor drive key. The rotor drive key may be secured to the wheel boss by an axially extending fastener engaged with the fastening member such that the rotor drive key is cantilevered in a substantially axial direction of the wheel.

[0027] Some rotor drive keys are attached to the inner surface of the wheel using fasteners (such as bolts) that extend only in the radial direction of the wheel. For example, the bolt may be configured to be inserted through a first hole defined by the rotor drive key and a second hole defined by the rim of the wheel (e.g., a wheel boss). The rotor drive key may be subjected to thermal cycling, vibration, or other conditions during use, which may cause the nut and / or bolt to loosen over time. This may reduce the useful life of the rotor drive key and / or the wheel, interrupt the operation of the wheel's brake assembly, increase maintenance costs, lead to premature replacement of the rotor drive key, etc. In examples where the nut loosens or disengages, the rotor drive key of such an assembly may not include any other mechanism to help accommodate the nut, thereby potentially causing interference with other components that may be located within the wheel assembly.

[0028] The exemplary rotor drive keys described herein are configured to be attached to the inner surface of a wheel using a fastener that is substantially aligned with the axial direction of the wheel (e.g., aligned or approximately aligned within manufacturing tolerances), which can result in the fastener being less likely to loosen during operation of the wheel or braking system (e.g., due to thermal cycling, vibration, or other operating conditions) compared to other rotor drive key assemblies that include fasteners extending in the radial direction of the wheel. Furthermore, in some examples, the rotor drive key can include a bearing surface that is complementary to a bearing surface on a wheel boss, and a fastening member that can provide additional axial, radial, or tangential stability to the rotor drive key during rotation or braking of the wheel. Additionally, if the fastening member becomes detached from the fastener during operation of a vehicle with which the rotor drive key is used, the rotor drive key can be configured (e.g., by defining a groove) to contain the fastening member. Thus, during operation of a vehicle including the wheel, movement of the rotor drive key relative to the wheel can be reduced or even prevented.

[0029] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary wheel 10 including a plurality of rotor drive keys 12 on an inner surface 14 of the wheel 10. In some examples, the wheel 10 is part of an aircraft vehicle. In other examples, the wheel 10 may be part of any other vehicle, such as, for example, any marine vessel, land vehicle, or other vehicle. The wheel 10 may include a rim 16 defining an outer surface 18 and an inner surface 14. The rim 16 may include a well 20, a wheel hub 21, and a wheel outrigger flange 22. In some examples, the inner surface 14 may include an inner diameter of the well 20 of the wheel 10. For example, in some cases, the inner surface 14 may be referred to as the inner diameter surface of the wheel 10.

[0030] In some examples, a tire (not shown) can be mounted on the outer surface 18 of the rim 16. For example, the wheel 10 can include an inner bead seat 24B and an outer bead seat 24A configured to retain the tire on the outer surface 18 of the rim 16.

[0031] The wheel 10 is configured to engage one or more rotors (not shown) of a brake assembly. Figure 1 For example, Figure 1 As shown in the example of FIG, a plurality of rotor drive keys 12 are positioned along the inner surface 14, and each of the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 can be configured to engage one or more rotors of a brake disc stack of a brake assembly. Figure 2 An exemplary brake assembly is described in greater detail.

[0032] In some examples, each of the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 extends in a substantially axial direction of the wheel 10 (eg, in a direction parallel to the axis of the wheel 10). Figure 1 , which can be the axis of rotation of the wheel 10). For example, the length of each rotor drive key 12 in the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 can extend in a substantially axial direction (e.g., axial or near axial to the extent permitted by manufacturing tolerances) about the axis A. In some such examples, the respective length of each rotor drive key 12 can extend from (or near) the first edge 26 of the wheel 10 to (or near) the second edge 28 of the wheel 10. In this way, in some examples, the length of a rotor drive key 12 in the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 can be the same or substantially similar (e.g., within 10%) to the width of the wheel 10 from the first edge 26 to the second edge 28. In other examples, the length of the rotor drive key 12 can be less than the width of the wheel 10.

[0033] A plurality of rotor drive keys 12 extending in a substantially axial direction can enable the wheel 10 to be slid onto the brake assembly. For example, the plurality of rotors of the brake assembly can include drive slots configured to receive the plurality of rotor drive keys 12, thereby enabling the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 to be slid into corresponding drive slots of the plurality of rotors. In other examples, one or more of the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 can be oriented in a different direction and / or can engage with one or more rotors in a different manner.

[0034] The plurality of rotor drive keys 12 can include any suitable number of rotor drive keys. The number of drive keys can be vehicle-specific and can depend on, for example, the load, part size, material properties, etc. In some examples, the number of rotor drive keys included in the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 can correspond to the number of drive slots defined by the plurality of rotors of the brake assembly configured to receive the plurality of rotor drive keys 12. For example, each rotor drive key in the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 can correspond to a corresponding slot defined by the plurality of rotors of the brake assembly.

[0035] like Figure 1As shown in the examples of FIG, in some examples, a plurality of rotor drive keys 12 can be mounted at substantially equal circumferential distances around the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10. In other examples, one or more of the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 may be mounted at a different circumferential distance from at least one other rotor drive key than an adjacent rotor drive key. Here and elsewhere, the circumferential distance refers to the length of an arc (e.g., on the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10, where the arc in this particular example is in a plane perpendicular to the substantially axial direction of the wheel 10). The rotor drive keys 12 can be integrally formed with the tube well 20 or can be separate from the tube well 20 and mechanically attached thereto.

[0036] As discussed in further detail below, one or more of the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 include a corresponding support member. The support member may define a hole extending through the support member in a substantially axial direction. The rotor drive key may be configured to receive one or more wheel bosses extending from the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10. One or more wheel bosses may also define a hole extending through the corresponding wheel boss in a substantially axial direction. The hole in the support member is configured to substantially align with the hole in the wheel boss when the rotor drive key receives the wheel boss, thereby allowing a fastener to extend through the support member and the wheel boss to help secure the rotor drive key and wheel 10 relative to each other. In some examples, the support member includes a support member support surface and the wheel boss includes a wheel boss support surface, and when the rotor drive key and the wheel boss are connected by the fastener extending through the corresponding hole, the support member support surface may contact the wheel boss support surface. In some examples, the fastening member engaged with the fastener is configured to substantially conform to the rotor drive key and provide a degree of radial support to the rotor drive key. Here and elsewhere, "radial" refers to a direction substantially perpendicular (e.g., perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) to the axial direction of the wheel 10. Similarly, “tangential” refers to a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the wheel 10 and substantially perpendicular to the radial direction.

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary wheel and brake assembly 30 including an exemplary wheel 10 and a brake assembly 32. The wheel and brake assembly 30 is shown and described to provide context for the exemplary rotor drive key and the assembly including the rotor drive key and fastener described herein. However, in other examples, the rotor drive key, fastener, and other wheel assembly structures described herein may be used with any suitable wheel and brake assembly.

[0038] The wheel 10 includes a plurality of rotor drive keys 12, an inner surface 14, a rim 16, an outer surface 18, a tube well 20, a wheel hub 21, a wheel outrigger flange 22, an outer bead seat 24A, and an inner bead seat 24B. The wheel 10 can be configured to be rotatably carried on a fixed axle 34. In turn, the wheel 10 can impart motion to a vehicle including or mounted on a wheel and brake assembly 30. Figure 2 In the example shown, the tube well 20 and the wheel outrigger flange 22 are mechanically coupled by lug bolts 36 and lug nuts 38. Other connection techniques may be used in other examples.

[0039] Brake assembly 32 includes an actuator assembly 40 and a brake stack 42. Actuator assembly 40 includes an actuator housing 44, actuator housing bolts 46, and a plunger 47. Brake stack 42 includes interleaved rotor brake discs 50 and stator brake discs 52. Rotor brake discs 50 are configured to move relative to stator brake discs 52, e.g., rotationally about axis A and axially along axis A relative to stator brake discs 52. Rotor brake discs 50 engage (e.g., interface) with wheel 10 (and specifically, tube well 20) via rotor drive key 12. Stator brake discs 52 are mounted to torque tube 54 via rack 56. Wheel and brake assembly 30 can support any type of private, commercial, or military aircraft or other type of vehicle.

[0040] The wheel and brake assembly 30 may be mounted to the vehicle via the torque tube 54 and the shaft 34. Figure 2 In the example shown, a torque tube 54 is secured to the shaft 34 by a plurality of bolts 58. The torque tube 54 supports the actuator assembly 40 and the stator brake disc 52. The shaft 34 may be mounted to a stay of an undercarriage (not shown) or other suitable component of the vehicle to connect the wheel and brake assembly 30 to the vehicle.

[0041] During vehicle operation, braking may be required from time to time, such as during landing and taxiing of an aircraft. The wheel and brake assembly 30 is configured to provide braking functions to the vehicle via an actuator assembly 40 and a brake stack 42. The actuator assembly 40 includes an actuator housing 44 and a plunger 47. The actuator assembly 40 may include different types of actuators, such as one or more of an electro-mechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, etc. During operation, the plunger 47 may extend away from the actuator housing 44 to axially compress the brake stack 42 against the compression region 60 for braking. The brake stack 42 includes staggered rotor brake discs 50 and stator brake discs 52.

[0042] The rotor brake disc 50 is in sliding engagement (e.g., a slip fit) with the rotor drive key 12 for common rotation with the tube well 20 and the rotor drive key 12. The stator brake disc 52 is mounted to the torque tube 54 via a rack 56. Figure 2 In the example shown, brake stack 42 includes four rotors and five stators. However, in other examples, a different number of rotors and / or stators may be included in brake stack 42. Rotor brake discs 50 and stator brake discs 52 may provide opposing friction surfaces for braking the aircraft. In some examples, wheel and brake assembly 30 may include a thermal insulation layer between rotor brake discs 50 and manhole 20 to, for example, limit heat transfer between brake stack 42 and wheel 10.

[0043] In some examples, racks 56 may be spaced circumferentially around the outer portion of torque tube 54. Stator brake disc 52 may include a plurality of radially outwardly disposed notches along the inner diameter of the disc, which are configured to engage with racks 56. Similarly, rotor brake disc 50 may include a plurality of radially inwardly disposed drive slots along the outer periphery (e.g., the outer diameter if the disc has a circular cross-section) of the rotor brake disc. The drive slots may be configured to engage with rotor drive keys 12. In this manner, rotor brake disc 50 will rotate with the movement of wheel 10 while stator brake disc 52 remains stationary, allowing the friction surfaces of adjacent stator brake discs 52 and rotor brake discs 50 to engage with each other, thereby decelerating the rotation of wheel 10.

[0044] Figure 3 An exemplary assembly 70 is shown and depicts a cross-section of the wheel 10 defining the outer surface 18 and the inner surface 14, the cross-section being parallel to the Figure 1 The axial direction A is intercepted. Figure 3 The line A1 and the rotation axis A of the wheel 10 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) coincides and shows the axial direction of the wheel 10. Line R1 is perpendicular to and intersects line A1 and indicates the radial direction of the wheel 10. Line T1 is perpendicular to both line A1 and line R1 and indicates the tangential direction of the wheel 10 (line T1 is perpendicular to Figure 3 in the ). Figure 4 is shown relative to lines A1, R1 and T1 Figure 3 1. The wheel 10 defines a wheel boss 78 that protrudes from the inner surface 14. The wheel boss 78 can protrude from the inner surface 14 in a generally radial direction. Figure 3 An exemplary rotor drive key 72 including a support member 74 is further depicted. The rotor drive key 72 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a rotor drive key 12.

[0045] The wheel 10 may include any number of wheel bosses and any number of assemblies 70. The wheel bosses (including wheel boss 78) protruding from the inner surface 14 may extend from adjacent portions of the inner surface 14 in a substantially radial direction (e.g., direction R1). The wheel bosses may have any suitable height in the substantially radial direction. In addition, the plurality of wheel bosses may include wheel bosses having the same height or substantially the same height, or include wheel bosses having different heights. Similarly, the plurality of wheel bosses may include wheel bosses having the same width or substantially the same width, or include wheel bosses having different widths. In some examples, the wheel bosses may exist at substantially equal circumferential distances around the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10. In other examples, one or more of the plurality of wheel bosses may exist at different circumferential distances from adjacent wheel bosses. In addition, the wheel bosses may be at any suitable distance from each other in the axial direction of the wheel 10.

[0046] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the rotor drive key 72 includes a section 72a (shown in cross section) and a section 72b. The rotor drive key 72 is configured to surround at least a portion of the wheel boss 78 when the rotor drive key 72 is positioned above the wheel boss 78. For example, the section 72b may extend around the wheel boss 78, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown. In the example, the rotor drive key 72 includes a base section 100, a first side section 102, and a second side section (not shown) substantially opposite the first side section 102. The assembly 70 also includes a fastener 82, which includes a fastener head 86 and a fastening section 88. The fastener 82 may include a fastener shank 89 between the fastener head 86 and the fastening section 88. The fastener 82 is an elongated structure defining a fastener axis F through the fastener head 86 and the fastening section 88. The fastener 82 is configured to extend through the wheel boss 78 and the support member 74 such that when the rotor drive key 72 is positioned above the wheel boss 78, at least some portion of the fastening section 88 extends beyond the support member 74. In some examples, when the fastener 82 extends through the wheel boss 78 and the support member 74, the wheel boss 78 is located between the fastener head 86 and the support member 74.

[0047] The assembly 70 also includes a fastening member 84 (shown in cross-section) configured to engage with the fastening section 88, for example, in a manner that secures the relative positions of the fastening member 84 and the fastener 82. In some examples, when the fastening member 84 is engaged with the fastening section 88 and the fastener 82 extends through the wheel boss 78 and the support member 74, the support member 74 is disposed between the wheel boss 78 and the fastening member 84. In one example, the fastening member 84 defines a set of threads 85 ("member threads 85") that are configured to threadably engage with a set of threads 87 ("fastener threads 87") defined by the fastener 82. The member threads 85 can be a threaded member that substantially surrounds a hole (e.g., hole 132) defined by the fastening member 84. Figure 6 The fastener thread 87 may be an external thread defined on an outer surface of the fastening section 88 .

[0048] In one example, when the fastening member 84 is engaged with the fastening section 88, axial movement of the fastening member 84 (e.g., in a direction substantially parallel to the fastener axis F and / or in the axial direction A of the wheel 10) Figure 1 )) results in corresponding axial movement of the fastener 82. In an example, when the fastening member 84 is engaged with the fastening section 88 and the axial movement of the fastening member 84 is restrained, the axial movement of the fastener 82 is also restrained.

[0049] In some examples, the support member 74 of the rotor drive key 72 defines a support member support surface 94 that is configured to engage (e.g., directly contact) the wheel boss 78 when the rotor drive key 72 is located above the wheel boss 78. In examples, the support member support surface 94 is configured to extend substantially in the tangential direction T1 and the radial direction R1 of the wheel 10 when the rotor drive key 72 is located above the wheel boss 78. In some examples, the support member support surface 94 is a planar surface. In other examples, the support member support surface 94 may define another surface that is configured to engage the wheel boss 78. In some examples, the rotor drive key 72 is located above the wheel boss 78 and the fastener 82 extends through the wheel boss 78 and the support member 74, with at least some portion of the support member support surface 94 contacting the wheel boss 78.

[0050] In some examples, the support member 74 defines a second support surface 95 ( Figure 3 and Figures 8A to 8C In some examples, when the fastening member 84 is engaged with the fastening section 88, at least some portion of the second support bearing surface 95 contacts the member bearing surface 122. For example, Figure 3The member support surface 122 is shown in contact with the second support member support surface 95. The second support member support surface 95 can be a planar surface. In an example, the member support surface 122 includes a first planar surface and the second support member support surface 95 includes a second planar surface, and when the fastening member 84 is engaged with the fastener 82, the first planar surface is in contact with and substantially parallel to the second planar surface.

[0051] In some examples, wheel boss 78 defines a boss support surface 92 that is configured to engage a support support surface 94 when rotor drive key 72 is positioned over wheel boss 78 . Figure 7 An isometric view of an exemplary wheel boss 78 is shown defining a boss support surface 92 (shown as a hidden surface). In some examples, the hole 80 of the wheel boss 78 defines an opening in the boss support surface 92. Furthermore, in some examples, when the fastener 82 extends through the wheel boss 78 and the support member 74, at least some portion of the support support surface 94 contacts the boss support surface 92. For example, Figure 3 A support member support surface 94 is shown in contact with the boss support surface 92. The boss support surface 92 may be a planar surface. In an example, the support member support surface 94 includes a first planar surface and the boss support surface 92 includes a second planar surface, the first planar surface being in contact with and substantially parallel to the second planar surface when the fastener 82 extends through the wheel boss 78 and the support member 74. In other examples, the boss support surface 92 and the support member support surface 94 may define complementary surfaces other than planar surfaces, such as complementary curved surfaces.

[0052] In some examples, the support member 74 defines an aperture 76 extending through the support member 74 . Figure 5 An aperture 76 is shown extending through the support member 74 , with hidden portions of the aperture 76 shown in phantom for clarity. In some examples, the wheel boss 78 defines an aperture 80 extending therethrough. Figure 7 A hole 80 is shown extending through the wheel boss 78, with the hidden portion of the hole 80 shown in phantom for clarity. Figure 2) is configured to extend through hole 80 of wheel boss 78 and hole 76 of support member 74 when rotor drive key 72 is located above wheel boss 78. In some examples, hole 76 is configured so that when fastener 82 extends through hole 76 and hole 80, hole 76 is substantially aligned with hole 80. In some examples, a central axis B of hole 76 of support member 74 extends through the center of hole 76, and a central axis C of hole 80 of wheel boss 78 extends through the center of hole 80, and when fastener 82 extends through hole 76 and hole 80, axis B and axis C are substantially parallel (e.g., parallel or approximately parallel within the range allowed by manufacturing tolerances) to the axial direction A ( Figure 1 ).

[0053] In some examples, the rotor drive key 72 defines a slot that forms an open, channel-like passage. Figure 5 and Figures 8A to 8C Examples of such a rotor drive key are shown in , which show different plan views of the rotor drive key 72 . Figure 8A A top view of the rotor drive key 72 is shown, Figure 8B A side view of the rotor drive key 72 is shown, and Figure 8C A front view of the rotor drive key 72 is shown. Figures 8A to 8C The exemplary rotor drive key 72 shown includes a base segment 100, a first side segment 102, and a second side segment 104. The first side segment 102 and the second side segment 104 extend from the base segment 100, with the second side segment 104 being substantially opposite the first side segment 102. For example, the first side segment 102 and the second side segment 104 may be physically separate from and mechanically connected to the base segment 100, or may be integrally formed with the base segment 100.

[0054] The first side segment 102, the second side segment 104, and the base segment 100 extend along at least some portion of the length of the rotor drive key 72 and define at least some portion of the slot 106. Figures 8A to 8C ), the support member 74 is located within the groove 106.

[0055] Groove 106 can be configured to complement a portion of the wheel boss, or vice versa, to provide radial and / or tangential stability to the rotor drive key during rotation or braking of the wheel. Groove 106 is configured to receive a portion of wheel boss 78 when rotor drive key 72 is installed over wheel boss 78, such that first side segment 102, second side segment 104, and base segment 100 at least partially surround a portion of wheel boss 78. In some examples, such as Figure 7 As shown, the wheel boss 78 may include a first side 108 and a second side 110, wherein the second side 110 is opposite the first side 108 (at Figure 7 , second side 110 is shown as a hidden surface), and when the rotor drive key 72 is located above the wheel boss 78, the groove 106 can surround at least a portion of the first side 108 and a portion of the second side 110. In some examples, the surface of the rotor drive key 72 defining the groove 106 contacts at least a portion of the first side 108 and the second side 110. In some examples, the groove 106 and / or the wheel boss 78 are configured to provide an engineered fit between the groove 106 and the wheel boss 78. The engineered fit can be a fit such as a sliding fit, a positional fit, a transition fit, or an interference fit. Such a fit can provide increased tangential and radial stability of the rotor drive key 72 during rotation and braking of the wheel 10, as well as other advantages.

[0056] In some examples, the slot 106 is configured to surround a portion of the fastening member 84 when the rotor drive key 72 is installed on the wheel boss 78. The fastening member 84 can be configured to engage with the rotor drive key 72 to help hold the fastening member 84 in place relative to the rotor drive key 72 and the wheel boss 78. For example, in some examples, the fastening member 84 includes an arm that is configured to engage (e.g., threadedly engage) the fastening section 88 ( Figure 1 ) when extending outside of the slot 106. In an example, the arm can extend between the slot 106 and the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10.

[0057] Figure 6An exemplary fastening member 84 is shown, defining member threads 85, a first arm 114 extending from a fastening member body 120, and a second arm 116 extending from the fastening member body 120 in a direction substantially opposite to the first arm 114. Because the arms 114, 116 extend from the fastening member body 120 to define a T-shape, the fastening member 84 may be referred to as a "T-nut" in some examples. In some examples, the first arm 114 and / or the second arm 116 are configured (e.g., by geometry and size) to extend outside of the slot 106 when the fastening member 84 engages the fastening section 88 of the fastener 82 and the fastener 82 extends through the support member 74. In some examples, the first arm 114 and / or the second arm 116 may extend between the slot 106 and the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10. This arrangement may provide radial support to the rotor key driver 72 when the rotor drive key 72 is mounted above the wheel boss 78. In some examples, the first arm 114 may include a first support surface 128 and the second arm 116 may include a second support surface 130. The first support surface 128 and the second support surface 130 may be configured to contact the rotor drive key 72 (e.g., portions of the first and second segments 102, 104 defining the slot 106) when the fastener 82 extends through the holes 76, 80 in the rotor drive key 72 and the wheel boss 78, respectively, and when the fastening member 84 engages the fastening segment 88. In examples, the first arm 114 and / or the second arm 116 are configured to extend toward the heat shield 136 ( Figure 9 、 Figure 10 ) provides axial support.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, the fastening member 84 may include a first side 124 and a second side 126 opposite the first side 124, and the groove 106 may surround at least a portion of the first side 124 and a portion of the second side 126. In some examples, when the fastening member 84 engages the fastening section 88, the surface of the rotor drive key 72 defining the groove 106 may contact at least a portion of the first side 124 and the second side 126. In some examples, the groove 106 and / or the fastening member 84 are configured to provide an engineered fit between the groove 106 and the fastening member 84. The engineered fit may be a fit such as a sliding fit, a positional fit, a transition fit, or an interference fit. Such a fit may provide increased tangential and radial stability of the rotor drive key 72 and / or the fastening member 84 during rotation and braking of the wheel 10, as well as other advantages.

[0059] In an example, the fastening member 84 may include a member support surface 122 ( Figure 6). The member support surface 122 can be a planar surface in some examples or a curved surface in other examples. The member support surface 122 can be configured to establish contact with the support member 74. In examples, when the fastening member 84 is engaged with the fastening section 88, at least some portion of the fastening member 84 contacts the support member 74.

[0060] In an example, the first arm 114 and / or the second arm 116 may be configured to axially support the heat shield 136 within the wheel 10 ( Figure 9 、 Figure 10 ). The heat shield 136 may be lined on a portion of the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10. For example, Figure 9 The heat shield 136 is shown as substantially conforming to the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10. In examples, at least some portion of the heat shield 136 may substantially "float" on the inner surface 14 (e.g., not fixedly attached to the inner surface 14). The heat shield 136 may reside partially between the rotor drive key 72 and the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10. For example, Figure 9 At , section 136 a of heat shield 136 resides between rotor drive key 72 and inner surface 14 of wheel 10 . Figure 10 The heat shield 136 and section 136a are shown as viewed from a position external to the wheel 10, with the wheel 10 surrounding the heat shield 136 and shown in phantom for clarity. Figure 10 In the example shown, the heat shield 136 substantially surrounds the axis A ( Figure 1 ). Figure 10 Also shown are the fastener head 86 and fastening section 88 of the fastener 82 , an exemplary locking plate 98 , and the rotor drive key 72 , which includes the support member 74 , the base section 100 , the first side section 102 , and the slot 106 .

[0061] exist Figure 10 , a fastening member 84 is shown, wherein a first arm 114 and a second arm 116 extend from the slot 106. The first arm 114 and / or the second arm 116 of the fastening member 84 are configured to extend from the slot 106 and provide axial support to the heat shield 136 to mitigate or even prevent movement of the heat shield 136 along the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10. For example, Figure 10 As shown, the second arm 116 is configured to encounter a portion of the heat shield 136 (e.g., portion 136a and / or portion 136b) when the heat shield 136 moves or attempts to move in the axial direction A1, such that the second arm 116 prevents or mitigates the axial movement. The second arm 116 can be configured to contact a portion of the heat shield 136 (e.g., portion 136a and / or portion 136b) when the second arm 116 extends from the slot 106. In some examples, the heat shield 136 includes a notch, such as notch 137 ( Figure 10), and one of the first arm 114 or the second arm 116 is configured to reside in the recess 137. In an example, the first arm 114 is configured to reside within the recess 138 of the heat shield 136, and the second arm 116 is configured to reside within the recess 137 of the heat shield 136.

[0062] In some examples, the wheel bosses of the wheel 10 (e.g., wheel boss 78 and / or wheel boss 112) are configured to provide tangential support to the heat shield 136 to mitigate or even prevent movement of the shield 136 along the tangential direction T1 of the wheel 10. For example, the first side of the wheel boss (e.g., first side 108 ( Figure 7 ) and / or the second side (eg, the second side 110 ( Figure 7 )) can be configured to encounter a portion of the heat shield 136 (e.g., portion 136a and / or portion 136b) when the heat shield 136 moves or attempts to move in the tangential direction T1, such that the first side and / or second side of the wheel boss prevents or mitigates tangential movement. In some examples, portions 136a, 136b of the heat shield 136 are configured to encounter the second arm 116 when the heat shield 136 moves or attempts to move in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10, and are configured to encounter the wheel boss (e.g., wheel bosses 78, 112) when the heat shield 136 moves or attempts to move in the tangential direction T1 of the wheel 10.

[0063] The fastening member 84 is configured to be mechanically attached to the fastener 82. For example, the fastening member 84 may include internal threads (such as member threads 85). In some examples, the fastening member 84 may include a hole 132 ( Figure 6 ) and the hole 132 may include internal threads. In some examples, the fastening member 84 may include a fastening member boss extending from the fastening member body 120, wherein the fastening member boss includes internal threads. In some examples, the fastening member boss extending from the fastening member body 120 may have external threads.

[0064] In some examples, the rotor drive key 72 is configured such that when the fastener 82 extends through the wheel boss 78 and the support member 74, a gap exists between the rotor drive key 72 and the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10 in a substantially radial direction of the wheel. In some examples, the fastening member 84 is configured to have a size or shape that provides one or more dimensions that prevent the fastening member 84 from passing through the gap. For example, the fastening member 84 can have a width dimension in the axial direction of the wheel that prevents the fastening member 84 from passing through the gap. If the fastening member 84 disengages from the fastener 82 during operation, the radial gap and the size of the fastening member 84 can provide a constraint on the fastening member 84, thereby helping to prevent the fastening member 84 from interfering with the operation of the wheel and other parts of the brake assembly 30.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, in some examples, the fastening member 84 can be configured to provide a gap G between the fastening member 84 and an additional wheel boss 112 on the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10 that is adjacent to the wheel boss 78 when the fastener 82 is fully extended through the wheel boss 78 and the support member 74 (and cannot be extended further toward the adjacent wheel boss 112). The gap G can provide clearance to enable easier handling of the fastening member 84 during initial assembly of the assembly 70, to enable subsequent manipulation of the fastening member during tightening of the fastener 82, or for some other reason.

[0066] In some examples, the slot 106 is configured to surround the fastener 82 ( Figure 1 ). In the example, wherein the wheel 10 includes a second wheel boss 112 ( Figure 3 ), and groove 106 is configured to surround at least a portion of second wheel boss 112. In some examples, groove 106 contacts at least a portion of second wheel boss 112. In some examples, groove 106 and / or second wheel boss 112 are configured to provide an engineered fit between groove 106 and second wheel boss 112. The engineered fit may be a fit such as a slip fit, a position fit, a transition fit, or an interference fit. This fit may provide increased tangential and radial stability of rotor drive key 72 during rotation and braking of wheel 10, among other advantages.

[0067] In some examples, component 70 ( Figure 3) and the second bearing surface within assembly 70 are complementary surfaces. For example, one of the first and second bearing surfaces can be a convex surface, with the other being a concave surface configured to receive and at least partially mate with the convex surface. In some examples, one of the first or second bearing surfaces defines a protrusion, and the other of the first or second bearing surfaces defines a recess configured to receive and at least partially mate with the protrusion. In some examples, the protrusion is a convex surface and the recess is a concave surface. In some examples, the first bearing surface is configured to form a mating connection with the second bearing surface. In some examples, the first and second bearing surfaces are frictionally engaged. In some examples, boss bearing surface 92 is the first bearing surface and support member bearing surface 94 is the second bearing surface. In some examples, fastening member bearing surface 122 is the first surface and second support member bearing surface 95 is the second surface. The complementary first and second bearing surfaces can help maintain the radial or axial position of the rotor drive key 72 on the wheel 10, can improve the robustness of the attachment of the rotor drive key 72 to the wheel 10, can reduce the movement of the rotor drive key 72 relative to the wheel 10 during dynamic braking conditions and / or brake vibration events, etc.

[0068] In some examples, assembly 70 may also include a locking mechanism configured to rotationally lock fastener 82 in position relative to wheel 10 and / or rotor drive key 72. In some such examples, the locking mechanism may include one or more of a locking plate, a retainer clamp, a locking washer, a Nord locking washer, a nylon insert, a retainer pin, a castle locking device, an adhesive, a safety wire, a safety cable, a retainer clamp, and the like. Figure 9 An exemplary locking mechanism including a locking plate 98 and a retainer clamp 99 is depicted. Figure 9 Also depicted is a rotor drive key 72 configured to surround a wheel boss (not shown) protruding from the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10. Figure 9 shown in ). Figure 9 Also depicted is a heat shield 136 that may be deployed on the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10 .

[0069] The locking plate 98 is configured to be positioned over the fastener head 86 and optionally deformed over the fastener head 86 to form a relatively tight interference fit with the fastener head 86. In some examples, the relatively tight interference fit between the locking plate 98 and the fastener head 86 can help prevent the fastener 82 from loosening. The fastener head 86 can define one or more access channels to allow the retainer clamp 99 to pass through the fastener head 86 (e.g., feed). For example, in Figure 9In the example shown, retainer clamp 99 passes through two entry channels defined by fastener head 86 such that portion 99B of retainer clamp 99 extends through the first entry channel and portion 99A of retainer clamp 99 extends from the second entry channel and is wrapped around a portion of the periphery of fastener head 86.

[0070] The fastener head 86 may include an open volume, such as open cylindrical volume 133, to provide visual or other access to the retainer clamp 99 and / or also to allow tightening of the fastener 82, or for some other reason. In some examples, the fastener head 86 has a serrated surface at least partially around its outer diameter to enable the retainer clamp 99 to more effectively grasp the fastener head 86 and / or to allow tightening of the fastener 82, or for some other reason. Figure 3 A locking plate 98 and a retainer clamp 99 are additionally depicted. Assembly 70 ( Figure 3 ) may additionally include a shim, washer, or the like (such as component 134 ) between the fastener head 86 and the wheel boss 78 .

[0071] In some examples, when fastener 82 extends through wheel boss 78 and support member 74 and engages fastening member 84, rotor drive key 72 is anchored and cantilevered in a substantially axial direction A of wheel 10 by the action of one or more of fastener 82, fastening member 84, wheel boss 78, and support member 74. This can eliminate from the assembly one or more bolts or other fasteners oriented along the radial wheel axis or perpendicular to the length of the rotor drive key. Compared to the substantially axially extending bolts described herein, fasteners oriented along the radial wheel axis or otherwise perpendicular to the length of the rotor drive key can be more difficult to install; for example, special right-angle tools may be required to install the bolts. Furthermore, compared to the axially oriented fasteners 82 described herein, bolts oriented along the radial wheel axis or otherwise perpendicular to the length of the rotor drive key are more likely to become unattached to inner surface 14 of wheel 10. For example, thermal cycling, vibration, etc. can cause the bolts to loosen or even completely detach from the rotor drive key and wheel assembly. Furthermore, there may not be sufficient radial clearance in the wheel assembly to allow for the use of nuts or other retaining mechanisms with bolts extending in a radial direction. Loosening of the bolts may result in the rotor drive key not being secured to the wheel 10 , which may reduce the useful life of the rotor drive key and / or the wheel and disrupt operation of the wheel's brake assembly, increase maintenance costs, lead to premature replacement of the rotor drive key, etc.

[0072] Furthermore, some other rotor drive keys may not include a support member that acts against the wheel boss. Thus, in some such examples, the rotor drive key may be subject to increased movement (e.g., axial or radial) because the assembly does not include features configured to engage in a substantially axial direction. Furthermore, in examples where the bolts loosen or become disengaged, the rotor drive key of such assemblies may not include any other mechanism or engagement point configured to help maintain the rotor drive key in its intended position on the inner surface of the wheel.

[0073] The rotor drive key 72, the fastening member 84, the fastener 82, and other components described herein can be made of any suitable material. For example, the material can be any material having suitable strength for the intended use of the rotor drive key 72, the fastening member 84, or the fastener 82. In some examples, the material includes a metal or a metal alloy. For example, the material can include a nickel alloy or a steel alloy. As an example, the material can include stainless steel.

[0074] In some examples, the rotor drive key 72 can be forged, cast, fabricated from bar stock, additively manufactured (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) printed), or produced using other suitable methods. In some examples, the rotor drive key 72 can be machined to obtain a rotor drive key 72 that defines one or more of the support member 74, the hole 76, the slot 106, the base segment 100, the first side segment 102, and the second side segment 104. In other examples, the rotor drive key 72 can be forged, cast, or otherwise formed (e.g., without necessarily being substantially machined) and / or additively manufactured to define one or more of the support member 74, the hole 76, the slot 106, the base segment 100, the first side segment 102, and the second side segment 104.

[0075] In some examples, the fastening member 84 can be forged, cast, fabricated from bar stock, additively manufactured (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) printing), or produced using other suitable methods. In some examples, the fastening member 84 can be machined to obtain a fastening member 84 that defines one or more of the following: a fastening member body 120, a first arm 114, a second arm 116, member threads 85, a member support surface 122, a first side 124, a second side 126, a first support surface 128, and a second support surface 130. In other examples, the fastening member 84 can be forged, cast, or otherwise formed (e.g., not necessarily substantially machined) and / or additively manufactured to define one or more of the following: a fastening member body 120, a first arm 114, a second arm 116, member threads 85, a member support surface 122, a first side 124, a second side 126, a first support surface 128, and a second support surface 130.

[0076] In some examples, the fastener 82 can be forged, cast, fabricated from bar stock, additively manufactured (e.g., three-dimensional (3D) printing), or produced using other suitable methods. In some examples, the fastener 82 can be machined to obtain a fastener 82 that defines one or more of a fastener head 86, a fastener shank 89, fastener threads 87, and a fastening section 88. In other examples, the fastener 82 can be forged, cast, or otherwise formed (e.g., without necessarily being substantially machined) and / or additively manufactured to define one or more of a fastener head 86, a fastener shank 89, and a fastening section 88.

[0077] In some examples, the wheel 10 can be precision machined from a near-net-shape aluminum forging and include wheel bosses to assemble the rotor drive key 72 to the wheel 10 using fasteners 82 extending through, for example, the wheel boss 78 and the support member 74. In other examples, the wheel 10 may be manufactured in a different manner. In still other examples, the wheel 10 may be obtained rather than manufactured. In some examples, the wheel 10 may be obtained and machined to form the inner surface 14 including a plurality of wheel bosses. The wheel 10 may be made of any suitable material. In some examples, the wheel 10 includes a metal or a metal alloy. For example, the wheel 10 may include aluminum, a nickel alloy, a steel alloy (e.g., stainless steel), titanium, a carbon composite, or magnesium.

[0078] Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of attaching a rotor drive key to an inner surface of a wheel. Figure 11 An exemplary method includes placing a rotor drive key 72 having a support member 74 around a portion of a wheel boss 78 on the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10 (200). Placing the rotor drive key 72 may include inserting the fastening member 84 into the slot 106 of the rotor drive key 72. In some examples, placing the rotor drive key 72 may include aligning the hole 76 extending through the support member 74 with the hole 80 extending through the wheel boss 78. In some examples, placing the rotor drive key 72 may include contacting the slot 106 of the rotor drive key 72 with the first side 108 and the second side 110 of the wheel boss 78 (e.g., establishing a contact fit between the slot 106 of the wheel boss 78 and the first side 108 and the second side 110). In some examples, placing the rotor drive key 72 may include contacting the support support surface 94 and the boss support surface 92.

[0079] The exemplary method also includes extending 202 the fastener 82 through the aperture 80 of the wheel boss 78 and the aperture 76 of the support member 74. In some examples, extending the fastener 82 may include extending the fastener 82 in a substantially axial direction of the wheel 10.

[0080] The exemplary method also includes engaging the fastening member 84 with the fastening section 88 of the fastener 82 (204). In some examples, engaging the fastening member 84 with the fastening section 88 includes threadingly engaging the fastener threads 87 and the member threads 85. In some examples, engaging the fastening member 84 includes contacting the first side 124 and the second side 126 of the fastening member body 120 with the slot 106 of the rotor drive key 72. In some examples, engaging the fastening member 84 may include extending the first arm 114 and / or the second arm 116 of the fastening member 84 beyond the slot 106 of the rotor drive key 72. In some examples, engaging the fastening member 84 may include contacting the first support surface 128 and / or the second support surface 130 of the fastening member 84 with the slot 106 of the rotor drive key 72. In some examples, engaging the fastening member 84 may include contacting the member support surface 122 and the second support member support surface 95.

[0081] In some examples, the method can include placing a shim and / or washer around the shank of the fastener 82. For example, the shim and / or washer can be placed between the fastener head 86 and the wheel boss 78. In some examples, the method can include placing a locking plate 98 around the fastener head 86 of the fastener 82.

[0082] In some examples, the method may include tightening the fastener 82 and the fastening member 84. In some examples, tightening the fastener 82 and the fastening member 84 may include establishing frictional contact between the boss support surface 92 of the wheel boss 78 and the support member support surface 94 of the support member 74. In some examples, tightening the fastener 82 and the fastening member 84 may include establishing frictional contact between the second support member support surface 95 and the member support surface 122.

[0083] In some examples, tightening fastener 82 and fastening member 84 may include anchoring rotor drive key 72 through one or more of fastener 82 , fastening member 84 , wheel boss 78 , and support member 74 and cantilevering the rotor drive key in a substantially axial direction of the wheel.

[0084] In some examples, tightening the fastener 82 and fastening member 84 may include inserting the retainer clamp 99 through the fastener head 86. In some examples, tightening the fastener 82 and fastening member 84 may include wrapping the retainer clamp 99 around a portion of the circumference of the fastener head 86. In some examples, tightening the fastener 82 and fastening member 84 may include wrapping the retainer clamp 99 around a serrated edge that extends around a portion of the circumference of the fastener head 86.

[0085] The present disclosure includes the following embodiments.

[0086] Example 1: An assembly comprising: a rotor drive key configured to be positioned above a wheel boss of a wheel, wherein the rotor drive key defines a support member; a fastener configured to extend through the wheel boss and the support member in a substantially axial direction of the wheel when the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss, wherein a fastening section of the fastener extends beyond the support member when the fastener extends through the wheel boss and the support member; and a fastening member configured to engage with the fastening section.

[0087] Embodiment 2: The assembly of Embodiment 1, wherein the fastening member is configured to threadably engage the fastening section.

[0088] Embodiment 3: The assembly of any combination of Embodiments 1-2, wherein the rotor drive key defines a slot configured to surround at least some portion of the fastening member when the fastener extends through the support member and the fastening member engages the fastening section.

[0089] Embodiment 4: The assembly of Embodiment 3, wherein the fastening member includes an arm configured to extend outside of the slot when the fastener extends through the support member and the fastening member engages the fastening section.

[0090] Embodiment 5: An assembly according to embodiment 4, wherein the arm is a first arm and the fastening member includes a second arm extending in a direction substantially opposite to the first arm, wherein the second arm is configured to extend outside of the slot when the fastener extends through the support member and the fastening member engages the fastening section.

[0091] Embodiment 6: An assembly according to any combination of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the rotor drive key is configured to cantilever from one or more of the fastener, the fastening member, the wheel boss, or the support member in the substantially axial direction of the wheel when the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss and the fastener extends through the wheel boss and the support member.

[0092] Embodiment 7: An assembly according to any combination of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the fastening member includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and wherein the rotor drive key is configured to contact the first side and the second side when the fastener extends through the support member and the fastening member engages the fastening section.

[0093] Embodiment 8: An assembly according to any combination of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the fastening member includes a member support surface and the support member includes a support member support surface, and wherein the member support surface is configured to contact the support member support surface when the fastener extends through the support member and the fastening member engages the fastening section.

[0094] Embodiment 9: The assembly of any combination of Embodiments 1 to 8, further comprising the wheel defining an inner surface and including the wheel boss along the inner surface, wherein: the wheel boss defines a boss hole, and the support member defines a support member hole, wherein when the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss, the fastener is configured to extend through the boss hole and the support member hole, and wherein the support member hole is configured to align with the boss hole when the fastener extends through the boss hole and the support member hole.

[0095] Embodiment 10: The assembly of any combination of Embodiments 1 to 9, further comprising the wheel defining an inner surface and including the wheel boss along the inner surface, wherein the wheel boss includes a pair of opposing sides, and wherein the rotor drive key defines a slot configured to surround at least a portion of each of the opposing sides when the rotor drive key is positioned over the wheel boss.

[0096] Embodiment 11: The assembly of any combination of Embodiments 1 to 10, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to rotationally lock the fastener relative to the rotor drive key when the fastener extends through the support member and the fastening member engages the fastening section.

[0097] Example 12: An assembly comprising: a vehicle wheel, the vehicle wheel including a wheel boss defining a boss hole; a rotor drive key, the rotor drive key being configured to be positioned above the wheel boss, wherein the rotor drive key includes a support member defining a support member hole, the support member hole being configured to be aligned with the boss hole in a substantially axial direction of the wheel; a fastener, the fastener including a fastener head at a first end and a fastening section at a second end, the fastener being configured to extend through the boss hole and the support member hole such that the wheel boss is between the fastener head and the support member and the fastening section extends beyond the support member hole; and a fastening member being configured to engage with the fastening section to secure the fastener in place relative to the rotor drive key.

[0098] Embodiment 13: The assembly of Embodiment 12, wherein the rotor drive key is cantilevered from one or more of the fastener, the fastening member, the wheel boss, or the support member in a substantially axial direction of the vehicle wheel.

[0099] Embodiment 14: An assembly according to any combination of Embodiments 12 to 13, wherein the rotor drive key defines a slot configured to surround at least a portion of the fastening member when the rotor drive key is positioned over the wheel boss and the fastener extends through the support member hole and the boss hole.

[0100] Embodiment 15: An assembly according to embodiment 14, wherein the fastening member includes an arm configured to extend outside of the slot when the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss, the fastener extends through the support member hole and the boss hole, and the fastening member is engaged with the fastening section.

[0101] Embodiment 16: The assembly of Embodiment 15, further comprising a heat shield conforming to an inner surface of the wheel, wherein the arms are configured to substantially limit movement of the heat shield in a substantially axial direction of the wheel.

[0102] Embodiment 17: The assembly of any combination of Embodiments 12 to 16, wherein the fastening member is configured to threadably engage the fastening section.

[0103] Example 18: The assembly of any combination of Examples 12 to 17, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to rotationally lock the fastener relative to the rotor drive key when the fastener extends through the support member hole and the boss hole and the fastening member engages the fastening section.

[0104] Example 19: A method comprising: placing a rotor drive key including a support member around a wheel boss of a vehicle wheel; extending a fastener in an axial direction of the wheel through a boss hole defined by the wheel boss and a support member hole defined by the support member until a fastening section of the fastener extends beyond the support member; and engaging the fastening member with the fastening section.

[0105] Embodiment 20: The method of Embodiment 19, wherein placing the rotor drive key around the wheel boss comprises surrounding the wheel boss through a slot defined by the rotor drive key, and the method further comprises placing the fastening member within the slot.

[0106] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A rotor drive key assembly, comprising: a rotor drive key configured to be positioned over a wheel boss of a wheel, wherein the rotor drive key defines a support member; a fastener configured to extend through the wheel boss and the support member in a substantially axial direction of the wheel when the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss, wherein a fastening section of the fastener extends beyond the support member when the fastener extends through the wheel boss and the support member; and a fastening member configured to engage with the fastening section, wherein the rotor drive key defines a slot configured to surround at least some portion of the fastening member when the fastener extends through the support member and the fastening member engages the fastening section, and wherein the fastening member includes an arm configured to extend outside of the slot when the fastener extends through the support member and the fastening member engages the fastening section. 2 . The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fastening member is configured to threadably engage the fastening section.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the arm is a first arm and the fastening member includes a second arm extending in a direction substantially opposite to the first arm, wherein the second arm is configured to extend outside of the slot when the fastener extends through the support member and the fastening member engages the fastening section.

4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the rotor drive key is configured to be cantilevered from one or more of the fastener, the fastening member, the wheel boss, or the support member in the substantially axial direction of the wheel when the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss and the fastener extends through the wheel boss and the support member.

5. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising said wheel defining an inner surface and including said wheel boss along said inner surface, wherein: The wheel boss defines a boss aperture, and The support member defines a support member aperture, wherein the fastener is configured to extend through the boss aperture and the support member aperture when the rotor drive key is positioned over the wheel boss, and wherein the support member aperture is configured to align with the boss aperture when the fastener extends through the boss aperture and the support member aperture.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to rotationally lock the fastener relative to the rotor drive key when the fastener extends through the support member and the fastening member engages the fastening section.

7. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fastening member includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and wherein the rotor drive key is configured to contact the first side and the second side when the fastener extends through the support member and the fastening member engages the fastening section.

8. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fastening member includes a member support surface and the support member includes a support member support surface, and wherein the member support surface is configured to contact the support member support surface when the fastener extends through the support member and the fastening member engages the fastening section.

9. A method of attaching a rotor drive key to an inner surface of a wheel, comprising: placing a rotor drive key including a support member around a wheel boss of a vehicle wheel; extending a fastener in an axial direction of the wheel through a boss hole defined by the wheel boss and a support member hole defined by the support member until a fastening section of the fastener extends beyond the support member; as well as A fastening member at least partially surrounded by a slot defined by the rotor drive key is engaged with the fastening section such that arms of the fastening member extend outside of the slot when the fastener is extended through the boss hole and the support hole.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein placing the rotor drive key around the wheel boss comprises surrounding the wheel boss with the slot defined by the rotor drive key, and the method further comprises placing the fastening member within the slot.

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