Brake disc pad with retainer

Abstract

The invention is entitled "Brake Disc Liner with Retainer." In some examples, a drive liner includes a clamp and a retainer. The clamp is configured to slide over a surface of a brake disc adjacent to a drive slot of the brake disc in a tangential direction of the brake disc. The retainer is configured to slide over the clamp when the clamp is positioned over the surface to secure the clamp to the brake disc. In some examples, the clamp can include a body segment and first and second arms extending from the body segment. The retainer can include first and second legs configured to contact the first and second arms of the clamp when the retainer is positioned over the clamp. The first and second legs can be resiliently biased to provide an inward clamping force on the clamp when the retainer is positioned over the clamp.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wheel brake systems of vehicles, and in particular to brake disc bushing assemblies for wheel brake systems of vehicles. BACKGROUND

[0002] A vehicle, such as an aircraft, can use a wheel brake system that includes a multi-disc brake assembly. For example, the multi-disc brake assembly can include a plurality of rotors engaged with a wheel and a plurality of stators interleaved with the rotors. The rotors and the wheel are configured to rotate about an axis, while the stators remain rotationally stationary. To decelerate the rotational motion of the rotating wheel, the brake assembly can displace a piston to abut against a pressure plate to squeeze the rotating rotors engaged with the wheel against the stationary stators to generate a torque that decelerates the rotational motion of the wheel. In some examples, the rotors can be engaged with the wheel via rotor drive keys positioned on an inner surface of the wheel. In some such examples, the rotors can define slots configured to receive the rotor drive keys. SUMMARY

[0003] Generally, the present disclosure describes articles, systems, and techniques related to drive bushings for brake discs in wheel brake systems of vehicles. The drive bushings are configured to mechanically couple to a brake disc. In some cases, the brake disc can be part of a brake disc stack of a brake system of a vehicle, where the brake disc stack includes a plurality of brake discs. The brake disc can be configured to have one or more drive slots around a perimeter of the brake disc, the drive slots configured to receive rotor drive keys of a wheel brake system. The drive bushings are configured to mechanically couple to the brake disc at the drive slots. The drive bushings can be configured such that a portion of the drive bushing is located within the drive slots of the brake disc. When the brake disc stack is assembled within the brake system, a portion of the drive bushing can be located within the drive slots of the brake disc and the rotor drive keys of the brake system. The drive bushings can be configured to help protect the brake disc from mechanical stresses experienced by the drive slots of the brake disc, for example, during braking operations of the wheel brake system.

[0004] In examples described herein, the drive bushing includes a clamp and a retainer. The clamp is configured to be slidable over a surface of the brake disc, where the surface is adjacent to a drive slot on an outer perimeter of the brake disc. The clamp can be configured to slide over the surface in a substantially tangential direction of the brake disc. The retainer of the drive bushing is configured to be positioned over (e.g., slidable over) the clamp when the clamp is positioned over the surface. In some examples, the retainer can be configured to slide over the clamp in a radial direction of the brake disc. In some examples, the retainer can be configured such that the retainer radially pushes against the positioned clamp. In some examples, the retainer can provide a snap fit with the clamp.

[0005] The drive bushing can be configured such that the clamp and retainer substantially secure the drive bushing to the brake disc without requiring fasteners (e.g., rivets) or other elements that penetrate the drive bushing and into the brake disc. In some examples, the clamp includes a first arm and a second arm extending from a body section. The clamp can be configured such that when the clamp is positioned over a surface of the brake disc, the first arm engages a surface of the brake disc adjacent to a drive slot of the brake disc, and the second arm engages another surface on an opposite side of the brake disc. The first arm and the second arm can be configured to substantially conform to a cross-sectional profile of the brake disc in order to provide support in a radial direction of the brake disc. When the first arm engages the surface of the brake disc and the second arm engages the opposite surface of the brake disc, the body section of the clamp can at least partially cover a torque face of the drive slot of the brake disc. A surface of the retainer can define a channel, where the surface is resiliently biased to push against the first arm and the second arm of the clamp when the retainer is positioned over the first arm and the second arm.

[0006] In one example, a drive bushing includes a clamp configured to slide over a surface of a brake disc in a tangential direction of the brake disc, where the surface is adjacent to a drive slot on a periphery of the brake disc. The drive bushing also includes a retainer configured to slide over the clamp when the clamp is positioned over the surface in order to secure the clamp to the brake disc.

[0007] In one example, a brake system includes a brake disc, where the brake disc defines a drive slot extending axially through the brake disc on a periphery of the brake disc. The brake disc also includes a first surface adjacent to the drive slot, where the first surface includes a first side of the brake disc. The brake disc also includes a second surface adjacent to the drive slot, where the second surface includes a second side of the brake disc opposite the first side. The brake disc also includes a torque face between the first surface and the second surface. The brake system also includes a clamp, where the clamp includes a body section, a first arm extending from the body section, and a second arm extending from the body section. The first arm is configured to cover a portion of the first surface when the body section covers a portion of the torque face. The second arm is configured to cover a portion of the second surface when the body section covers a portion of the torque face. The brake system also includes a retainer configured to slide over the clamp, where the retainer is configured to contact the first arm and the second arm when the retainer is slid over the clamp.

[0008] In one example, a technique includes positioning a clamp on a brake disc by sliding the clamp over a first surface and a second surface of the brake disc in a tangential direction of the brake disc. The first surface and the second surface of the brake disc are adjacent to a drive slot that extends axially through a perimeter of the brake disc. The first surface includes a first side of the brake disc and the second surface includes a second side opposite the first side. The technique also includes positioning a retainer over the positioned clamp in a radial direction of the brake disc.

[0009] 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 DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example wheel that includes a plurality of rotor drive keys on an inner surface of the wheel.

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example wheel and brake assembly including Figure 1

[0012] Figure 3 is a plan view of an example brake disc having a plurality of drive slots.

[0013] Figure 4 is an isometric view of a segment of the brake disc.

[0014] Figure 5 is an isometric view of an example drive bushing including a clamp and a retainer.

[0015] Figure 6 is an isometric view of an example clamp and an example retainer mounted on a brake disc.

[0016] Figure 7A is a front view of an example clamp of a drive bushing.

[0017] Figure 7B is a side view of an example clamp of a drive bushing of Figure 7A

[0018] Figure 7C is a top view of an example clamp of a drive bushing of Figure 7A

[0019] Figure 8A is a front view of an example retainer of a drive bushing.

[0020] Figure 8B is a side view of an example retainer of a drive bushing of Figure 8A

[0021] ​​​​Figure 8C is a top view of an exemplary retainer Figure 8A showing a drive bushing of

[0022] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an exemplary technique of installing a drive bushing including a clamp and a retainer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present disclosure describes articles, systems, and techniques related to drive bushings for brake discs in wheel brake systems for vehicles. The drive bushings described herein are configured to mechanically couple to a brake disc, which can be one of a plurality of brake discs of a brake disc stack of a vehicle brake system. The brake disc defines one or more drive slots about a periphery of the brake disc, and the drive bushing can be configured to mechanically couple with the brake disc at the drive slots. The drive bushing is configured such that at least some portion of the drive bushing is between the drive slots of the brake disc and a rotor drive key when the brake disc is assembled within the brake system. The drive bushing can be configured to protect the brake disc from mechanical stresses experienced by the drive slots of the brake disc, for example, during braking operations of the wheel brake system. For example, the drive bushing can be configured to help distribute loads from the drive key and / or key teeth onto the brake disc, and / or reduce wear of the brake disc.

[0024] In examples described herein, the drive bushing includes a clamp and a retainer. The clamp is configured to be slidable over a surface of the brake disc, where the surface is adjacent to the drive slots on an outer periphery of the brake disc. The clamp can be configured to be slidable over the surface in a substantially tangential direction of the brake disc. The retainer of the drive bushing can then be positioned over the clamp to help secure the clamp to the brake disc. For example, the retainer of the drive bushing can be configured to be slidable over the clamp in a radial direction of the brake disc when the clamp is positioned over the surface. The retainer can be configured such that the retainer is urged radially over the positioned clamp. In some examples, the retainer provides a snap fit with the clamp.

[0025] The drive bushing can be configured such that the clamp and retainer substantially secure the drive bushing to the brake disc without the need for fasteners (e.g., rivets) or other elements to penetrate the drive bushing and into the brake disc. Rivets and other fasteners that attach the drive bushing to the brake rotor can fatigue due to cyclic vibrations and stresses that occur in repeated braking operations. This can result in rivet failure and compromise of the attachment between the drive bushing and the brake disc, as well as the presence of loose hardware floating within the brake system. Additionally, rivets and other through fasteners can necessarily require a rivet hole through the surface of the brake disc, thereby compromising the surface integrity of the brake disc and potentially creating a stress concentration around the hole when the brake disc is subjected to braking loads. Installing one or more rivets within the brake disc can also place stress on the brake disc near the rivet as the rivet tail expands within the rivet hole to provide the fastening function between the drive bushing and the brake disc.

[0026] A wheel brake system can include a hub configured to rotate about a central axis. The hub can be mechanically coupled to a shaft through a bearing or some other mechanism that provides support while enabling the wheel to rotate about the shaft. In some cases, the wheel brake system can include one or more rotor brake discs configured to rotate about the shaft substantially synchronously with the wheel. The wheel brake system can also include one or more stator brake discs interleaved with the rotor brake discs, where the stator brake discs are configured to remain stationary relative to the shaft. Thus, the rotor brake discs and the stator brake discs can include a stack of discs, where during rotation of the wheel, the rotor brake discs rotate about the shaft substantially synchronously with the wheel, while the interleaved stator brake discs remain stationary relative to the shaft. Each rotor brake disc and stator brake disc can have one or more friction surfaces configured to face friction surfaces of adjacent brake discs within the stack of discs.

[0027] Each rotor brake disc and stator brake disc can also be configured to translate in a direction substantially parallel to the shaft, thereby allowing the stack of discs to be compressed and establish contact between adjacent rotor brake discs and stator brake discs. During a braking operation, the stack of discs can be compressed, for example, by one or more piston and drum assemblies, to urge the friction surfaces into engagement. The engagement between the friction surfaces of the rotor brake discs rotating about the shaft and the stator brake discs stationary relative to the shaft converts the kinetic energy of the rotating rotor brake discs into heat energy and slows the rotation of the rotor brake discs. Due to the mechanical coupling between the rotor brake discs and the hub, the rotation of the hub is similarly reduced.

[0028] During braking operation, significant shear forces can be generated on the friction surfaces of the rotor and stator brake discs as the disc stack is compressed. These forces are typically transmitted through the rotor and stator brake discs to torque transmission components such as the aforementioned brake disc drive slots. Each rotor brake disc may include one or more drive slots surrounding its outer periphery. When the brake assembly is assembled, a rotor drive key mounted to the wheel may extend through the corresponding drive slot. The rotor drive key and drive slot may be configured such that the drive slot applies torque to the rotor drive key during braking, thereby generating stress in the rotor brake disc near the drive slot (e.g., adjacent to the drive slot). The drive bushings disclosed herein may be configured to protect the brake disc from mechanical stresses borne by the drive slots of the brake disc, such as those generated on the brake disc due to torque generated from contact with the friction surfaces of one or more adjacent brake discs.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary wheel 110, which includes a plurality of rotor drive keys 140 on its inner surface 156. In some examples, wheel 110 is part of an aircraft vehicle. In other examples, wheel 110 may be part of any other vehicle, such as, for example, any marine vessel, land vehicle, or other vehicle. Wheel 110 may include a rim 152 defining an outer surface 154 and an inner surface 156. Rim 152 may include a hub 121, a manhole 120, and a wheel cantilever support flange 122. In some examples, inner surface 156 may include the inner diameter of the hub 121 of wheel 110. For example, in some cases, inner surface 156 may be referred to as the inner diameter surface of wheel 110.

[0030] In some examples, a tire (not shown) may be mounted on the outer surface 154 of the rim 152. For example, wheel 110 may include an inner bead seat 124B and an outer bead seat 124A, which are configured to retain the tire on the outer surface 154 of the rim 152.

[0031] Wheel 110 is configured to engage with one or more rotors of the braking assembly. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) Joining. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown in the example, a plurality of rotor drive keys 140 are attached to the inner surface 156, and each of the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 can be configured to engage one or more rotors of the brake disc stack of the brake assembly. This will be relative to... Figure 2 An exemplary braking assembly is described in more detail.

[0032] In some examples, each of the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 is substantially axially positioned on the wheel 110 (e.g., parallel to...). Figure 1The axis label "A" extends in the direction of the axis (which may be the axis of rotation of wheel 110). For example, the length of each rotor drive key 140 in the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may extend substantially axially (e.g., axially or almost axially within the range allowed by manufacturing tolerances) along axis A. In some such examples, the corresponding length of each rotor drive key 140 may extend from (or near) the first edge 111 of wheel 110 to (or near) the second edge 112 of wheel 110. In this way, in some examples, the length of the rotor drive key 140 in the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may be the same as or substantially similar to the width of wheel 110 from the first edge to the second edge (e.g., within 10%). In other examples, the length of the rotor drive key 140 may be less than the width of wheel 110.

[0033] A plurality of rotor drive keys 140 extending substantially axially allow the wheel 110 to slide onto the braking assembly. For example, the plurality of rotors of the braking assembly may include drive slots configured to receive the plurality of rotor drive keys 140, allowing the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 to slide into corresponding drive slots of the plurality of rotors. In other examples, one or more of the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may be oriented in different directions and / or may engage with one or more rotors in different ways.

[0034] The plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may include any suitable number of rotor drive keys. The number of drive keys may be vehicle-specific and may depend on, for example, load, component size, material properties, etc. In some examples, the number of rotor drive keys included in the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may correspond to the number of drive slots defined by the plurality of rotors of the braking assembly, which are configured to receive the plurality of rotor drive keys 140. For example, each rotor drive key in the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may correspond to a corresponding slot defined by the plurality of rotors of the braking assembly.

[0035] like Figure 1 As illustrated in the examples, in some examples, a plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may be mounted around the inner surface 156 of the wheel 110 at substantially equal circumferential distances. In other examples, one or more of the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may be mounted at different circumferential distances from adjacent rotor drive keys compared to at least one other rotor drive key. Here and elsewhere, circumferential distance refers to the arc length on the inner surface 156 of the wheel 110, wherein the arc lies in a plane perpendicular to the substantially axial direction of the wheel 110. The rotor drive keys 140 may be integrally formed with the well 120, or may be separate from the well 120 and mechanically attached to it.

[0036] Figure 2is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an exemplary wheel and brake assembly 215 including a wheel 210 and a brake assembly 258. The wheel and brake assembly 215 is shown and described to provide context for the exemplary drive bushing described herein. However, in other examples, the drive bushing described herein can be used with any suitable wheel and brake assembly.

[0037] The wheel 210 includes a wheel hub 221, a tube well 220, a wheel suspension arm bracket flange 222, an outboard bead seat 224A and an inboard bead seat 224B, a wheel rim 252, an outer surface 254, and an inner surface 256, which can be constructed individually and in relation to one another in the same manner as discussed for the identically named components of the wheel 110 Figure 1 ) described herein. The wheel 210 can be configured to be rotatably carried on a shaft 218. In turn, the wheel 210 can impart motion to a vehicle including or mounted on the wheel and brake assembly 215. In Figure 2 In the example shown, the tube well 220 and the wheel suspension arm bracket flange 222 are mechanically coupled by lug bolts 226 and lug nuts 228. In other examples, other connection techniques can be used.

[0038] The brake assembly 258 includes an actuator assembly 214 and a brake stack 216. The actuator assembly 214 includes an actuator housing 230, an actuator housing bolt 232, and a plunger 234. The brake stack 216 includes interleaved rotor brake discs 236 and stator brake discs 238. The rotor brake discs 236 are configured to move relative to the stator brake discs 238, for example, to rotate relative to the stator brake discs 238 about an axis A and to move axially along the axis A. The rotor brake discs 236 are engaged with, for example, interfaced with, the wheel 210 by a rotor drive key 240, particularly the tube well 220. The stator brake discs 238 are mounted to a torque tube 242 by key teeth 244. The wheel and brake assembly 215 can support any kind of private, commercial, or military aircraft or other type of vehicle.

[0039] The wheel and brake assembly 215 can be mounted to a vehicle via the torque tube 242 and the shaft 218. In Figure 2 In the example shown, the torque tube 242 is attached to the shaft 218 by a plurality of bolts 246. The torque tube 242 supports the actuator assembly 214 and the stator brake discs 238. The shaft 218 can be mounted on a strut of a landing gear (not shown) or other suitable component of a vehicle to connect the wheel and brake assembly 215 to the vehicle.

[0040] During operation of the vehicle, braking can be required from time to time, such as during landing and taxiing of the aircraft. The wheel and brake assembly 215 is configured to provide braking functionality to the vehicle via the actuator assembly 214 and the brake stack 216. The actuator assembly 214 includes an actuator housing 230 and a plunger 234. The actuator assembly 214 can include different types of actuators, such as one or more of, for example, an electro-mechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, etc. During operation, the plunger 234 can extend away from the actuator housing 230 to axially compress the brake stack 216 against the compression region 248 for braking. The brake stack 216 includes interleaved rotor brake discs 236 and stator brake discs 238.

[0041] The rotor brake discs 236 are slidably engaged with the rotor drive key 240 for co-rotation with the tube well 220 and the rotor drive key 240. The stator brake discs 238 are mounted to the torque tube 242 by key teeth 244. In the example shown, the rotor drive key 240 is a cylindrical rod that extends through the center of the rotor brake discs 236 and the stator brake discs 238. The rotor drive key 240 is configured to be engaged by a drive shaft (not shown) of the aircraft. Figure 2 In the example shown, the brake stack 216 includes four rotors and five stators. However, in other examples, a different number of rotors and / or stators can be included in the brake stack 216. The rotor brake discs 236 and the stator brake discs 238 can provide opposing frictional surfaces for braking the aircraft. In some examples, the wheel and brake assembly 215 can include a thermal barrier between the rotor brake discs 236 and the tube well 220 in order to, for example, limit heat transfer between the brake stack 216 and the wheel 210.

[0042] In some examples, the key teeth 244 can be circumferentially spaced around an outer portion of the torque tube 242. The stator brake discs 238 can include a plurality of radially inwardly disposed lug slots along an inner diameter of the brake disc that are configured to be engaged by the key teeth 244. Similarly, the rotor brake discs 236 can include a plurality of radially inwardly disposed drive slots along an outer periphery (e.g., an outer diameter in the case of a disc having a circular cross-section) of the rotor brake disc. The plurality of radially inwardly disposed drive slots can be configured to be engaged by the rotor drive key 240. In this way, the rotor brake discs 236 will rotate with the wheel 210 while the stator brake discs 238 remain stationary, allowing the frictional surfaces of adjacent stator brake discs 238 and rotor brake discs 236 to engage one another, thereby slowing rotation of the wheel 210.

[0043] Figure 3 is a schematic view showing an example rotor brake disc 336, which can be the rotor brake disc 236 Figure 2) of one or more of the examples. The rotor brake disc 336 can be formed of any suitable material, such as but not limited to carbon-carbon composite material. The rotor brake disc 336 defines a central aperture 374 extending through the rotor brake disc 336. The rotor brake disc 336 further defines a plurality of drive slots about an outer periphery 363 of the rotor brake disc 336. The plurality of drive slots includes, for example, drive slot 361 and drive slot 377, as well as other drive slots similarly shown. The rotor brake disc 336 further includes a friction surface 372. The rotor brake disc 336 can include a second friction surface (not shown) opposite the friction surface 372. The friction surface 372 and the second friction surface of the brake disc 336 are configured to engage with an adjacent stator disc during a braking operation of a brake assembly including a brake disc stack of which the disc 336 is a part.

[0044] The central aperture 374 can be configured to surround a shaft, such as the shaft 218, and allow the rotor brake disc 336 to rotate about and relative to the shaft Figure 2 ). For example, the central aperture 374 can be configured to receive the torque tube 242, which surrounds the shaft 218 and is attached to the shaft by the bolts 246. The plurality of drive slots, such as 361, 377, can be configured to slidably engage a plurality of rotor drive keys, such as the plurality of rotor drive keys 140, 240 Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). As discussed, each of the plurality of rotor drive keys 140, 240 can extend substantially axially (e.g., parallel to the axis of rotation A shown) of the wheel 110, 210, and can be mounted about an inner surface 156, 256 of the wheel 110, 210 Figure 3 , Figure 1 , Figure 2 ). When the plurality of drive slots slidably engage a plurality of rotor drive keys, such as the plurality of rotor drive keys 140, 240, and the central aperture 374 surrounds a shaft, such as the shaft 218, the rotor brake disc 336 is configured to receive a force from the plurality of rotor drive keys that acts tangentially on the rotor disc 336 and results in a substantially synchronous rotation of the rotor disc 336 with the wheel, such as the wheel 110, 210 Figure 1 , Figure 2 ).

[0045] For example, Figure 3 A portion of the rotor drive key 340 is shown extending through the drive slot 361. The rotor drive key 340 can be one of the plurality of rotor drive keys 140, 240 Figure 1 and Figure 2the rotor drive keys 340. One or more of the drive slots (e.g., a subset of the drive slots or all of the drive slots) defined by the rotor brake disc 336 can have a portion of the corresponding rotor drive key that extends through the drive slot in a manner similar to that described for the drive slot 361 and the rotor drive key 340. The rotor drive keys 340 can extend substantially axially of the wheel, such as the wheel 210, 110 Figure 1 and Figure 2 about an inner surface, such as the inner surface 156, 256 of the wheel 110, 210, such that the rotor drive keys 340 rotate correspondingly about the shaft as the wheel rotates about the shaft, such as the shaft 218. Rotation of the rotor drive keys 340 causes the rotor drive keys 340 to exert a tangential force on the rotor brake disc 336, thereby causing the rotor disc 336 to rotate substantially synchronously with the wheel.

[0046] During a braking operation, as the wheel 210 rotates about the shaft 218, as a plunger, such as the plunger 234, compresses a brake stack, such as the brake stack 216 Figure 2 The axial translation of the rotor brake disc 336 can cause the friction surface 372 of the rotor brake disc 336 to contact a friction surface of one or more adjacent stator brake discs. As discussed, a stator brake disc, such as the stator brake disc 238, can be mounted to the torque tube 242 by the teeth 244 Figure 2 and the rotor brake disc 336 translates axially such that the friction surface 372 contacts a friction surface of an adjacent stator brake disc, the plurality of rotor drive keys can exert a force on the plurality of drive slots, such as the drive slots 361, 378, as the frictional contact converts kinetic energy into heat energy. For example, during a braking operation, as a wheel, such as the wheel 210, experiences rotation about a shaft, such as the shaft 218, as the friction surface 372 engages a friction surface of an adjacent stator brake disc, the plurality of rotor drive keys can exert a force on the plurality of drive slots substantially tangentially of the rotor brake disc 336. The force exerted on the plurality of drive slots, such as the drive slots 361, 378, by the plurality of rotor drive keys, such as the drive keys 340, can be a force of action or a force of reaction.

[0047] Here and elsewhere, axial of a brake disc means the direction of a vector that coincides with an axis extending through a central aperture of the rotor brake disc. For example, Figure 3An axis A is shown normal to the page and extending through the center hole 374. The axial direction of the rotor brake disc 336 is the direction of a vector that coincides with the axis A. Figure 3 An axis A is shown normal to the page and extending through the center hole 374. The axial direction of the rotor brake disc 336 is the direction of a vector that coincides with the axis A. Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 An axis A is shown normal to the page and extending through the center hole 374. The axial direction of the rotor brake disc 336 is the direction of a vector that coincides with the axis A. Figure 3 An axis A is shown normal to the page and extending through the center hole 374. The axial direction of the rotor brake disc 336 is the direction of a vector that coincides with the axis A. Figure 3 An axis A is shown normal to the page and extending through the center hole 374. The axial direction of the rotor brake disc 336 is the direction of a vector that coincides with the axis A.

[0048] Each drive slot of the plurality of drive slots in the rotor brake disc 336, including the slots 361, 377, can be augmented by a drive bushing, such as the drive bushing 380 within the drive slot 361. While the drive bushing 380 and the drive slot 361 are primarily described in the context of the rotor brake disc 336 and other figures, the description of the drive bushing 380 and the drive slot 361 can apply to other drive slots and drive bushings of the rotor brake disc 336 and other brake discs described herein. Additionally, while the rotor brake disc 336 is primarily described in the context of the rotor brake disc 336 and other figures, the drive bushings described herein can also be used on drive slots of stator brake discs, such as one or more of the stator brake discs 238 Figure 3 Figure 3 Figure 2

[0049] The drive bushing 380 is configured to help mitigate the effects of stress applied to the drive slot 361 from the rotor drive key 340 during braking operations. The drive bushing 380 provides a sliding surface and a load bearing surface to act on the rotor drive key 340 and, as a result, can minimize or even eliminate the extent to which the rotor drive key 340 directly engages a surface of the rotor brake disc 336. The drive bushing 380 is configured to substantially cover certain areas (e.g., all or a portion) of the drive slot 361 and is configured to be mounted on the rotor brake disc 336 such that the drive bushing 380 is positioned between the rotor drive key 340 and the drive slot 361 when the rotor drive key 340 applies a tangential force to the drive slot 361 during braking operations. The drive bushing 380 is configured to provide a secure fit within the drive slot 361 in the axial, radial, and tangential directions of the rotor brake disc 336 so as to withstand the forces of the rotor drive key 340 during braking operations of the wheel 110 Figure 1 Figure 2 ​​​​During rotation, the rotor brake disc 336 rotates while maintaining a substantially fixed position about the drive slot 361. The drive bushing 380 can be configured to provide secure placement in the absence of a rivet (e.g., rivetless) or other fastening mechanism that penetrates the rotor brake disc 336. Use of the drive bushing 380 can reduce wear of the drive slot 361 due to the rotor drive key 340 cyclically loading the drive slot 361 during repeated braking operations.

[0050] Figure 4 A section of the rotor brake disc 336 and a section of the drive slot 361 defined by the brake disc 336 are shown. The drive slot 361 is located on an outer periphery 363 of the rotor brake disc 360. The axial, radial, and tangential directions are indicated by line Al, line Rl, and line Tl, respectively. The line Al, line Rl, and line Tl can be parallel to the line A, line R, and line T, respectively. Figure 3 The drive slot 361 includes a torque face 364. The torque face 364 can be located along the outer periphery 363 of the rotor brake disc 336. The torque face 364 defines a portion of the drive slot 361 and is configured to carry tangential forces exerted by a rotor drive key (e.g., the rotor drive key 340 Figure 3 ) during a braking operation. In some examples, a projection of the torque face 364 onto a plane including the line Al and line Rl defines a non-zero displacement in a direction parallel to the line Rl.

[0051] The torque face 364 can have any suitable orientation with respect to the axial Al, radial Rl, and tangential Tl directions. In some examples, the torque face 364 is oriented such that a projection of the torque face 364 onto a plane including the line Al and line Tl can define a non-zero displacement in a direction parallel to the line Tl. In some examples, a vector parallel to the torque face 364 can have a slope AR1 / AT1 greater than 1, where AR1 is the absolute value of the displacement in a direction parallel to Rl and AT1 is the absolute value of the displacement in a direction parallel to Tl.

[0052] Figure 5 An example drive bushing 380 including a retainer 382 and a clamp 390 is shown. The drive bushing 380 is configured to be secured within a drive slot of a brake disc, such as the drive slot 361 of the rotor brake disc 336. Again, while the rotor brake disc 336, drive slot 361, and drive key 340 Figure 3 ) are primarily described in the context of Figure 5 , the description of the drive bushing 380 can be applicable to other drive bushings, brake discs, drive slots, and / or drive keys.

[0053] The drive bushing 380 is configured to be mounted on the brake disc 336 such that the drive bushing 380 is positioned between the rotor drive key 340 and the drive slot 361 when the brake disc 336 is mounted on the wheel. Thus, the drive bushing 380 is positioned between the rotor drive key 340 and the drive slot 361 when the rotor drive key 340 exerts a tangential force on the drive slot 361 during a braking operation. The drive bushing 380 can be configured to reinforce the drive slot 361 to help minimize any adverse effects on the brake disc 336 due to the rotor drive key 340 exerting a force on the drive slot 361 during a braking operation. The drive bushing 380 can be configured to provide a secure placement within the drive slot 361 in the axial A, radial R, and tangential T directions of the rotor brake disc 336 so as to maintain a substantially fixed position with respect to the drive slot 361 as the rotor brake disc 336 rotates.

[0054] The clamp 390 is configured to be slidable over a surface of the rotor brake disc 336 in the tangential T direction of the rotor brake disc 336, where the surface of the brake disc is adjacent to the drive slot 361 on the periphery 363 of the brake disc 336. For example, the clamp 390 can be configured to be slidable over the surface 362 of the rotor brake disc 336 in a direction substantially parallel to the line Tl. As shown, the surface 362 is adjacent to the drive slot 361 in the tangential direction. The retainer 382 is configured to be slidable over the clamp 390 when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362 (or other surface in other examples). The retainer 382 can be configured to be slidable over the clamp 390 in the radial R direction of the brake disc 336. The retainer 382 can be used to secure the clamp 390 to the brake disc 336 to minimize movement of the clamp 390 with respect to the axial, radial, and / or tangential directions of the brake disc 336. For example, when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362, the retainer 382 can be configured to be slidable over the clamp 390 in a direction substantially parallel to the Rl so as to secure the clamp 390 to the surface 362 and minimize movement of the clamp 390 in directions substantially parallel to the Al, Rl, and Tl.

[0055] In some examples, the retainer 382 includes a channel 386 that is configured to receive the clamp 390 when the retainer 382 is slid over the clamp 390 in the radial direction of the rotor brake disc 336. The channel 386 can be formed by the first leg 311 and the second leg 313 extending from the bridge section 315. The bridge section 315 can resiliently bias the first leg 311 toward the second leg 313 and / or resiliently bias the second leg 313 toward the first leg 311.

[0056] In some examples, the clamp 390 includes a body segment 391 that includes a drive face 392 and a back face 393. The drive face 392 and the back face 393 are surfaces of the body segment 391. The back face 393 is opposite the drive face 392 such that a portion of the body segment 391 separates the back face 393 from the drive face 392. The back face 393 can be configured to engage the torque face 364 of the brake disc 336 when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362 of the brake disc 336.

[0057] Further, in some examples, the clamp 390 includes a first arm 396 and a second arm 395 that extend from the body segment 391. The retainer 382 can be configured to contact the first arm 396 and the second arm 395 when the retainer 382 is positioned over the clamp 390.

[0058] Figure 6 An example drive bushing 380 is shown positioned on a brake disc 336 that defines a perimeter 363 and a drive slot 361. The axial, radial, and tangential directions are indicated by line Al, line Rl, and line Tl, respectively. The line Al, line Rl, and line Tl can be parallel to the line A, line R, and line T, respectively. Figure 3 The clamp 390 of the drive bushing 380 is configured to slide over the surface 362 of the brake disc 336 and is shown positioned on the brake disc 336 such that the first arm 396 at least partially covers the surface 362 Figure 4 and such that the body segment 391 is engaged (e.g., directly or indirectly contacts) the brake disc 336. In some examples, there can be a gap between the body segment 391 and the brake disc 336 when the first arm 396 at least partially covers the surface 362. With the clamp 390 positioned over the surface 362 of the brake disc 336, the back face 393 is engaging the torque face 364 of the brake disc 336. The retainer 382 is positioned over the clamp 390 and contacts the first arm 396 and the second arm 395 of the clamp 390. When positioned, the retainer 382 and the clamp 390 provide a secure placement of the drive bushing 380 within the drive slot 361 of the brake disc 336 in the axial, radial, and tangential directions of the rotor brake disc 336. Further, the drive bushing 380 is mounted such that the drive bushing 380 can be between the rotor drive key 340 Figure 3 and the drive slot 361 when the rotor brake disc 336 is mounted on a wheel that includes the rotor drive key 340.

[0059] The drive face 392 and the back face 393 of the clamp 390 Figure 5 , Figure 6The back face 393 can be a non-intersecting surface of the body section 391. The back face 393 is opposite the drive face 392 such that some portion of the body section 391 separates the back face 393 from the drive face 392. In some examples, the back face 393 is configured to frictionally engage the torque face 364 of the brake disc 336 when the clamp 390 is positioned as designed over the surface 362 of the brake disc 336. The back face 393 can be configured to substantially conform to the torque face 364 when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362. The torque face 364 can define a torque face surface area, and the back face 393 can define a back face surface area. In some examples, the back face 393 can contact at least 70% of the torque face surface area when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362, within manufacturing tolerances, in other examples, at least 80%, and in other examples, at least 90%, such as 100% or nearly 100%.

[0060] The back face 393 can have any suitable orientation with respect to the axial A1, the radial R1, and the tangential T1 of the rotor brake disc 336. In some examples, the back face 393 is oriented such that a projection of the back face 393 onto a plane including the line A1 and the line T1 can define a non-zero displacement in a direction parallel to the line T1 when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362. In some examples, a vector parallel to the back face 393 can have a slope AR1 / AT1 greater than 1 when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362, where AR1 is the absolute value of the displacement in a direction parallel to R1, and AT1 is the absolute value of the displacement in a direction parallel to T1.

[0061] The first arm 396 is configured to engage a surface 362 of the rotor brake disc 336 when the back face 393 of the body segment 391 engages the torque face 364 of the drive slot 361. The second arm 395 is configured to engage a second surface 365 of the rotor brake disc 336 when the back face 393 engages the torque face 364. The surface 362 engaged by the first arm 396 can comprise a first side of the rotor brake disc 336, and the second surface 365 engaged by the second arm 395 can comprise another side of the rotor brake disc 336 opposite the first side. The surface 362 and the second surface 365 can be non-intersecting surfaces of the rotor brake disc 336. The surface 362 and the second surface 365 can be separated by the perimeter 363 and / or some portion of the rotor brake disc 336. In some examples, the clamp 390 can be configured such that the first arm 396 substantially conforms to the surface 362 when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362. The clamp 390 can be configured such that the second arm 395 substantially conforms to the second surface 365 when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362. The first arm 396 and the second arm 395 can contact the surface 362 and the second surface 365, respectively, when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362. The clamp 390 can be configured such that the first arm 396 and the second arm 395 are angled away from each other when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362.

[0062] The clamp 390 can have any suitable configuration. In some examples, the body segment 391 and the arms 395, 396 are formed as physically separate from each other and subsequently attached to define the clamp 390. In other examples, the body segment 391 and the arms 395, 396 have a unitary body construction, e.g., formed as a unitary piece. The clamp 390 can be formed by machining from bar stock, investment casting, 3D printing, or some other suitable method. Further, in some examples, the clamp 390 can be formed from any suitable material, such as but not limited to Inconel or other alloys. In some examples, the segment 391 and the arms 395, 396 are formed from the same material, while in other examples, at least two of the segment 391, the arm 395, and the arm 396 are formed from materials different from each other.

[0063] Figures 7A-7C A plan view of an example clamp 390 is shown. Figure 7A A front view is shown, Figure 7B A side view is shown, and Figure 7C A top view is shown. In each of the views provided, Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B and Figure 7CThe x-y-z axes shown in each of FIGS. 1-3 remain in the same orientation relative to the fixture 390. The fixture 390 includes a body section 391 that defines a drive face 392. The fixture 390 also includes a first arm 396 and a second arm 395 that extend from the body section 391. The fixture 390 includes a back face 393 opposite the drive face 392, such that a portion of the body section 391 separates the back face 393 from the drive face 392.

[0064] The first arm 396 includes a first arm inner wall 303 and a first arm outer wall 305, where the first arm inner wall 303 and the first arm outer wall 305 are on substantially opposite sides of the first arm 396. The second arm 395 includes a second arm inner wall 307 and a second arm outer wall 309, where the second arm inner wall 307 and the second arm outer wall 309 are on substantially opposite sides of the second arm 395. The first arm inner wall 303 and the second arm inner wall 307 can generally face one another, while the first arm outer wall 305 and the second arm outer wall 309 can generally face away from one another. The fixture 390 defines a gap between the first arm inner wall 303 and the second arm inner wall 307 that is configured to receive a portion of the brake disc 336, such as to mate with a portion of the brake disc 336 adjacent to the drive slot 361. Figure 3 The gap is defined by a displacement Dl between the first arm inner wall 303 and the second arm inner wall 307. The displacement Dl can be parallel to the x-axis, and can vary relative to the y-axis. For example, the displacement Dl can increase in the positive direction of the y-axis and decrease in the negative direction of the y-axis, such that the first arm inner wall 303 and the second arm inner wall 307 generally tilt away from one another in the positive direction of the y-axis. The displacement Dl can decrease and / or remain substantially constant in the positive direction of the y-axis.

[0065] In some examples, the fixture 390 is configured such that the displacement Dl between the first arm inner wall 303 and the second arm inner wall 307 varies in the same manner as a displacement D2 Figure 4 between the surface 362 of the rotor brake disc 336 and the second surface 365, which can help facilitate achieving a desired level of physical engagement between the fixture 390 and the brake disc 336. For example, the displacement Dl can increase in the positive direction of the y-axis, and the displacement D2 can increase in the positive direction of the y-axis as the rotor brake disc 336 moves from the center hole 374 to the perimeter 363. Figure 3). Displacement D2 can be proximate drive slot 361 and can extend between surface 362 and second surface 365 in a tangential direction of rotor brake disc 336. Clamp 390 can be configured such that displacement D1 between first arm inner wall 303 and second arm inner wall 307 varies in a wedge-shaped fit with varying displacement D2 of rotor brake disc 336. Displacement D1 can increase in a positive direction of y-axis such that when clamp 390 is positioned over surface 362, the increased displacement D1 between first arm 396 and second arm 395 substantially fixes clamp 390 to prevent it from moving in a radial direction of rotor brake disc 336. In an example, displacement D1 increases in a radial direction from center hole 374 of rotor brake disc 336 to periphery 363 of rotor brake disc 336 when clamp 390 is positioned over surface 362.

[0066] Clamp 390 can be configured such that when clamp 390 is positioned over surface 362, first arm inner wall 303 contacts surface 362 and second arm inner wall 307 contacts second surface 365 Figure 4 ). For example, clamp 390 can be configured such that when back face 393 engages torque face 364 of rotor brake disc 336, first arm inner wall 303 is positioned over surface 362 and second arm inner wall 307 is positioned over second surface 365. Clamp 390 can be positioned over brake disc 336 using any suitable technique. For example, clamp 390 can be configured such that to position clamp 390 over surface 362, first arm inner wall 303 slides over surface 362 and second arm inner wall 307 slides over second surface 365, for example in tangential direction T1. Clamp 390 can be configured such that when back face 393 engages torque face 364 of rotor brake disc 336, displacement D1 increases in a radial direction from center hole 374 to periphery 363 of rotor brake disc 336.

[0067] As discussed, drive bushing 380 includes a clamp such as clamp 390 and a retainer such as retainer 382. Clamp 390 can slide over a surface adjacent to a drive slot of a brake disc, such as surface 362 adjacent to drive slot 361 of rotor brake disc 336 Figure 4). The clip 390 is configured to slide over the surface 362 in the tangential direction T1 of the rotor brake disc 336, and can be configured to substantially block the clip 390 from moving in the axial direction Al and the radial direction R1 when positioned on the rotor brake disc 336. For example, the clip 390 can include a first arm 396 and a second arm 395 configured to engage opposing sides of the rotor brake disc 336 (e.g., the surface 362 and a second surface 365) and substantially block the clip 390 from moving in the axial direction Al of the rotor brake disc 336. An increased displacement D1 between the first arm 396 and the second arm 395 can substantially wedge with the rotor brake disc 336 and substantially block the clip 390 from moving in the radial direction R1 of the rotor brake disc. The support provided by the clip 390 to prevent axial and radial movement can be present in the absence of additional attachment mechanisms such as rivets when positioned on the rotor brake disc 336. Thus, when the clip 390 is installed on the rotor brake disc 336, the clip can provide support to prevent axial Al and radial R1 movement without the need for additional attachment means (e.g., rivets) that penetrate the clip 390 and / or the rotor brake disc 336.

[0068] To provide further support, the retainer 382 is able to slide over the clip 390 when the clip 390 is positioned over the surface 362 (or other surface in other examples). The retainer 382 can slide over the clip 390 in the radial direction of the rotor brake disc 336. In examples, the clip 390 can be configured to slide tangentially between the retainer 382 and the surface 362. The retainer 382 can be configured to provide support to the clip 390 to prevent the clip from moving in the tangential direction T1 when the retainer 382 is positioned on the clip 390. For example, the retainer 382 can include a flange 383( Figure 5 ) that inserts into the cutout 325( Figure 4 ) of the rotor brake disc 336 when the retainer 382 is positioned on the clip 390, thereby substantially blocking the retainer 382 from moving in the tangential direction T1 of the rotor brake disc 336. When positioned, the retainer 382 can be configured to counter tangential movement of the clip 390 by, for example, providing a surface that substantially prevents the clip 390 from translating in the tangential direction T1. Thus, the retainer 382 can be used to block the clip 390 from moving in the tangential direction T1.

[0069] Correspondingly, when the drive bushing 380 is mounted on the rotor brake disc 336, the clamp 390 and retainer 382 work together to substantially block the drive bushing 380, preventing it from moving axially, radially, and tangentially within the rotor brake disc 336. Furthermore, the clamp 390 and retainer 382 work together to secure the drive bushing 380 to the brake disc without requiring fasteners (e.g., rivets) or other components to penetrate the drive bushing 380 and the rotor brake disc 336. This may prevent rivet failure and damage to the adhesion between the drive bushing and the brake disc, as well as the appearance of loose hardware floating within the braking system.

[0070] When the retainer 382 is positioned on the clamp 390, the retainer 382 can engage the clamp 390 in any suitable manner. In examples, when the retainer 382 is positioned above and / or radially pressed against the clamp 390, the first leg 311 and the second leg 313 are resiliently biased to provide an inward clamping action against the clamp 390. In some examples, the first leg 311 and the second leg 313 include separate protrusions that respectively insert into the first arm 396 and the second arm 395 of the clamp 390. In examples, the clamp 390 and the retainer 382 can be attached using snap-fit, interference fit, pressure fit, or other fits, and can be welded, soldered, and / or attached using fasteners that penetrate the retainer 382 and / or the clamp 390.

[0071] In some examples, the first arm 396 and the second arm 395 may define a slot configured to receive and mate with (e.g., by interference fit) a portion of the retainer 382, ​​and / or may define a protrusion configured to receive and mate with the slot defined by the retainer 382. For example, the first arm 396 may define a first slot 394 ( Figure 5 , Figures 7A-7C The first groove 394 is formed by the outer wall 305 of the first arm. Figures 7A-7C The first retaining surface 317 of the first arm outer wall 305 is at least partially defined, and in particular, may be defined by a first retaining surface 317 having a non-zero displacement along the x-axis. The first retaining surface 317 may be configured such that when the clamp 390 is positioned above the surface 362 of the brake disc 336, the first retaining surface 317 is at least partially defined by a first retaining surface 317 of the rotor brake disc 336. Figure 3 , Figure 4 The axial direction of the ) has a non-zero displacement.

[0072] In some examples, the second arm 395 defines a similar groove, such as a second groove 397, which may be at least partially defined by a second retaining surface 319 of the outer wall 309 of the second arm. The second retaining surface 319 has a non-zero displacement along the x-axis. The second retaining surface 319 may be configured such that when the clamp 390 is positioned above the surface 362 of the brake disc 336, the second retaining surface 319 is positioned above the rotor brake disc 336 (…). Figure 3 , Figure 4 The retainer 382 has a non-zero displacement in the axial direction. The first groove 394 and the second groove 397 may extend partially or completely over the first arm 396 and the second arm 395, respectively, in the z-direction. The first groove 394 and the second groove 397 may have any suitable depth in the first arm 396 and the second arm 395, respectively, in the x-direction. For example, the first groove 394 and the second groove 397 may have a depth in the x-direction such that when the retainer 382 is positioned over the clamp 390, a portion of the first groove 394 and the second groove 397 frictionally engages with a portion of the retainer 382. As described in more detail below, the first groove 394 and the second groove 397 may be configured to receive a portion of the retainer 382 (e.g., the first protrusion 385 and the second protrusion 384) as the retainer 382 slides over and around the clamp 390.

[0073] The retainer 382 is configured to abut against the clamp 390 when the clamp 390 is positioned above the brake disc 336, to help secure the clamp 390 to the brake disc. Figure 5 As shown, retainer 382 may define channel 386, which is configured to receive a portion of clamp 390 when retainer 382 is positioned above clamp 390. Retainer 382 may be configured to contact at least a portion of first arm 396 and at least a portion of second arm 395 when channel 386 receives a portion of clamp 390. Channel 386 includes a first open end 335 and a second open end 337, wherein the first open end 335 and the second open end 337 are in fluid communication through channel 386. Channel 386 may be at least partially defined by first leg 311 and second leg 313.

[0074] The first leg 311 and the second leg 313 can be connected by a bridge section 315. The bridge section 315 can provide an elastic bias to the first leg 311 and / or the second leg 313. When the first leg 311 and / or the second leg 313 are displaced from a resting, substantially zero-stress position, the elastic bias provided by the bridge section 315 can cause a tendency for the first leg 311 and the second leg 313 to return or attempt to return to an initial spacing. This elastic bias can enable the retainer 382 to be urged over the clamp 390 such that the first leg 311 and the second leg 313 provide a contact pressure to the clamp 390 to help secure the drive bushing 380 about the rotor brake disc 336 in a radial, tangential, and / or axial direction of the rotor brake disc 336.

[0075] Figures 8A-8C A plan view of an example retainer 382 is shown. Figure 8A A front view is shown, Figure 8B A side view is shown, and Figure 8C A top view is shown. In each of the views provided, Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B and Figure 8C the x-y-z axes shown in each of the views maintain the same orientation with respect to the retainer 382. The retainer 382 includes a first leg 311 and a second leg 313 connected by a bridge section 315. When the first leg 311, the second leg 313, and the bridge section 315 are in a resting, substantially zero-stress position, the first leg 311 and the second leg 313 maintain a displacement D3. In some examples, the bridge section 315 provides an elastic bias to the first leg 311 that creates a tendency for the first leg 311 to return or attempt to return to a position that establishes the displacement D3 when the first leg 311 is temporarily displaced in the direction shown by a force Fl acting on the first leg 311. Additionally or conversely, in some examples, the bridge section 315 provides an elastic bias to the second leg 313 that creates a tendency for the second leg 313 to return or attempt to return to a position that establishes the displacement D3 when the second leg 313 is temporarily displaced in the direction shown by a force F2 acting on the second leg 313. This elastic bias can provide a clamping force and / or an inward clamping force onto the clamp 390 when the retainer 382 is slid over the clamp 390 and contacts some portion of the first arm 396 and some portion of the second arm 395 of the clamp 390. Figure 8A Figure 8A

[0076] As mentioned above, in some examples, the retainer 382 and the clamp 390 can include mating features that help to engage the retainer 382 and the clamp 390 and secure the position of the retainer 382 and the clamp 390. In examples where the clamp 390 defines a first slot 394 and a second slot 397 Figure 5 and​​Figures 7A-7C In some examples of the system 300, the retainer 382 can include a first protrusion 385 and a second protrusion 384 configured to engage with the respective slots 394, 397. The first protrusion 385 can be defined by or coupled to the first leg 311, and the second protrusion 384 can be defined by or coupled to the second leg 313. The first leg 311 can bias the first protrusion 385 and the second leg 313 can bias the second protrusion 384 to maintain a displacement D3 between the first protrusion 385 and the second protrusion 384. The first protrusion 385 is configured to be inserted into the first slot 394 of the clamp 390 when the retainer 382 is positioned over the clamp 390, and the second protrusion 384 is configured to be inserted into the second slot 397 of the clamp 390 when the retainer 382 is positioned over the clamp 390.

[0077] Figure 6 The retainer 382 is shown positioned over and partially surrounding the clamp 390, with the first protrusion 385 of the retainer 382 inserted within the first slot 394 of the clamp 390. Although not shown in FIG. 4A, the second protrusion 384 of the retainer 382 can be inserted within the second slot 397 of the clamp 390 in a similar manner. Also shown in FIG. 4A are the first leg 311 and the second leg 313 of the retainer 382. Figure 6 Figure 5 The first protrusion 385 and the second protrusion 384 are also shown in FIG. 4B. In some examples, the first protrusion 385 can be configured to be inserted into the first slot 394 with a snap fit, such that when the first protrusion 385 is inserted into the first slot 394, a portion of the first protrusion 385 interlocks with a portion of the first slot 394. In some examples, the first protrusion 385 can be configured to be inserted into the first slot 394 with any suitable type of fit, such as but not limited to an interference fit, a press fit, or other fit, and can be welded, soldered, and / or attached using fasteners that penetrate the retainer 382 and / or the clamp 390. The interlocking snap fit can help block the clamp 390 and the retainer 382 from moving in the axial, radial, and tangential directions of the rotor brake disc 336 when the drive bushing 380 is installed on the rotor brake disc 336.

[0078] ​In the example, displacement D3 is the displacement between the first protrusion 385 and the second protrusion 384 when the retainer 382 is in a stationary state, and displacement D3 is less than the displacement between the first protrusion 385 and the second protrusion 384 when the retainer 382 is positioned above the clamp 390, such that when the retainer 382 is positioned above the clamp 390, the elastic bias of the first leg 311 and / or the second leg 313 on the clamp 390 generates an inward clamping force. The inward clamping force may cause the first protrusion 385 to press a portion of the first groove 394 in the direction opposite to force F1 and / or cause the second protrusion 384 to press a portion of the second groove 397 in the direction opposite to force F2.

[0079] The first protrusion 385 may include a first bearing surface 321. The first bearing surface 321 has a first groove 394 ( Figures 7A-7C The first retaining surface 317 is oriented opposite to the first retaining surface 317, such that when the retainer 382 is positioned above the clamp 390 and the clamp 390 is positioned above the surface 362 of the rotor brake disc 336, the retainer 382 resists attempts to penetrate the rotor brake disc 336. Figure 3 , Figure 4 The force of the radial translation retainer 382 on the radial R. For example... Figures 8A-8C As shown, the first bearing surface 321 has a non-zero displacement along the x-axis. This non-zero displacement of the first bearing surface 321 along the x-axis allows the retainer 382 to radially fix the clamp 390 by means of the non-zero displacement along the x-axis of the first retaining surface 317 of the clamp 390. Furthermore, the second protrusion 384 may include a second bearing surface 323 having a second groove 397 (…). Figures 7A-7C The second surface 319 is oriented in the opposite direction. (e.g.) Figures 8A-8C As shown, the second bearing surface 323 has a non-zero displacement along the x-axis. The non-zero displacement of the second bearing surface 323 along the x-axis allows the retainer 382 to radially fix the clamp 390 by means of the non-zero displacement of the second retaining surface 319 of the clamp 390 along the x-axis.

[0080] In the example, when the retainer 382 is positioned in the clamp 390 ( Figures 7A-7C , Figures 8A-8C) the elastic bias of the bridge section 315 attempts to maintain the displacement D3 between the first protrusion 385 and the second protrusion 384, and maintains the first protrusion 385 positioned within the first slot 394 of the clamp 390 and the second protrusion 384 positioned within the second slot 397. These positions maintain the first bearing surface 321 opposite the first retaining surface 317 of the first slot 394, and maintain the second bearing surface 323 opposite the second retaining surface 319 of the second slot 397. When the clamp 390 is positioned above the surface 362 of the rotor brake disc 336, this effectively enables the clamp 390 to provide a measure of radial support to the retainer 382. For example and as discussed, the displacement D1 between the first arm inner wall 303 and the second arm inner wall 307 provides a wedge-like fit with the displacement D2 between the surface 362 and the second surface 365 of the rotor brake disc 336 Figure 7A ) the clamp 390 is fixed against radial movement, the displacement D1 provides a wedge-like fit with the displacement D2 between the surface 362 and the second surface 365 of the rotor brake disc 336 Figure 4 ) when the elastic bias of the bridge section 315 positions the first protrusion 385 within the first slot 394 to maintain the first bearing surface 321 opposite the first retaining surface 317, this wedge-like fit can likewise provide a measure of radial support to the retainer 382 as the first retaining surface 317 can then provide a counterforce to any force acting on the retainer 382 in the radial direction of the rotor brake disc 336. The opposition of the second bearing surface 323 to the second retaining surface 319 can operate in a similar manner.

[0081] The first protrusion 385 and the second protrusion 384 can extend partially or fully over the first leg 311 and the second leg 313, respectively, in the z-direction. The first protrusion 385 and the second protrusion 384 can have any suitable width in the x-direction. In some examples, the first protrusion 385 includes a first back surface 327 Figure 5 、 Figures 8A-8C ) The first protrusion 385 can extend in the z-direction such that the first back surface 327 engages the bearing surface 331 of the first slot 394 when the retainer 382 is positioned above the clamp 390 Figures 7A-7C ) In a similar manner, the second protrusion 384 can extend in the z-direction such that the second back surface 329 of the second protrusion 384 engages the bearing surface 333 of the second slot 397 when the retainer 382 is positioned above the clamp 390 Figures 7A-7C ) In this way, the retainer 382 can counter tangential movement of the clamp 390 by providing a surface that substantially prevents independent translation of the clamp 390 in the tangential direction T1 of the rotor brake disc 336 Figure 4

[0082] ​The retainer 382 can be configured to provide a surface or protrusion that directly interacts and / or frictionally engages with the rotor brake disc 336 in order to secure the clamp 390 and / or the retainer 382 from moving in the tangential direction of the rotor brake disc 336. The surface or protrusion can counter tangential movement of the retainer 382 with respect to the rotor brake disc 336 when the retainer 382 is positioned on the clamp 390. For example, the retainer 382 can include a flange 383 Figure 5 that is inserted into a cutout 325 Figure 4 of the rotor brake disc 336 when the retainer 382 is positioned on the clamp 390, thereby substantially blocking the retainer 382 from moving in the tangential direction T1 of the rotor brake disc 336. For example, the retainer 382 can also include a flange 383 Figure 5 , Figures 8A-8C . The flange 383 has a non-zero displacement along the y-axis. The flange 383 can have a greater displacement along the y-axis than the bridging section 315, such that the flange 383 comprises a protrusion. The flange 383 can be configured to extend in the axial and radial directions of the rotor brake disc 336 when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362 and the retainer 382 is positioned on the clamp 390. The flange 383 can be configured to be inserted into the cutout 325 defined by the rotor brake disc 336 Figure 4 .

[0083] In an example, the non-zero displacement of the flange 383 along the y-axis acts in opposition to the non-zero displacement of the cutout 325 in the radial direction of the rotor brake disc 336, such that the cutout 325 acts in opposition to the force acting on the retainer 382 in the tangential direction of the rotor brake disc 336 when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362 and the retainer 382 is positioned on the clamp 390. Figure 6 The clamp 390 positioned over the surface 362 of the rotor brake disc 336 and the retainer 382 positioned on the clamp 390 are shown, with the flange 383 inserted into the cutout 325 of the rotor brake disc 336. Thus, the flange 383 can provide tangential support to the retainer 382 when the clamp 390 is positioned over the surface 362 of the rotor brake disc 336 and the retainer 382 is positioned on the clamp 390. The flange 383 of the retainer 382 can be used to provide a measure of the tangential support to the clamp 390 by the action of the first leg 311 and the second leg 313 on the clamp 390 (e.g., the first protrusion 385 engages the first slot 394 and the second protrusion 384 engages the second slot 397).

[0084] Figure 9 A flowchart of an example technique for positioning a drive bushing on a drive slot of a brake disc is shown. Although reference is made to the drive bushing 100 and the brake disc 102 of FIGS. 1-3, the example technique can be used with other drive bushings and brake discs. Figures 3-8CThe technology is described with respect to the drive bushing 380 and the rotor brake disc 336, but in other examples, the technology can be used with another drive bushing and brake disc.

[0085] The technology includes positioning the clamp 390 on the rotor brake disc 336 by sliding the clamp 390 in the tangential direction T of the rotor brake disc 336 (902). The clamp 390 can be positioned to cover portions of the first surface 362 and the second surface 365 of the rotor brake disc 336, which can be located on opposite sides of the rotor brake disc 336 and adjacent to the drive slot 361, which extends at least partially through the rotor brake disc 336 in the axial direction of the rotor brake disc 336.

[0086] The clamp 390 can include a body section 391, with a first arm 396 and a second arm 395 extending from the body section 391. In some examples, the clamp 390 is slid tangentially (902) onto the rotor brake disc 336 such that the first arm 396 covers a portion of the first surface 362 and the second arm 395 covers a portion of the second surface 365. In some examples, the first inner wall 303 of the first arm 396 and the second inner wall 307 of the second arm 395 can be angled away from each other and can be oriented relative to the rotor brake disc 336 such that the clamp 390 establishes a wedge fit with the rotor brake disc 336 when the clamp 390 is slid tangentially onto the rotor brake disc 336. The body section 391 can include a back face 393, and the clamp 390 can be slid tangentially onto the rotor brake disc 336 such that the back face 393 engages and / or contacts the torque face 364 of the rotor brake disc 336.

[0087] The technology also includes positioning a retainer 382 over the positioned clamp 390 in the radial direction of the rotor brake disc 336 (904). The retainer 382 can define a channel 386 that is configured to receive the clamp 390 when the retainer 382 is positioned over the clamp 390 in the radial direction. The retainer 382 can include a first leg 311 and a second leg 313 that contact the clamp 390 when the retainer 382 is positioned over the clamp 390 in the radial direction. The first leg 311 and the second leg 313 can be resiliently biased toward each other by a bridge section 315 such that the first leg 311 and the second leg 313 provide an inward clamping force on the clamp 390 when the retainer 382 is positioned over the clamp 390 in the radial direction.

[0088] In some examples, the retainer 382 and the clamp 390 include structures configured to interlock or otherwise mate together to help secure the position of the retainer 382 with respect to the clamp 390. For example, the first leg 311 of the retainer 382 can define a first protrusion 385 configured to be inserted into a first slot 394 defined by the first arm 396 of the clamp 390 when the retainer 382 is positioned radially over the clamp 390. Further, in some examples, the second leg 313 of the retainer 382 can define a second protrusion 384 configured to be inserted into a second slot 397 defined by the second arm 395 of the clamp 390 when the retainer 382 is positioned radially over the clamp 390. The first protrusion 385 can be inserted into the first slot 394 such that the first load bearing surface 321 of the first protrusion 385 and the first retaining surface 317 of the first slot 394 oppose one another to limit movement of the retainer 382 in the radial direction of the rotor brake disc 336. The second protrusion 384 can be inserted into the second slot 397 such that the second load bearing surface 323 of the second protrusion 384 and the second retaining surface 319 of the second slot 397 oppose one another to limit movement of the retainer 382 in the radial direction of the rotor brake disc 336. The first protrusion 385 can be inserted into the first slot 394 such that the first back surface 327 of the first protrusion 385 and the load bearing surface 331 of the first slot 394 oppose one another to limit movement of the retainer 382 in the tangential direction of the rotor brake disc 336. The second protrusion 384 can be inserted into the second slot 397 such that the second back surface 329 of the second protrusion 384 and the load bearing surface 333 of the second slot 397 oppose one another to limit movement of the retainer 382 in the tangential direction of the rotor brake disc 336. Positioning the retainer 382 radially over the positioned clamp 390 can include positioning the retainer 382 radially until the first protrusion 385 is inserted into the first slot 394 and the second protrusion 384 is inserted into the second slot 397.

[0089] The first protrusion 385 can extend in the z-direction such that the first back surface 327 engages the load bearing surface 331 of the first slot 394 when the retainer 382 is positioned over the clamp 390. Figures 7A-7C ) in a similar manner, the second protrusion 384 can extend in the z-direction such that the second back surface 329 of the second protrusion 384 engages the load bearing surface 333 of the second slot 397 when the retainer 382 is positioned over the clamp 390. Figures 7A-7C

[0090] ​In some examples, the retainer 382 includes one or more structures configured to engage (e.g., mate) with the brake disc 336 to help further secure the retainer 382 about the brake disc 336 and to help further secure the clamp 390 about the brake disc 336 when the retainer 382 is positioned over the clamp 390. For example, the retainer 382 can define a flange 383 configured to be inserted into the cutout 325 of the rotor brake disc 336 when the retainer 382 is positioned over the clamp 390. When inserted into the cutout 325, the flange 383 can extend in an axial direction of the rotor brake disc 336 such that the cutout 325 acts in opposition to forces acting on the retainer 382 in a tangential direction of the rotor brake disc 336 when the retainer 382 is positioned radially over the clamp 390.

[0091] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a clamp configured to slide over a surface of a brake disc in a tangential direction of the brake disc, the surface being adjacent to a drive slot on a periphery of the brake disc; and a retainer configured to slide over the clamp when the clamp is positioned over the surface to secure the clamp to the brake disc; wherein the retainer includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and wherein the clamp defines a first slot and a second slot, the first protrusion being configured to be received in the first slot of the clamp and the second protrusion being configured to be received in the second slot of the clamp when the retainer is positioned over the clamp; wherein the retainer is resiliently biased to create an inward clamping force between the first protrusion and the second protrusion when the first protrusion is received in the first slot and the second protrusion is received in the second slot.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamp includes a body section, the body section including: a drive face; and a back face opposite the drive face, wherein the back face is configured to engage a torque face of the brake disc when the clamp is positioned over the surface, and wherein the torque face defines a portion of the drive slot of the brake disc.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the clamp includes: a first arm extending from the body section; and a second arm extending from the body section.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the retainer is configured to contact the first arm and the second arm when the retainer is positioned over the clamp.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the retainer defines a channel having a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end, wherein the channel is configured to surround a portion of the clamp when the retainer is positioned over the clamp.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamp is configured to frictionally engage the surface in a rivetless configuration when the retainer is positioned over the clamp.

7. A method comprising: positioning a clamp on a brake disc, wherein positioning the clamp includes sliding the clamp over first and second surfaces of the brake disc in a tangential direction of the brake disc, wherein the first and second surfaces are adjacent to a drive slot at a periphery of the brake disc, and wherein the first surface includes a first side of the brake disc and the second surface includes a second side opposite the first side; and positioning a retainer over the positioned clamp in a radial direction of the brake disc. ​ ​ ​ wherein the retainer includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and wherein the clamp defines a first slot and a second slot, the first protrusion configured to be received in the first slot of the clamp and the second protrusion configured to be received in the second slot of the clamp when the retainer is positioned over the clamp; wherein the retainer is resiliently biased to create an inward clamping force between the first protrusion and the second protrusion when the first protrusion is received in the first slot and the second protrusion is received in the second slot.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein positioning the clamp over the brake disc includes covering a portion of a torque face of the drive slot with a body section of the clamp, wherein covering the portion of the torque face includes sliding a first arm of the clamp over the first surface and sliding a second arm of the clamp over the second surface, wherein the torque face is located between the first surface and the second surface.

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