Rotor drive key and fastener assembly

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "Rotor Drive Key and Fastener Assembly". In some examples, the assembly includes a rotor drive key configured to engage around a wheel boss defined by a wheel. The rotor drive key includes a support structure. The assembly also includes a fastener configured to allow the wheel boss and the support structure to extend in a substantially axial direction of the wheel when the rotor drive key engages around the wheel boss, wherein the fastener is configured to restrict movement of the rotor drive key relative to the wheel boss. The fastener can be rotatable to establish and / or increase contact pressure between the fastener and the rotor drive key to help the fastener restrict movement of the rotor drive key relative to the wheel boss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a wheel braking system for a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles, such as aircraft, may use wheel braking systems that include multi-disc brake assemblies. For example, such a multi-disc brake assembly may include multiple rotors engaged with a wheel and multiple stators interleaved with the rotors. The rotors and wheel are configured to rotate about an axis, while the stators remain stationary. To slow the rotational motion of the rotating wheel, the brake assembly may displace a piston against a pressure plate to compress the rotating rotor engaged with the wheel against the stationary stator, thereby generating a torque that slows the rotational motion of the wheel. In some examples, the rotor may engage with 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, a component includes a rotor drive key and a fastener. The rotor drive key is configured to be positioned over a wheel boss defined by a wheel. The fastener is configured to extend through the wheel boss in a substantially axial direction of the wheel when the rotor drive key is positioned over the wheel boss, to help limit axial movement of the rotor drive key relative to the wheel boss. The fastener includes a shank surface configured to contact a key support surface of the rotor drive key as the fastener extends through the wheel boss. In some examples, the wheel boss may be a first wheel boss, and the fastener may also be configured to extend through both the first and second wheel bosses of the wheel, with the key support surface located between the first and second wheel bosses.

[0004] In some examples, the shank surface of the fastener and the key support surface of the rotor drive key define surfaces extending in the axial direction of the wheel, substantially opposite each other as the fastener extends through the wheel boss. The shank surface may be configured such that rotation of the fastener relative to the wheel boss increases the contact pressure between the shank surface and the key support surface when the shank surface contacts the key support surface. The increased contact pressure between the shank surface and the key support surface increases the tightness between the rotor drive key and the wheel boss, facilitating the securing of the rotor drive key to the wheel in the radial direction.

[0005] This article also describes an exemplary method for attaching a rotor drive key to the inner surface of a wheel.

[0006] Clause 1: An assembly comprising: a rotor drive key configured to be positioned over a wheel boss of a wheel, wherein the rotor drive key defines a key support surface; and a fastener configured to extend through the wheel boss when the rotor drive key is positioned over the wheel boss, wherein the fastener includes a shank defining a shank surface, wherein the shank surface is configured to contact the key support surface of the rotor drive key when the fastener extends through the wheel boss, and wherein the fastener is configured to restrict movement of the rotor drive key relative to the wheel boss.

[0007] Clause 2: The component according to Clause 1, wherein the fastener is configured to extend through the wheel boss in the axial direction of the wheel.

[0008] Clause 3: The component according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the fastener is configured to restrict the movement of the rotor drive key in the radial direction of the wheel when the fastener extends through the wheel boss and the shank surface contacts the key support surface.

[0009] Clause 4: The component according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the fastener is configured such that when the fastener extends through the wheel boss and the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss and when the fastener rotates about the axis of the fastener shank, the surface of the shank increases the contact pressure with the key support surface.

[0010] Clause 5: The component according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the handle surface includes a first segment and a second segment coupled to the first segment, wherein the second segment has a greater curvature than the first segment.

[0011] Clause 6: An assembly according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the fastener shank defines a fastener axis and the shank surface defines a displacement from the fastener axis to the shank surface and perpendicular to the fastener axis, wherein the displacement varies from a minimum displacement to a maximum displacement greater than the minimum displacement.

[0012] Clause 7: The component according to Clause 6, wherein the shank surface is located between the proximal and distal portions of the fastener, wherein the distal portion defines a distal portion displacement from the fastener axis to the distal segment and perpendicular to the fastener axis, wherein the distal portion displacement is less than the maximum displacement of the shank surface.

[0013] Clause 8: The component according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein: the rotor drive key includes a support structure, and the support structure includes the key support surface, the fastener is configured to extend into the support structure, and the shank surface is configured to contact the key support surface of the rotor drive key when the fastener extends into the support structure.

[0014] Clause 9: The component according to Clause 8, wherein the support structure includes an aperture configured to receive the fastener, wherein the key support surface defines at least a portion of the aperture.

[0015] Clause 10: The component according to Clause 8 or 9, wherein the wheel boss is a first wheel boss, and wherein the support structure is configured to be inserted between the first wheel boss and the second wheel boss of the wheel, and wherein the fastener is configured to extend through the support structure when the shank surface contacts the key support surface.

[0016] Clause 11: The component according to Clause 10, wherein the support structure is configured to restrict the movement of the rotor drive key in the axial direction of the wheel when the support structure is positioned between the first wheel boss and the second wheel boss.

[0017] Clause 12: The component according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11 further includes 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 groove configured to surround at least some portions of each of the opposing sides when the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss.

[0018] Clause 13: The component according to Clause 12, wherein the wheel boss is a first wheel boss, and the inner surface of the wheel defines a second wheel boss, and wherein the groove is configured to surround at least some portion of the second wheel boss when the rotor drive key is positioned above the first wheel boss.

[0019] Clause 14: The component according to Clause 12 or 13, wherein when the rotor drive key is positioned above the first wheel boss and the shank surface contacts the key support surface, the key support surface is located between the first wheel boss and the second wheel boss.

[0020] Clause 15: An assembly comprising: a vehicle wheel defining an inner surface and a wheel boss along the inner surface; a rotor drive key configured to be positioned over the wheel boss, wherein the rotor drive key defines a key support surface; and a fastener defining a shank surface, wherein the shank surface is configured to contact the key support surface of the rotor drive key when the rotor drive key is positioned over the wheel boss and the fastener extends through the wheel boss in a substantially axial direction of the vehicle wheel, and wherein the fastener is configured to restrict movement of the rotor drive key in a radial direction of the vehicle wheel when the rotor drive key is positioned over the wheel boss and the shank surface contacts the key support surface.

[0021] Clause 16: The component according to Clause 15, wherein: the wheel boss is a first wheel boss, and the vehicle wheel defines a second wheel boss, the rotor drive key includes a support structure, and the support structure includes the key support surface, wherein the support structure is configured to be inserted between the first wheel boss and the second wheel boss when the rotor drive key is positioned above the first wheel boss, and to restrict movement of the rotor drive key in the axial direction of the vehicle wheel, and the fastener is configured to extend through the first wheel boss, the support structure, and the second wheel boss when the shank surface contacts the key support surface.

[0022] Clause 17: The component according to Clause 15 or 16, wherein the fastener is configured such that when the shank surface contacts the key support surface and the fastener rotates about the fastener axis of the fastener shank, the shank surface increases the contact pressure with the key support surface.

[0023] Clause 18: The component according to any one of Clauses 15 to 17, wherein the handle surface includes a first segment and a second segment coupled to the first segment, wherein the second segment has a greater curvature than the first segment.

[0024] Clause 19: A method comprising: positioning a rotor drive key, including a key support surface, around a wheel boss of a vehicle wheel; extending a fastener, including a shank surface, through the wheel boss; and contacting the shank surface and the key support surface to restrict movement of the rotor drive key in the radial direction of the vehicle wheel.

[0025] Clause 20: The method according to Clause 19, wherein the wheel boss is a first wheel boss, the method further comprising: inserting a support structure for the rotor drive key between the first wheel boss and the second wheel boss; and extending the fastener through the support structure and the second wheel boss.

[0026] Details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary wheel that includes multiple rotor drive keys on the inner surface of the wheel.

[0028] Figure 2 It includes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary wheel and brake assembly.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a plan view of an exemplary component including a rotor drive key on the inner surface of a wheel, having a selected cross section.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an exemplary rotor drive key and fastener on the inner surface of a wheel.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a plan view of a selected section of an exemplary component, which includes a contact area between a rotor drive key and a wheel boss.

[0032] Figure 6A This is a schematic front view of an exemplary fastener.

[0033] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A schematic right-side view of an exemplary fastener.

[0034] Figure 7A yes Figure 6A and Figure 6B A perspective view of an exemplary fastener.

[0035] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A Another perspective view of an exemplary fastener.

[0036] Figure 8A This is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fastener in a first rotational orientation.

[0037] Figure 8B It is in the second rotational orientation Figure 8A A schematic illustration of an exemplary fastener.

[0038] Figure 8C It is in the third rotational orientation Figure 8A and Figure 8B A schematic illustration of an exemplary fastener.

[0039] Figure 9A This is a schematic front view of an exemplary fastener including the contact surface.

[0040] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A A schematic right-side view of an exemplary fastener.

[0041] Figure 10A yes Figure 9A and Figure 9B A perspective view of an exemplary fastener.

[0042] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A Another perspective view of an exemplary fastener.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of an exemplary rotor drive key and an exemplary fastener on the inner surface of an exemplary wheel.

[0044] Figure 12A This is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fastener and contact surface in a first rotational orientation.

[0045] Figure 12B It is in the second rotational orientation Figure 12A A schematic illustration of an exemplary fastener and contact surface.

[0046] Figure 12C It is in the third rotational orientation Figure 12A and Figure 12B A schematic illustration of an exemplary fastener and contact surface.

[0047] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of an exemplary rotor drive key.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of a section of an exemplary wheel boss.

[0049] Figure 15A This is a schematic front view of an exemplary rotor drive key.

[0050] Figure 15B yes Figure 15A A schematic top view of the rotor drive key.

[0051] Figure 15C yes Figure 15A and Figure 15B A schematic side view of the rotor drive key.

[0052] Figure 16 This is a plan view of an exemplary component including a rotor drive key on the inner surface of a wheel, having a selected cross section.

[0053] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary technique for attaching a rotor drive key to the inner surface of a wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0054] This disclosure describes articles, systems, and techniques related to rotor drive keys in a vehicle's wheel braking system, as well as components for attaching rotor drive keys to a vehicle wheel. The rotor drive key described herein is configured to attach to an inner surface of the wheel. The inner surface of the wheel defines at least one wheel boss, and the rotor drive key is configured to be positioned above the wheel boss. The wheel boss may extend in a substantially radial direction of the wheel (e.g., radial or substantially radial within manufacturing tolerances), and the rotor drive key may extend in a substantially axial direction of the wheel (e.g., axial or substantially axial within manufacturing tolerances) when positioned above the wheel boss. A fastener may extend substantially axially through a boss bore of the wheel boss and engage the rotor drive key. The fastener is configured such that when the fastener extends through the boss bore and the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss, the shank surface of the fastener contacts the key support surface of the rotor drive key. The fastener is configured to restrict movement of the rotor drive key relative to the wheel boss. For example, the fastener may be configured to restrict movement of the rotor drive key relative to the wheel boss in a substantially radial direction of the wheel.

[0055] The fastener includes a shank defining a shank surface. In some examples, the shank surface may define a cross-section with varying radial displacement from an axis extending through the fastener shank. For example, some portions of the cross-section may define an off-axis cylindrical or oval shape (e.g., while at least another portion of the fastener shank may define a circular cross-section), such that when the shank surface contacts the key support surface of the rotor drive key and the fastener rotates about the fastener axis, the contact pressure between the shank surface and the key support surface changes accordingly due to the rotation (e.g., increases or decreases). In some examples, the fastener may rotate about the fastener axis to increase the contact pressure between the shank surface and the key support surface, thereby causing the rotor drive key to engage the fastener and the wheel boss more tightly in the radial direction. The increased contact pressure between the shank surface and the key support surface of the rotor drive key helps to secure the rotor drive key against the fastener and may also help to engage portions of the rotor drive key with the wheel boss.

[0056] Fasteners can be configured to limit movement of the fastener during wheel operation and braking by utilizing contact pressure between the fastener, one or more wheel bosses, and / or rotor drive keys. This contact pressure between the fastener, one or more wheel bosses, and / or rotor drive keys can function without threaded engagement (e.g., the fastener, wheel boss, and / or rotor drive key can be unthreaded components). This facilitates easy assembly and / or disassembly and reduces the likelihood of thread wear and / or jamming.

[0057] In some examples, the rotor drive key includes a support structure that defines a key support surface to which the fastener is configured to contact. The key support surface is configured to substantially face the shank surface of the fastener when the fastener extends through the wheel boss and the shank surface contacts the key support surface. When the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss, the key support surface may define displacement in a substantially axial direction of the wheel (e.g., extending in a substantially axial direction of the wheel). The support structure may define an orifice configured to receive the fastener, and the key support surface may be an inner surface of the orifice.

[0058] The support structure for the rotor drive key can be configured to include a front end and a rear end opposite to the front end, wherein the front end is configured to engage the surface of the wheel boss for axial stability of the rotor drive key during wheel operation and braking. In some examples, the support structure is configured to be inserted between a first wheel boss and a second wheel boss, and the support structure can be configured such that when the support structure is inserted between the first wheel boss and the second wheel boss, the front end engages the surface of the first wheel boss and the rear end engages the surface of the second wheel boss.

[0059] In some examples, the rotor drive key includes a slot configured to surround a portion of the wheel boss when the rotor drive key is positioned above 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 wheel operation and braking, among other benefits.

[0060] In some examples, the wheel boss, rotor drive key, and fastener may form an assembly in which the shank surface of the fastener contacts the key support surface of the rotor drive key, the slot of the rotor drive key at least partially surrounds and contacts the wheel boss, and the front of the support structure engages the surface of the wheel boss. In some examples, the rear of the support structure may engage a second wheel boss. The contact between the shank surface of the fastener and the key support surface of the rotor drive key secures the rotor drive key to prevent significant movement (or any movement in some examples) in the radial direction of the wheel. The contact between the slot of the rotor drive key and the wheel boss secures the rotor drive key to prevent significant movement (or any movement in some examples) in the tangential direction of the wheel. The contact between the front of the support structure and the wheel boss and / or the contact between the rear of the support structure and the second wheel boss secures the rotor drive key to prevent significant movement (or any movement in some examples) in the axial direction of the wheel.

[0061] As discussed, the exemplary rotor drive key described herein is configured to be attached to the inner surface of a wheel using fasteners that are substantially aligned with the axial direction of the wheel (e.g., aligned or nearly aligned to the extent permitted by manufacturing tolerances). This can provide an advantage over arrangements in which the rotor drive key is attached to the inner surface of the wheel using fasteners (such as bolts) that extend substantially in the radial direction of the wheel. For example, the bolts may be configured to insert through a first hole defined by the rotor drive key and a second hole defined by the wheel rim and substantially aligned with the first hole. Thermal cycling, vibration, or other conditions that may occur during the use of the rotor drive key can cause the nuts and / or bolts to loosen over time. This can reduce the service 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, or a combination thereof.

[0062] Therefore, compared to other rotor drive key assemblies that include fasteners extending radially in the wheel, the substantially axial alignment of the fasteners in the exemplary rotor drive key described herein makes it less likely for the fasteners to loosen during operation of the wheel or braking system (e.g., due to thermal cycling, vibration, or other operating conditions). Furthermore, the fastener includes a shank surface that allows for increased contact pressure between the rotor drive key and the fastener due to fastener rotation, thereby enhancing the tightness of the fit between the rotor drive key and the wheel boss. Thus, during operation of a vehicle including a wheel, movement of the rotor drive key relative to the wheel can be reduced or even prevented.

[0063] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary wheel 10, which includes a plurality of rotor drive keys 12 on its inner surface 14. In some examples, wheel 10 is part of an aircraft vehicle. In other examples, wheel 10 may be part of any other vehicle, such as, for example, any marine vessel, land vehicle, or other vehicle. Wheel 10 may include a rim 16 defining an outer surface 18 and an inner surface 14. Rim 16 may include a manhole 20, a wheel hub 21, and a wheel overhang support flange 22. In some examples, inner surface 14 may include the inner diameter of the manhole 20 of wheel 10. For example, in some cases, inner surface 14 may be referred to as the inner diameter surface of wheel 10.

[0064] In some examples, a tire (not shown) may be mounted on the outer surface 18 of the rim 16. For example, the wheel 10 may include an inner bead seat 24B and an outer bead seat 24A, which are configured to hold the tire on the outer surface 18 of the rim 16.

[0065] The wheel 10 is configured to work with one or more rotors of the brake 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 12 are positioned along an inner surface 14, and each of the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 can be configured to engage with one or more rotors stacked on a brake disc of a brake assembly. This will be relative to... Figure 2 An exemplary brake assembly is described in more detail.

[0066] In some examples, each of the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 is substantially axially positioned on the wheel 10 (e.g., parallel to...). Figure 1 The axis label "A" extends in the direction of the axis (which may be the axis of rotation of wheel 10). For example, the length of each rotor drive key 12 in the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 may extend in a substantially axial direction (e.g., axial or nearly axial within the range allowed by manufacturing tolerances) of axis A. In some such examples, the corresponding length of each rotor drive key 12 may extend from (or near) the first edge 26 of wheel 10 to (or near) the second edge 28 of wheel 10. In this way, in some examples, the length of the rotor drive key 12 in the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 may be the same as or substantially similar to (e.g., within 10%) the width of wheel 10 from the first edge 26 to the second edge 28. In other examples, the length of the rotor drive key 12 may be less than the width of wheel 10.

[0067] A plurality of rotor drive keys 12 extending substantially in an axial direction enable the brake assembly to slide onto the wheel 10. For example, the plurality of rotors of the brake assembly may include drive slots configured to slide onto the plurality of rotor drive keys 12, such that the plurality of drive slots of the rotors can slide into a plurality of corresponding rotor drive keys 12. In other examples, one or more of the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 may be oriented in different directions and / or may engage with one or more rotors in different ways.

[0068] The plurality of rotor drive keys 12 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, part size, material properties, etc. In some examples, the number of rotor drive keys included in the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 may correspond to the number of drive slots defined by the plurality of rotors of the brake assembly, which are configured to receive the plurality of rotor drive keys 12. For example, each rotor drive key in the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 may correspond to a corresponding slot defined by the plurality of rotors of the brake assembly.

[0069] like Figure 1As illustrated in the examples, in some examples, a plurality of rotor drive keys 12 may be mounted around the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10 at substantially equal circumferential distances. In other examples, one or more of the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 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 length of an arc (e.g., on the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10, where the arc lies in a plane perpendicular to the substantially axial direction of the wheel 10 in this particular example). The rotor drive keys 12 may be integrally formed with the well 20, or may be separate from the well 20 and mechanically attached to it.

[0070] As discussed in further detail below, one or more of the plurality of rotor drive keys 12 define a key support surface configured to engage a shank surface of a fastener that extends axially (along axis A) through a wheel boss extending from the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10. The key support surface may be configured to substantially face the shank surface when it contacts the shank surface. The contact between the shank surface of the fastener and the key support surface of the rotor drive key restricts movement of the rotor drive key relative to the wheel boss. In some examples, the key support surface is configured such that rotation of the fastener about its axis (e.g., which may be parallel to axis A) as the fastener extends through the wheel boss increases the contact pressure between the shank surface of the fastener and the key support surface of the rotor drive key. The increased contact pressure can create a tighter fit between the rotor drive key and one or more wheel bosses extending from the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10.

[0071] Figure 2 This 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 described herein, including the rotor drive key and fasteners. However, in other examples, the rotor drive key, fasteners, and other wheel assembly structures described herein can be used with any suitable wheel and brake assembly.

[0072] The wheel 10 includes multiple rotor drive keys 12, an inner surface 14, a rim 16, an outer surface 18, a manhole 20, a wheel hub 21, a wheel extension support flange 22, an outer bead seat 24A, and an inner bead seat 24B. The wheel 10 can be configured to be rotatably supported on a fixed axle 34. The wheel 10 can then apply movement to a vehicle including or mounted on a wheel and brake assembly 30. Figure 2 In the example shown, the manhole 20 and the wheel extension bracket flange 22 are mechanically connected by lug bolts 36 and lug nuts 38. In other examples, other connection techniques may be used.

[0073] Brake assembly 32 includes actuator assembly 40 and brake stack 42. Actuator assembly 40 includes actuator housing 44, actuator housing bolts 46, and plunger 48. Brake stack 42 includes staggered rotor brake discs 50 and stator brake discs 52. Rotor brake discs 50 are configured to move relative to stator brake discs 52, for example, rotatably about axis A and axially along axis A relative to stator brake discs 52. Rotor brake discs 50 engage (e.g., interlock) with wheel 10 (and specifically well 20) via rotor drive key 12. Stator brake discs 52 are mounted to torque tube 54 via key teeth 56. Wheel and brake assembly 30 can support any kind of private, commercial, or military aircraft or other type of vehicle.

[0074] The wheel and brake assembly 30 can be mounted to the vehicle via torque tube 54 and axle 34. Figure 2 In this example, the torque tube 54 is attached 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 on the struts of the landing gear (not shown) or other suitable parts of the vehicle to connect the wheels and brake assembly 30 to the vehicle.

[0075] During vehicle operation, braking may be required periodically, such as during aircraft landing and taxiing. The wheel and brake assembly 30 is configured to provide braking functionality to the vehicle via the actuator assembly 40 and brake stack 42. The actuator assembly 40 includes an actuator housing 44 and a plunger 48. The actuator assembly 40 may include one or more of different types of actuators, such as, for example, electromechanical actuators, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, etc. During operation, the plunger 48 may extend away from the actuator housing 44 to axially compress the brake stack 42 against a compression region 60 for braking. The brake stack 42 includes staggered rotor brake discs 50 and stator brake discs 52.

[0076] The rotor brake disc 50 is slidably engaged with the rotor drive key 12 to rotate together with the well 20 and the rotor drive key 12. The stator brake disc 52 is mounted to the torque tube 54 via key teeth 56. Figure 2 In one example, the brake stack 42 includes four rotors and five stators. However, in other examples, the brake stack 42 may include a different number of rotors and / or stators. The rotor brake disc 50 and the stator brake disc 52 provide relative friction surfaces for braking the aircraft. In some examples, the wheel and brake assembly 30 may include a thermal barrier layer between the rotor brake disc 50 and the well 20 to, for example, limit heat transfer between the brake stack 42 and the wheel 10.

[0077] In some examples, the key teeth 56 may be circumferentially spaced around the outer portion of the torque tube 54. The stator brake disc 52 may include a plurality of radially inwardly disposed lugs along the inner diameter of the brake disc, which are configured to engage with the key teeth 56. Similarly, the rotor brake disc 50 may include a plurality of radially inwardly disposed drive slots along the outer periphery of the rotor brake disc (e.g., the outer diameter in the case of a disc with a circular cross-section). These drive slots may be configured to engage with the rotor drive key 12. In this way, the rotor brake disc 50 will rotate with the movement of the wheel 10, while the 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 slowing down the rotation of the wheel 10.

[0078] Figure 3 An exemplary component 70 is shown, and a cross-section of an exemplary wheel 10 defining an outer surface 18 and an inner surface 14 is depicted, the cross-section being parallel to... Figure 1 The axial direction A is cut off. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exemplary perspective view of the wheel 10 and component 70. Line A1 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation A of the wheel 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Lines A1, R1, and T1 coincide and indicate the axial direction of wheel 10. Line R1 is perpendicular to and intersects line A1, and indicates the radial direction of wheel 10. Line T1 is perpendicular to both lines A1 and R1, and indicates the radial direction of wheel 10. Lines A1, R1, and T1 are all shown in... Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the middle, line T1 is perpendicular to Figure 3 The page in [the document / website]. Component 70 is [the component / component]. Figure 2 Example of wheel and brake assembly 30.

[0079] Component 70 includes a wheel boss 72 of the wheel 10, a rotor drive key 74, and a fastener 80. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the rotor drive key 74 is configured to be positioned above the wheel boss 72. The rotor drive key 74 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 Example of rotor drive key 12. When rotor drive key 74 is positioned above wheel boss 72, wheel boss 72 protrudes from inner surface 14 in substantially radial direction R1 of wheel 10, and rotor drive key 74 extends in substantially axial direction A1 of wheel 10.

[0080] Fastener 80 is configured to extend through wheel boss 72. Fastener 80 includes fastener head 81, fastener shank 82, and shank surface 84. Fastener axis B extends through fastener head 81 and fastener shank 82, and may be, for example, the central longitudinal axis of fastener shank 82. A proximal portion 83 of fastener shank 82 (“shank proximal portion 83”) is located between a middle portion 89 of fastener shank 82 (“shank middle portion 89”) and fastener head 81. Shank middle portion 89 is located between a distal portion 85 of fastener shank 82 (“shank distal portion 85”) and shank proximal portion 83. Shank middle portion 89 includes shank surface 84. In some examples, portions 83, 85, and 89 have substantially equal lengths (e.g., equal to or nearly equal to the extent allowed by manufacturing tolerances). In other examples, at least two portions 83, 85, and 89 have different lengths. In some examples, the fastener axis extends through the proximal portion 83 of the shank, the middle portion 89 of the shank, and the distal portion 85 of the shank.

[0081] The fastener 80 may be configured such that, as the fastener 80 extends through the wheel boss 72, at least some portions of the shank surface 84 contact and / or face the key support surface 77 of the rotor drive key 74. The fastener 80 is configured to restrict movement of the rotor drive key 74 relative to the wheel boss 72, and thus is configured to facilitate the attachment of the rotor drive key 74 to the wheel boss 72. For example, the fastener 80 may be configured to restrict movement of the rotor drive key 74 relative to the wheel boss 72 in at least a substantially radial direction R1 of the wheel 10. In some examples, the fastener 80 is configured to extend through the wheel boss 72 and into a second wheel boss 73 of the wheel 10, which may be configured similar to the wheel boss 72 but axially displaced from the wheel boss 72.

[0082] The fastener 80 may be configured such that when the fastener 80 extends through at least the wheel boss 72 and an external torque is applied to the fastener 80 about the fastener axis B (e.g., to the fastener head 81), the shank surface 84 contacts and / or faces the key support surface 77. In an example, when a portion of the shank surface 84 faces the key support surface 77, a vector originates from that portion of the shank surface 84 and intersects the key support surface 77 without passing through that portion of the shank surface 84, and the negative portion of the vector originates from the key support surface 77 and intersects that portion of the shank surface 84 without passing through the key support surface 77.

[0083] When the rotor drive key 74 is positioned above the wheel boss 72, the key support surface 77 of the rotor drive key 74 can extend substantially in at least the axial direction A1 of the wheel 110. The fastener 80 can be configured to slidably translate through the wheel boss 72 in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10. As the fastener 80 extends through the wheel boss 72, the wheel boss 72 restricts the movement of the fastener 80 in at least the radial R1 and tangential T1 directions of the wheel 10. In some examples, the wheel boss 72 defines a boss bore 86 through which the fastener 80 is configured to extend.

[0084] When the fastener 80 extends through the wheel boss 72 and the shank surface 84 contacts and / or faces the key support surface 77, the shank surface 84 can restrict movement of the rotor drive key 74 relative to the wheel 10, at least in the radial direction R1 of the wheel 10. The fastener 80 can be configured such that when the fastener 80 is inserted through the wheel boss 72 in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10, rotation of the fastener 80 about the fastener axis B establishes and / or maintains contact and / or facing relationship between the shank surface 84 and the key support surface 77. In some examples, the shank surface 84 can be configured such that rotation of the fastener 80 about the fastener axis B in a first direction increases the contact pressure between the shank surface 84 and the key support surface 77 (e.g., increases the force exerted by the shank surface 84 on the key support surface 77). The contact pressure between the shank surface 84 and the rotor drive key 74 can anchor the rotor drive key 74 to the wheel boss 72 and allow the rotor drive key 74 to be cantilevered in the substantially axial direction A1 of the wheel 10.

[0085] The shank surface 84 can be configured such that the contact pressure depends on the rotational position of the fastener 80 relative to the key support surface 77. For example, the shank surface 84 can be configured as a cam surface having a displacement (e.g., cam lift) perpendicular to the faster axis B, wherein the displacement is based on the angular position about the fastener axis B (e.g., ...). Figure 6B The displacement (D) varies on the shank surface 84. The shank surface 84 may define a radial cam profile about the fastener axis B. The key support surface 77 may be configured to substantially act as a follower (e.g., a flat follower) when the shank surface 84 contacts the key support surface 77, such that as the fastener 80 rotates about the fastener axis B (e.g., by an operator), the shank surface 84 is used to displace and / or compress (or compress against) the key support surface 77. This displacement and / or compression may be used to change (e.g., increase or decrease) the contact pressure between the shank surface 84 and the key support surface 77.

[0086] Therefore, the fastener 80 is configured such that when the fastener 80 is inserted through the wheel boss 72 in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10, the rotation of the fastener 80 about the fastener axis B establishes and / or maintains contact and / or facing relationship between the shank surface 84 and the key support surface 77. Because the shank surface 84 is used to shift and / or compress (or compress against) the key support surface 77, the rotation of the fastener 80 about the fastener axis B increases the contact pressure. The increased contact pressure generates an increased force between the shank surface 84 and the key support surface 77, thereby causing the rotor drive key 74 to more firmly and tightly abut against the wheel 10.

[0087] For example, Figure 5 A portion of a wheel 10 and a rotor drive key 74 is shown, with a fastener 80 extending axially through a wheel boss 72. A shank surface 84 contacts a key support surface 77 of the rotor drive key 74. The shank surface 84 is configured such that rotation of the fastener 90 about the fastener axis B1 increases the force F1 applied by the shank surface 84 to the key support surface 77. For example, the shank surface 84 may be configured such that rotation of the fastener 90 pushes the rotor drive key 74 toward the wheel 10, or otherwise used to increase the contact pressure between the shank surface 84 and the key support surface 77. The force F1 may be in the radial direction R1 of the wheel 10 and may be substantially perpendicular to the fastener axis B1.

[0088] Force F1 can be transmitted to other parts of the rotor drive key 74 and make the rotor drive key 74 engage more effectively (e.g., abut tightly) such as wheel bosses 72 and / or wheel bosses 73. For example, the increased F1 can increase the radial guiding force F2 exerted by the rotor drive key 74 on the wheel boss 72 at the contact area C1. The wheel boss 72 will respond by applying an equal and opposite force F3 on the rotor drive key 74. Forces F1 and F3 generated by the contact pressure between the shank surface 84 and the key support surface 77 can be used to effectively capture the rotor drive key 74 to prevent movement in the radial direction R1 of the wheel 10. The rotor drive key 74 can be configured to be positioned above additional wheel bosses (such as wheel boss 73), and the increased contact pressure and increased force F1 can increase the radial guiding force F4 exerted by the rotor drive key 74 abutting against the wheel boss 73 at the contact area C2 in the same manner. The reaction force F5 combined with the force F1 can further fix the rotor drive key 74 to prevent it from moving in the radial direction of the wheel 10.

[0089] The increased force F1 generated by the rotation of the fastener 80 about the fastener axis B1 can also be transmitted to other parts of the fastener 80, thereby enabling the fastener 80 to engage more effectively (e.g., abut tightly) such as the boss hole 86 defined by the wheel boss 72. The increased force F1 can increase the radial guiding force F6 applied by the shank proximal portion 83 to the inner surface of the boss hole 86. The inner surface of the wheel boss 72 defining the boss hole 86 will respond by applying equal and opposite reaction forces on the shank proximal portion 83.

[0090] In some examples where the fastener 80 extends through the boss hole 87 of the wheel boss 73, the increased force F1 can cause the fastener 80 to engage more effectively (e.g., abut tightly) the boss hole 87 defined by the wheel boss 73. For example, the distal shank portion 85 can apply a radial guiding force F7 to the inner surface of the wheel boss 73 defining the boss hole 87, wherein the surface of the inner surface of the wheel boss 73 defining the boss hole 87 applies equal and opposite reaction forces to the distal shank portion 85.

[0091] The rotor drive key 74 may include one or more additional support surfaces constructed similarly to the key support surface 77. In examples, the one or more additional support surfaces may be configured such that when the rotor drive key 74 is positioned on the wheel 70, the wheel boss 73 substantially separates the key support surface 77 from the one or more additional support surfaces. In some examples, one or more additional shank segments may be configured such that when the rotor drive key 74 is positioned on the wheel 70, the wheel boss 73 is located between the shank intermediate portion 89 and the one or more additional shank segments. The fastener 80 may be configured such that when the fastener 80 extends through the structural support slot 75 and the fastener 80 rotates about the fastener axis B1, at least one of the one or more additional shank segments engages at least one of the additional surfaces of the rotor drive key 74.

[0092] return Figure 3 In some examples, the fastener 80 is configured such that an operator can rotate the fastener head 81 to produce rotation of the fastener 80 about the fastener axis B, so as to establish and / or maintain contact between the shank surface 84 and the key support surface 77. In examples, the fastener head 81 may be provided with a recess (e.g., a socket driver) to facilitate rotation of the fastener 80 or for some other reason. For example, Figures 3 to 5 A fastener head 81 defining the socket driver 67 is shown. The fastener head 81 may be configured to substantially maintain a specific rotational position relative to the rotor drive key 74. For example, the fastener head 81 may be configured to maintain a rotational position whereby the shank surface 84 remains in contact with the key support surface 77, such that the fastener 80 provides support to the rotor drive key 74 in at least the radial direction R1 of the wheel 10.

[0093] Rotation of the fastener 80 about the fastener axis B can be facilitated by an operator using a torsion tool (e.g., a wrench) configured to substantially mate with the socket driver 67. The socket driver 67 may comprise any suitable shape, including regular polygonal shapes (e.g., hexagons), irregular polygonal shapes, star patterns, etc. The fastener axis B may extend through at least some portions of the socket driver 67, which is rotatable about the fastener axis B to drive the fastener 80 to rotate about the fastener axis B.

[0094] Despite Figures 3 to 5 The image shows a recess, but in other examples, the socket driver 67 may be configured as a protrusion extending from the fastener head 81 in a direction away from the proximal portion 83 of the shank. The protrusion may be configured to insert into the recess of the twisting tool or its components and may be configured to include any shape, including regular polygonal shapes (e.g., hexagonal), irregular polygonal shapes, star patterns, etc.

[0095] In some examples, retainers can be used to substantially hold the fastener 80 relative to the rotor drive key 74 at a specific rotational position. For example, as... Figures 3 to 5 As shown, retaining pin 66 may be positioned to extend through portions of fastener 80 (such as fastener head 81) to substantially secure fastener 80 relative to rotor drive key 74 in a specific rotational position. Retaining pin 66 may be inserted into and / or extend through keyway passage 65 defined by rotor drive key 74. Retaining pin 66 is configured such that when fastener 80 extends through support structure slot 75 of rotor drive key 74 and retaining pin 66 extends through fastener head 81 and into keyway passage 65, retaining pin 66 substantially prevents fastener 80 from rotating relative to rotor drive key 74 about fastener axis B. Therefore, retaining pin 66 can help hold fastener 80 in a rotational position, thereby generating forces similar to F2 and F3 and / or F4 and F5 to substantially secure rotor drive key 74 to wheel 10, and can help substantially secure fastener 80 to prevent movement in the axial direction A1 of wheel 10.

[0096] The retaining pin 66 may be configured to be removed by withdrawing the retaining pin 66 from the fastener head 81 and keyway passage 65, which are integral parts, and / or may be configured to allow the retaining pin 66 to be cut into two or more pieces before removal. Removing the retaining pin 66 may also facilitate the disassembly and rotation of the fastener 80 to reduce and / or remove contact pressure on the key support surface 77, making the fastener 80 easier to retract. In other examples, other components or combinations of components configured to substantially prevent the fastener 80 from rotating about the fastener axis B may be utilized.

[0097] In some examples, such as Figure 3 As shown, the rotor drive key 74 includes a support structure 76 defining a key support surface 77. The support structure 76 defines a slot 75 (“support structure slot 75”) configured to receive a fastener 80 when the rotor drive key 74 is positioned above the wheel boss 72 and the fastener 80 extends axially through the wheel boss 72. The support structure slot 75 may be configured to surround or partially surround the fastener 80. In some examples, the key support surface 77 includes the surface of the support structure slot 75. The support structure slot 75 may be configured such that when the fastener 80 is inserted into the support structure slot 75, the key support surface 77 substantially faces the shank surface 84 of the fastener 80.

[0098] The support structure 76 may include a front face 78 configured to contact the wheel boss 72 when the shank surface 84 contacts the key support surface 77. The contact between the front face 78 and the wheel boss 72 can be used to limit movement of the rotor drive key 74 relative to the wheel boss 72 in the axial direction A1. In some examples, the support structure 76 is configured to be inserted between the wheel boss 72 and a second wheel boss 73 adjacent to the wheel boss 72. The support structure 76 may include a rear face 79 configured to contact the wheel boss 73 when the shank surface 84 contacts the key support surface 77. Thus, the wheel bosses 72, 73 may define a gap configured to receive the support structure 76 of the rotor drive key 74.

[0099] When the fastener 80 extends at least through the wheel boss 72 (e.g., through the boss hole 86 defined by the wheel boss 72) and the support structure 76 of the rotor drive key 74, the rotor drive key 74 cantilevered in the substantially axial direction A1 of the wheel 10 by the action of the fastener 80 and / or the wheel boss 72. This makes it possible to remove one or more bolts oriented along the radial wheel axis or perpendicular to the length of the rotor drive key from the assembly. Bolts oriented along the radial wheel axis or otherwise perpendicular to the length of the rotor drive key may be more difficult to install than the substantially axially extending fasteners described herein, and may require special right-angle tools for installation. Furthermore, 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 the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10 compared to the axially oriented fastener 80 described herein. For example, thermal cycling, vibration, etc., can cause the bolts to loosen or even detach completely from the rotor drive key and the wheel assembly. In addition, there may not be sufficient radial clearance in the wheel assembly for the use of a nut or other retaining mechanism with bolts extending in the radial direction. Loose bolts can cause the rotor drive key to be unsecured to the wheel 10, which can reduce the service life of the rotor drive key and / or the wheel, interrupt the operation of the wheel's brake assembly, increase maintenance costs, and lead to premature replacement of the rotor drive key.

[0100] Furthermore, compared to the rotor drive key 74 described herein and other rotor drive keys, some rotor drive keys may not include one or more surfaces (such as front 78 and / or rear 79). Figure 3 The one or more surfaces are configured to face the wheel boss and resist movement of the rotor drive key in the axial direction A1. Therefore, in some such examples, the rotor drive key (which does not include the surface configured to face the wheel boss) may be subject to increased movement because the assembly does not include features configured to engage substantially in the axial direction. Furthermore, unlike the assemblies described herein, in cases where bolts are loose or detached, the rotor drive key (excluding the surface configured to face the wheel boss) of such other assemblies may not include any other mechanisms or engagement points configured to help maintain the rotor drive key in its intended position on the inner surface of the wheel.

[0101] As discussed, in some examples, the fastener 80 is configured to increase or decrease the contact pressure with the key support surface 77 in a substantially smooth, continuous manner as the fastener 80 rotates about the fastener axis B in a specific rotational direction. The shank surface 84 may substantially define a radial cam profile configured to generate a specific amount of contact pressure between the shank surface 84 and the key support surface 77 based on a specific rotational position of the fastener 80 relative to the key support surface 77. For example, Figure 6A and Figure 6B A schematic plan view of an exemplary fastener 90 is shown, in which Figure 7A and Figure 7B A perspective view of fastener 90 is shown. Fastener 90 can be fastener 80 ( Figures 3 to 5 Example of a fastener 90. The fastener 90 is configured such that when the fastener 90 is inserted through the wheel boss 72 in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10, the rotation of the fastener 90 establishes contact and / or increases contact pressure between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77.

[0102] Fastener 90 includes a fastener shank 92, a shank surface 94, and a fastener head 91. A fastener axis B1 extends through the fastener head 91 and the fastener shank 92, for example, through the center of the fastener head 91. A proximal portion 93 of the shank 92 (“shank proximal portion 93”) is located between a middle portion 99 of the fastener shank 92 (“shank middle portion 99”) and the fastener head 91. The shank middle portion 99 is located between a distal portion 95 of the shank 92 (“shank distal portion 95”) and the shank proximal portion 93. Fastener head 91 may be a fastener head 81 (… Figures 3 to 5 For example, fastener shank 92 can be fastener shank 82 ( Figures 3 to 5 For example, the proximal portion 93 of the handle can be the proximal portion 83 of the handle. Figures 3 to 5For example, the middle portion 99 of the handle can be the middle portion 89 of the handle. Figures 3 to 5 For example, the distal portion 95 of the handle can be the distal portion 85 of the handle. Figures 3 to 5 ), and the handle surface 94 can be the handle surface 84 ( Figures 3 to 5 Examples of ).

[0103] Fastener 90 is configured such that when fastener 90 is inserted through the rotor-driven key 74, Figures 3 to 5 When the support structure slot 75 is defined, at least a portion of the shank surface 94 faces and / or contacts the support structure 76 of the rotor drive key 74. When the fastener 90 is inserted through the wheel boss 72 in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10, rotation of the fastener 90 about the fastener axis B1 can establish and / or maintain contact between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77. The fastener 90 may be configured such that when the fastener 90 is inserted through the wheel boss 72 in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10, rotation of the fastener 90 about the fastener axis B1 increases the contact pressure between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77 of the rotor drive key 74. The increased contact pressure between the shank surface 84 and the key support surface 77 causes the rotor drive key 74 to engage more effectively (e.g., abut tightly against) the wheel boss 72 and / or the wheel boss 73, and causes the fastener 90 to engage more effectively (e.g., abut tightly against) the boss hole 86 of the wheel boss 72 and / or the boss hole 87 of the wheel boss 73. Figure 3 ).

[0104] like Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, in some examples, the shank surface 94 can be configured as a cam surface relative to the fastener axis B1, such that the displacement D (e.g., radius) from the fastener axis B1 to the shank surface 94 varies with the endpoints of the displacement D (e.g., Figure 6B The arrow in the diagram rotates and varies around the fastener axis B1, while the other end remains fixed on the fastener axis B1. For example, the displacement of the shank surface 94 can vary from a minimum displacement D1 to a maximum displacement D2. The displacement D can be measured perpendicular to the fastener axis B1. Due to this construction of the shank surface 94, the middle portion 99 of the shank of the fastener 90 can be asymmetrical relative to the fastener axis B1. The shank surface 94 can be a cylindrical surface having an axis offset from the fastener axis B1. The shank surface 94 can be a non-circular (e.g., oval or nearly oval) surface surrounding some portion of the fastener axis B1 (in a section orthogonal to the fastener axis B1). As a result, the shank surface 94 can be adjacent to a surface having some portion on the plane P1 (such as the key support surface 77). Figure 3The fastener 90 is positioned such that rotation of the fastener 90 about the fastener axis B1 retains or causes the shank surface 94 to contact the surface (such as the key support surface 77).

[0105] Fastener 90 may be configured such that when fastener 90 is inserted into the support structure slot 75 of boss hole 86 and / or rotor drive key 74, Figure 3 When the fastener 90 is in the wheel 10, some portions of the key support surface 77 may reside on the plane P1, and rotation of the fastener 90 establishes or maintains contact between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77. The contact between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77 establishes contact pressure and causes the shank surface 94 to exert a force on the key support surface 77 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fastener axis B1. As some portions of the shank surface 94 force the key support surface 77 to displace in the radial direction R1 of the wheel 10 (e.g., through cam lift)... Figures 3 to 5 Further rotation of the fastener 90 about the fastener axis B1 increases the contact pressure between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77. Some portions of the shank surface 94 and / or the key support surface 77 may elastically deform (e.g., flex) with increasing contact pressure. The increased contact pressure between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77 can generate forces (such as F1) on the key support surface 77. Figure 5 And generate one or more forces (such as F2, F3, F4 and F5) between the rotor drive key 74 and the wheel 10. Figure 5 )), and / or generate forces F6 and F7 between fastener 90 and wheel 10. Figure 5 ).

[0106] Figures 8A to 8C A conceptual end front view of a fastener 90 extending into a support structure slot 75 defined by a section of support structure 76 defined by a rotor drive key 74 is shown. Figures 8A to 8C Different rotational positions of fastener 90 about fastener axis B1 are shown. The shank surface 94 defines a cam surface relative to fastener axis B1, such that the displacement from fastener axis B1 to shank surface 94 varies about fastener axis B1. Therefore, in some examples, the middle portion 99 of the shank of fastener 90 ( Figure 7A and Figure 7B It can be asymmetrical relative to the fastener axis B1.

[0107] exist Figure 8A In this configuration, the fastener 90 is inserted into the support structure slot 75 in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10, such that the shank surface 95 has a relatively low displacement (e.g., D1) from the fastener axis B1. Figure 6AThe shank surface 95 may partially contact or be adjacent to the key support surface 77. The shank surface 95 may be displaced from the key support surface 77 (e.g., not in contact with the key support surface) or may contact the key support surface 77. When the shank surface 95 contacts the key support surface 77, the shank surface 95 may apply contact pressure and generate a force (such as F1) on the key support surface 77. Figure 5 The fastener 90 is substantially aligned with the support structure slot 75 such that the shank surface 95 has a relatively low displacement (e.g., D1) from the fastener axis B1. Figure 6A The contact of a portion of the shank surface 99 with or closest to the key support surface 77 relative to other portions of the shank surface 95 can facilitate insertion of the fastener 90 into the support structure slot 75 during assembly, or facilitate removal of the fastener 90 from the support structure 75 during disassembly. In some examples, when the shank surface 99 may not be visible to the operator, for example during installation or removal of the fastener 90, the fastener 90 can provide a visual indicator to serve as an indicator of the relative rotational orientation of the portions of the shank surface 95 (around the fastener axis B1) with relatively low displacement. For example, pin passage 68 ( Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A , Figure 7B Alternatively, another pin passage can be used as a visual indicator of relative rotational orientation.

[0108] Figure 8B The fastener 90 is shown in its section relative to the support structure 76 and rotates about axis B1 in the direction of torque T (from... Figure 8A The fastener is positioned after the location shown. Torque T can be applied via the fastener head 91. Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A , Figure 7B The fastener 90 has been rotated, causing the shank surface 99 to have a greater displacement from the fastener axis B1 (e.g., greater than D1). Figure 6A The section of the key support surface 77 is in contact with the key support surface 77. Relative to... Figure 8A The construction allows for greater displacement, establishing and / or increasing contact pressure between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77. Figure 8B The increased contact pressure in the orientation direction can produce displacement of the key support surface 77 in the radial direction R1, and / or can produce compression of the shank surface 94 and / or the key support surface 77. The increased contact pressure between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77 can generate forces (such as F1) on the key support surface 77. Figure 5 And it can generate one or more forces (such as F2, F3, F4 and F5) between the rotor drive key 74 and the wheel 10. Figure 5 )), and / or generate forces F6 and F7 between fastener 90 and wheel 10. Figure 5 One or more of forces F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 and / or F7 cause the rotor drive key 74 to engage more effectively (e.g., abut tightly against) wheel bosses 72 and / or wheel bosses 73, and may cause the fastener 90 to engage more effectively (e.g., abut tightly against) the boss hole 86 of wheel boss 72 and / or the boss hole 87 of wheel boss 73. Figure 3 ).

[0109] Figure 8C The fastener 90 is shown in its section relative to the support structure 76 and around axis B1 in the direction of torque T (relative to) Figure 8A The fastener (as shown in the rotation position) has been rotated further. The fastener 90 has been rotated such that the shank surface 95 has a greater angle relative to the fastener axis B1 than... Figure 8B The displacement depicted in the figure (e.g., having a displacement D2) Figure 6A The section of the key support surface 77 is in contact with the key support surface 77. Relative to... Figure 8A The construction, and in some examples, relative to Figure 8B The construction allows for greater displacement, establishing and / or increasing contact pressure between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77. Figure 8B The depicted orientation increases the contact pressure between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77, increasing the force on the key support surface 77 (such as F1). Figure 5 It can also increase one or more forces (such as F2, F3, F4, and F5) between the rotor drive key 74 and the wheel 10. Figure 5 )), and / or increase the force F6 and F7 between the fastener 90 and the wheel 10. Figure 5 An increase in one or more of the forces F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 and / or F7 causes the rotor drive key 74 to further engage (e.g., abut tightly against) the wheel boss 72 and / or the wheel boss 73, and may cause the fastener 90 to engage (e.g., abut tightly against) the boss hole 86 of the wheel boss 72 and / or the boss hole 87 of the wheel boss 73. Figure 3 ).

[0110] like Figures 8A to 8C As shown, in some examples, the displacement of the shank surface 94 from the fastener axis B1 can be substantially continuous at the minimum displacement (e.g., D1). Figure 6A ) and maximum displacement (e.g., D2, Figure 6BThe contact pressure between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77 varies substantially continuously based on the rotational orientation of the fastener 90 relative to the wheel 10. Therefore, the fastener 90 can be positioned relative to the wheel 10 in various orientations based on the desired level of contact pressure between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77. In other examples, the displacement of the shank surface 94 from the fastener axis B1 can vary in a stepwise rather than substantially continuously manner.

[0111] The middle portion 99 of the handle and / or the handle surface 94 can be configured such that the magnitude of the displacement D (e.g., radius) is such that... Figure 6B The angular position θ of the fastener 90 varies with the fastener axis B1, such that rotation of the fastener 90 about the fastener axis B1 increases the shank surface 94 and, for example, the key support surface 77. Figures 3 to 5 The contact pressure between the two. The displacement D can vary with angular position θ in a smooth, continuous manner (within manufacturing tolerances) or discontinuous manner (e.g., to define a step change in displacement D). The displacement D can have a rate of change relative to angular position θ, which is positive (e.g., D increases) within a first interval of angular position θ and negative (e.g., D decreases) within a second interval of angular position θ. The shank intermediate portion 99 and / or shank surface 94 can be configured to have a first displacement D1 (e.g., a first radius) and a second displacement D2 (e.g., a second radius), wherein the first displacement D1 is less than the second displacement D2. The shank intermediate portion 99 can define any suitable cross section perpendicular to the fastener axis B1. In some examples, the shank proximal portion defines a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross section. The shank intermediate portion 99 is configured to pass at least through the boss hole 86 of the wheel boss 72 and the support structure slot 75 of the rotor drive key 74. Figures 3 to 5 ).

[0112] The proximal portion 93 of the shank is configured to contact the key support surface 77 on the shank surface 94. Figures 3 to 5 The boss hole 86 extends through the wheel boss 72. The proximal portion 93 of the shank may define any suitable cross-section perpendicular to the fastener axis B1. In some examples, the proximal portion 93 of the shank defines a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section. In some examples, the proximal portion 93 of the shank defines a surface surrounding the fastener axis B1 that substantially conforms to the inner surface of the boss hole 86 to enhance the support of the fastener 90 in the axial direction A1, radial direction R1, and tangential direction T1 of the wheel 10.

[0113] The proximal portion 93 of the shank may have a displacement D3 (e.g., radius) extending from the fastener axis B1 to the surface of the proximal portion 93. The displacement D3 may be greater than, equal to, or less than a specific displacement D (e.g., D1, D2, minimum displacement D, and / or maximum displacement D) of the intermediate portion 99 of the shank. In some examples, the displacement D3 is greater than the minimum displacement D of the intermediate portion 99 of the shank and / or equal to (within manufacturing tolerances) the maximum displacement D of the intermediate section 99 of the shank, to facilitate the intermediate portion 99 of the shank through the boss hole 86, for example, when the proximal portion of the shank is substantially conformable to the boss hole 86. The cross-sectional area of ​​the proximal portion 93 of the shank may be greater than, equal to, or less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate portion 99 of the shank. In some examples, the cross-sectional area of ​​the proximal portion 93 of the shank is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate portion 99 of the shank.

[0114] The distal portion 95 of the handle is configured to pass at least through the boss hole 86 of the wheel boss 72 and the support structure slot 75 of the rotor drive key 74, and in some examples, may be configured to extend at least to the wheel boss 73. Figures 3 to 5 The boss hole 87 is located within the fastener. The distal portion 95 of the shank can define any suitable cross-section perpendicular to the fastener axis B1. In some examples, the distal portion 95 of the shank defines a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section. In some examples, the distal portion 95 of the shank defines a surface surrounding the fastener axis B1 that substantially conforms to the inner surface of the boss hole 87 to enhance the support of the fastener 90 in the axial direction A1, radial direction R1, and tangential direction T1 of the wheel 10.

[0115] The distal portion 95 of the shank may have a displacement D4 (e.g., radius) extending from the fastener axis B1 to the surface of the distal portion 95. The displacement D4 may be greater than, equal to, or less than a specific displacement D (e.g., D1, D2, minimum displacement D, and / or maximum displacement D) of the intermediate portion 99 of the shank. In some examples, the displacement D4 is less than the maximum displacement D of the intermediate portion 99 of the shank and / or equal to (within manufacturing tolerances) the minimum displacement D of the intermediate section 99 of the shank, to facilitate, for example, the distal portion 95 of the shank passing through the support structure slot 75 of the rotor drive key 74 as the fastener 90 extends through the boss hole 86 of the wheel boss 72. The cross-sectional area of ​​the distal portion 95 of the shank may be greater than, equal to, or less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate portion 99 of the shank. In some examples, the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal portion 95 of the shank is less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the intermediate portion 99 of the shank.

[0116] Fastener 90 may include one or more pin passages configured to receive retaining pin 66. Figures 3 to 5 ).For example, Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A , Figure 7BA pin passage 68 defined by a fastener head 91 is shown. The pin passage 68 may extend through the thickness of the fastener head 91. The pin passage 68 may be configured to retain pin 66 ( Figures 3 to 5 The retaining pin 66 is inserted into the pin passage 68 and extends through the fastener head 91. The pin passage 68 is configured such that when the retaining pin 66 extends through the pin passage 68 and is inserted into the key pin passage 65 of the rotor drive key 74, the retaining pin 66 substantially prevents the fastener 90 from rotating relative to the rotor drive key 74 about the fastener axis B1. The pin passage 68 is configured to substantially align with the key pin passage 65 of the rotor drive key 74 as the fastener 90 extends through the support structure slot 75 of the rotor drive key 74, so as to facilitate the retaining pin 66 passing through the pin passage 68 and at least partially entering the key pin passage 65. Thus, the pin passage 68 can be configured to help hold the fastener 90 substantially in a specific rotational position relative to the fastener axis B1, so as to substantially prevent the fastener 90 from rotating relative to the wheel and brake assembly 30 ( Figure 2 Loosening during operation.

[0117] Fastener head 91 may include additional pin passages, such as pin passage 69. Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A , Figure 7B Pin passage 69 has a different orientation relative to fastener axis B1 than pin passage 68. Additional pin passages may exist at multiple locations around fastener head 91 to provide multiple rotational positions for fastener 90, allowing substantial alignment between the pin passages and the key pin passage 65 of rotor drive key 74. Pin passages (such as pin passages 68 and 69) may be regularly or irregularly spaced around fastener head 91. In some examples, pin passages 68, 69, and possibly other pin passages are based on the displacement D of shank surface 94. Figure 6A , Figure 6B The key pins are spaced apart from each other so that the retaining pin 66 can be inserted into the pin passages 68, 69 or other pin passages and the rotor drive key 74 can be inserted into the key pin passage 65. Figures 3 to 5 In the case of the wheel 10, the handle surface 94 is provided with multiple possible orientations.

[0118] In some examples, pin passages 68, 69 are arranged on the fastener head 91 to provide a specific incremental contact pressure (e.g., force) between the shank surface 94 and the key support surface 77 when the pin 66 is retained inserted in the pin passage 68. For example, the configuration of the pin passages 68, 69 may be based on the displacement D between the shank surface 94 and the fastener axis B1 as the displacement D varies with the angular position θ about the fastener axis B1. Figure 6BThe amplitude of the pin passages 68, 69 (and other pin passages) can be oriented relative to certain portions of the intermediate portion 99 of the handle to provide a visual reference for the operator to rotate the fastener 90, for example, when the intermediate portion 99 may not be visible to the operator. Therefore, retaining pin passages 68, 69 (and other pin passages) can provide a range of contact pressures to increase or decrease the tightness of the fit between the rotor drive key 74 and the wheel 10. When the rotor drive key 74 is mounted or otherwise adjusted on the wheel 10, retaining pin passages 68, 69 (and other pin passages) can serve as a visual cue for specific incremental contact pressures.

[0119] Return to Figures 3 to 5 In some examples, the shank surface 84 may be configured such that the middle portion 89 of the fastener 80 can be inserted into the rotor drive key 74 (e.g., into the support structure slot 75) with little to no contact (or no contact) between the shank surface 84 and the key support surface 77, and is configured to provide substantially uniform contact pressure between the shank surface 84 and the key support surface 77 as the fastener 80 rotates about the respective fastener axis. For example, Figure 9A and Figure 9B A schematic plan view of an exemplary fastener 100 is shown, wherein Figure 10A and Figure 10B A perspective view of fastener 100 is shown. Figure 11 A perspective view of an exemplary assembly 70 including a wheel 10, a fastener 100, and a rotor drive key 74 is shown, wherein the fastener 100 extends through a boss hole 86 of a wheel boss 72, through a support structure slot 75, and through a boss hole 87 of a wheel boss 73. The fastener 100 may be a fastener 80 (…). Figures 3 to 5 Example of fastener 100. The shank surface 104 of fastener 100 is configured to generate contact pressure with key support surface 77 as fastener 100 rotates about fastener axis B2 defined by fastener 100.

[0120] Fastener 100 includes a fastener shank 102, a shank surface 104, and a fastener head 101. A fastener axis B2 extends through the fastener head 101 and the fastener shank 102, for example, through the center of the fastener head 101. A proximal portion 103 of the shank 102 (“shank proximal portion 103”) is located between a middle portion 109 of the fastener shank 102 (“shank middle portion 109”) and the fastener head 101. The shank middle portion 109 is located between a distal portion 105 of the shank 102 (“shank distal portion 102”) and the shank proximal portion 103. Fastener head 101 may be a fastener head 81 (…). Figures 3 to 5 For example, fastener handle 102 can be fastener handle 82 ( Figures 3 to 5 For example, the proximal portion 103 of the handle can be the proximal portion 83 of the handle. Figures 3 to 5For example, the middle portion 109 of the handle can be the middle portion 89 of the handle. Figures 3 to 5 For example, the distal portion 105 of the handle can be the distal portion 85 of the handle. Figures 3 to 5 ), and the handle surface 104 can be the handle surface 84 ( Figures 3 to 5 Examples of ).

[0121] The shank surface 104 defines a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the fastener axis B2. This non-circular cross-section is configured to increase the contact pressure between the shank surface 104 and the key support surface 77 as the fastener 100 rotates about the fastener axis B2. For example, in Figures 9A to 11 In the example shown, the handle surface 104 defines a first segment 110 and a second segment 111. The first segment 110 may be substantially flat and have a lower curvature than the second segment 111. A contact surface S joins the first segment 110 and the second segment 111. The contact surface S may be, for example, substantially rounded or have a sharp corner. The contact surface S transitions the handle surface 104 from the second segment 111 to the first segment 110 and vice versa.

[0122] The first segment 110 may extend over a distance on the shank surface 104 in a direction substantially parallel to the fastener axis B2. The second segment 111 may extend over a distance on the shank surface 104 in a direction substantially parallel to the fastener axis B2. For example, the first segment 110 and / or the second segment 111 may extend from point P1 to point P2 on the shank surface 104. Figure 9A , Figure 9B Point P1 may be located at the transition between the proximal portion 103 of the handle and the handle surface 104, or at some other point on the handle surface 104. Point P2 may be located at the transition between the handle surface 104 and the distal portion 105 of the handle, or at some other point on the handle surface 104.

[0123] The shank surface 104 may be configured such that when the fastener 100 extends axially through the wheel boss 72 and the rotor drive key 74 (e.g., through the support structure slot 75), Figures 3 to 5 When the first segment 110 faces the key support surface 77, the first segment 110 establishes little (or no) contact and / or contact pressure with the key support surface 77. The shank surface 100 may be configured to increase contact pressure as the fastener 100 rotates about the fastener axis B2 and the contact surface S bears on a portion of the key support surface. The shank surface 100 may be configured such that the contact surface S rotates substantially through the key support surface 77, such that the second segment 111 contacts the key support surface 77 and applies contact pressure to the key support surface 77.

[0124] For example, Figures 12A to 12C A conceptual end front view of a fastener 100 extending into a support structure slot 75 defined by a section of support structure 76 defined by a rotor drive key 74 is shown. Figures 12A to 12C Different rotational orientations of the fastener 100 about the fastener axis B2 and relative to the key support surface 77 are shown. The contact surface S transitions the shank surface 104 from the second segment 111 to the first segment 110 and vice versa.

[0125] exist Figure 12A In this configuration, fastener 100 is inserted into the support structure slot 75 such that the first segment 110 faces the key support surface 77. The first segment 110 is displaced by a gap G from the key support surface 77, such that there is no contact pressure between the shank surface 104 and the key support surface 77. The availability of this orientation of fastener 100 relative to the key support surface 77 can facilitate the insertion of fastener 100 into the support structure slot 75 during assembly or facilitate the removal of fastener 100 from the support structure 75 during disassembly. In some examples, fastener 100 may include a visual indicator 112 on the fastener head 101. Figure 9A , Figure 10A , Figure 10B This section 110 can be used as an indicator of the orientation of the first section 110. For example, the first section 110 may not be visible to the operator during the installation or removal of the fastener 100.

[0126] In some examples, when the first segment 110 is substantially facing the key support surface 77, the vector originates from the first segment 110 and intersects the key support surface 77 without passing through the first segment 110, and the negative part of the vector originates from the key support surface 77 and intersects the first segment 110 without passing through the key support surface 77. The first segment 110 may be configured to face the key support surface 77 such that a gap G exists. Figure 12A Alternatively, in some examples, the first segment 110 may be configured to contact the key support surface 77 when facing the key support surface 77. For example, when facing the key support surface 77, the first segment 110 may be substantially flush with the key support surface 77.

[0127] Figure 12B It is shown that fastener 100 has been removed from Figure 12A The rotational orientation shown is relative to the section of the support structure 76 and about axis B2 along the direction of torque T. Torque T can be applied via fastener head 101. Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 10A , Figure 10B ).like Figure 12BAs depicted, the fastener 100 has been rotated so that the contact surface S contacts the key support surface 77, thereby generating contact pressure between the contact surface S and the key support surface 77. This contact pressure generates a force F1 applied by the shank surface 104 to the key support surface 77. Figure 5 As the fastener 100 continues to rotate, the substantially point contact between the contact surface S and the key support surface 77 allows the torque T required for the rotation of the fastener 100 to initially increase, and then remain at a substantially uniform value as the contact surface S moves across the key support surface 77. The fastener 100 may continue to rotate (e.g., due to the torque T) until the contact surface S moves across and passes the key support surface 77.

[0128] Figure 12C It is shown that fastener 100 has been removed from Figure 12B The rotational orientation shown is relative to a segment of the support structure 76 and rotates about axis B2, such that the contact surface S has moved past the key support surface 77, and the second segment 111 contacts the key support surface 77. The second segment 111 maintains contact pressure on the key support surface 77, such that the shank surface 104 continues to apply force F1 ( Figure 5 The contact pressure is applied to the key support surface 77. In the example, once the contact surface S rotates past the key support surface 77, the increased curvature of the second segment 111 relative to the first segment 110 helps maintain the contact pressure. When the second segment 111 contacts the key support surface 77, the contact pressure between the shank surface 104 and the key support surface 77 generates a force (such as F1) on the key support surface 77. Figure 5 And it can generate one or more forces (such as F2, F3, F4 and F5) between the rotor drive key 74 and the wheel 10. Figure 5 )), and / or generate forces F6 and F7 between the fastener 100 and the wheel 10. Figure 5 ).

[0129] The first segment 110 and the second segment 111 can be configured such that rotation of the contact surface S over the key support surface 77 can be sensed by the operator applying torque to the fastener head 101. That is, as the contact surface S rotates over the key support surface 77, there can be some tactile feedback to the operator that the contact surface S has rotated over the key support surface 77 and that the second segment 111 is in contact with the key support surface 77. The first segment 110 and the second segment 111 can be configured such that a slightly reduced torque is required when the second segment 111 contacts the key support surface 77 compared to the torque required when the contact point C1 contacts the key support surface 77. Tactile feedback can assist the operator in positioning the fastener 100 during the installation of the rotor drive key 74 onto the wheel 10.

[0130] In some examples, retaining pin 66 may be positioned to extend through portions of fastener 100 (such as passage 113 of fastener head 101) to substantially secure fastener 100 relative to rotor drive key 74. Pin passage 113 may be constructed relative to fastener head 101 and rotor drive key 74 in the same manner as pin passages 68, 69 (and other pin passages) are constructed relative to fastener head 91 and rotor drive key 74. In some examples, pin passage 113 is oriented relative to portions of intermediate portion 109 to provide a visual reference to an operator rotating fastener 100, for example, when intermediate portion 109 may not be visible. For example, in fastener 109 ( Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 10A , Figure 10B On the pin passage 113, a fixed orientation is provided relative to the first section 110 and the second section 111. When, for example, the intermediate portion 109 may not be visible, the fixed orientation provides the operator with a visual marker indicating the desired rotational position of the fastener 100 relative to the key support surface 77.

[0131] return Figure 3 And as discussed, the fastener 80 is configured to extend at least through the boss hole 86 of the wheel boss 72 to substantially secure the rotor drive key 74 to prevent movement at least in the radial direction R1 of the wheel 10. With the fastener 80 extending through the wheel boss 72, the fastener 80 can establish contact pressure with the rotor drive key 74, which maintains the rotor drive key 74 against the wheel 10 without the use of radially extending bolts. The contact pressure established by the fastener 80 against the key support surface 77 anchors the rotor drive key 74 and allows the rotor drive key 74 to be substantially cantilevered in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10. The cantilever support provided by the fastener 80, extending axially through the wheel boss 72, allows the elimination of attachment mechanisms (e.g., bolts) that extend substantially in the radial direction R1 of the wheel 10. The contact pressure provided by the fastener 80 allows the rotor drive key 74 to a more compact and tighter contact with, for example, the wheel boss 72, thereby enhancing the support provided by the wheel boss 72 to substantially prevent the rotor drive key from moving in the axial direction A1 and the tangential direction T1 of the wheel 10.

[0132] In some examples, the rotor drive key 74 may also be configured to engage at least the wheel boss 72, such that the wheel boss 72 substantially fixes the rotor drive key 74 to prevent movement in the axial direction A1 and tangential direction T1 of the wheel 10. Thus, the rotor drive key 74 may be configured to abut against the wheel 10 in a manner that substantially prevents movement in the radial direction R1, axial direction A1, and tangential direction T1 when the fastener 80 extends through the wheel boss 72 and establishes contact pressure against the key support surface 77. The rotor drive key 74 may be configured to abut against the wheel 10 in this manner without using additional attachment mechanisms (e.g., screws and / or bolts) extending through the rotor drive key 74 in the radial direction R1 of the wheel 10.

[0133] For example, the rotor drive key 74 may include a support structure 76 configured to engage with the wheel boss 72 and with a fastener 80. The support structure 76 may provide a surface on which the fastener 80 may apply contact pressure (e.g., via a shank surface 84). The support structure 76 is configured to receive a portion of the fastener 80 as it extends at least through the wheel boss 72 in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10. The support structure 76 may include a support structure slot 75 configured to receive this portion of the fastener 80 and provide a key support surface 77 to receive the contact pressure applied by the fastener 80. When the fastener 80 extends through the support structure slot 75, the support structure slot 75 may completely surround the fastener 80 (e.g., some portions of the support structure slot 75 may be circular or non-circular holes through the support structure 76) and / or may partially surround the fastener 80 (e.g., some portions of the support structure slot 75 may substantially hang over some portions of the fastener 80 without completely surrounding the fastener 80).

[0134] For example, Figure 13 An isometric view of an exemplary rotor drive key 74, including a support structure 76, is shown. The support structure 76 defines a support structure slot 75, which defines a key support surface 77 (in...). Figure 13 (The surface shown is a hidden surface). Figures 15A to 15C A front view of the rotor drive key 74 is provided, in which... Figure 15A A front view is provided. Figure 15B A top-down front view is provided, and Figure 15C A side view is provided. Figure 13 and Figures 15A to 15C Oriented relative to the xyz axes shown in each figure. Figures 15A to 15C In the diagram, the circled x represents the axis of entry into the page. Figure 13 and Figures 15A to 15CThe rotor drive key 74 includes a contact area C1, a contact area C2, a support structure 76, a support structure slot 75, a key support surface 77, and a groove 59, which includes a groove base 61, a first groove side 62, and a second groove side 63.

[0135] The support structure slot 75 and fasteners 80, 90, and 100 are configured such that when fasteners 80, 90, and 100 are inserted into the support structure slot 75, the key support surface 77 substantially faces the corresponding middle portions 89, 99, and 109 of the fasteners. The support structure slot 75 is configured such that when fasteners 80, 90, and 100 are inserted into the support structure slot 75, contact can be established or maintained between the key support surface 77 and the fasteners 80, 90, and 100 (e.g., via shank surfaces 84, 94, and 104) as the fasteners 80, 90, and 100 rotate about the fastener axis B. The key support surface 77 may face the shank surfaces 84, 94, 104, such that a vector may originate from the key support surface 77 and intersect the shank surfaces 84, 94, 104 without passing through the key support surface 77, and the negative portion of the vector may originate from the shank surfaces 84, 94, 104 and intersect the key support surface 77 without passing through the shank surfaces 84, 94, 104. The support structure slot 75 is configured to be substantially aligned with the boss hole 86 of the wheel boss 72 when the rotor drive key 74 is positioned above the wheel boss 72, such that fasteners 80, 90, 100 may extend through the boss hole 86 and make contact with the key support surface 77.

[0136] The support structure slot 75 is configured to substantially align with the boss hole 86 of the wheel boss 72 when the rotor drive key 74 is positioned above the wheel boss 72 and the wheel boss 73, and in some examples, substantially align with the boss hole 87 of the wheel boss 73, such that fasteners 80, 90, 100 can make contact with the key support surface 77 while extending through the boss hole 86 and at least partially entering the boss hole 87.

[0137] The rotor drive key 74 can be configured to transmit forces acting on the key support surface 77 (e.g., forces from fasteners 90, 90, 100) to other portions of the rotor drive key 74 configured to contact the wheel 10, so that the rotor drive key 74 abuts more tightly against the wheel 10. For example, the rotor drive key 74 can be configured such that in the contact area C1 ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 At least one surface of the wheel boss 72 is in contact with the fasteners 80, 90, 100, and is configured such that when the fasteners 80, 90, 100 apply contact pressure on the key support surface 77, a force F1 is generated. Figure 5 When the rotor drive key 74 applies a force (e.g., F2) to the wheel boss 72, the rotor drive key 74 applies a force (e.g., F2) to the wheel boss 72. Figure 5The rotor drive key can be configured such that the contact pressure on the key support surface 77 is applied to other wheel bosses (e.g., F4 on wheel boss 73). Figure 5 Additional forces are generated on the wheel hub 72 and / or wheel hub 73 by the contact pressure from fasteners 80, 90, 100 and the construction of the rotor drive key 74. The forces F2 and / or F4 generated by these forces can make the rotor drive key 74 more firmly and tightly pressed against the wheel hub 72 and / or wheel hub 73. The rotor drive key 74 can be configured such that the reaction force generated from the wheel hub 72 (e.g., F3) generates additional forces on the wheel hub 73. Figure 5 )) and / or the reaction force generated by the wheel boss 73 (e.g., F5 ( Figure 5 The rotor drive key 74 is effectively captured against the wheel boss 72 and / or the wheel boss 73, so that the rotor drive key 74 is effectively fixed to the wheel 10 without using bolts and / or attachment mechanisms that extend substantially in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10.

[0138] In the example, the rotor drive key 74 is configured such that when the rotor drive key 74 contacts the wheel boss 72 and the fastener 80 extends through the wheel boss 72 and applies a first force (e.g., F1) on the key support surface 77, the rotor drive key 74 applies a second force (e.g., F2) on the wheel boss 72, wherein the second force acts at least partially in a direction parallel to the first force. The support structure 76 may be configured to receive the contact pressure applied by the fasteners 80, 90, 100 and transmit the force generated by the contact pressure to locations on the rotor drive key 74 (e.g., contact areas C1 and / or contact areas C2) to tightly abut the rotor drive key 74 against the wheel boss 72 and / or the wheel boss 73. Figure 3 , Figure 4 ).

[0139] The support structure 76 of the rotor drive key 74 can receive contact pressure applied by fasteners 80, 90, and 100 via a key support surface 77. The key support surface 77 is the inner surface of a support structure slot 75 defining the support structure 76. This support structure slot is configured such that when the fasteners 80, 90, and 100 extend through the support structure slot 75 in a direction parallel to the z-axis and apply contact pressure to the key support surface 77, the contact pressure generates a force acting at least partially in the positive y-axis direction on the key support surface 77. The rotor drive key 74 is configured such that the force on the key support surface 77 generates a force acting at least partially in the positive y-axis direction at contact region C1 and at least partially in the positive y-axis direction at contact region C2. Therefore, the rotor drive key 74 can be configured to exhibit a rigid body at least relative to the key support surface 77, contact region C1, and / or contact region C2. The rotor drive key 74 is configured to contact the wheel boss 72 at contact region C1. Figures 3 to 5) and / or contact wheel boss 73 at contact area C2 ( Figures 3 to 5 Therefore, the contact pressure applied by fasteners 80, 90, and 100 to the key support surface 77 captures the rotor drive key 74, substantially preventing movement in a direction parallel to the y-axis. Slot base 61 ( Figures 15A to 15C It may include contact area C1 and / or contact area C2.

[0140] The rotor drive key 74 may be configured to engage portions of wheel bosses 72 and / or 73 such that wheel bosses 72 and / or 73 substantially fix the rotor drive key 74 to prevent movement in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10. In some examples, the rotor drive key 74 is configured such that wheel bosses 72 substantially fix the rotor drive key 74 to prevent movement in the axial direction A1 toward wheel bosses 72 and / or 73. In some examples, the rotor drive key 74 is configured such that wheel bosses 73 substantially fix the rotor drive key 74 to prevent movement in the axial direction A1 toward wheel bosses 72 and / or 73.

[0141] For example, Figure 14 An isometric illustration of a segment of an exemplary wheel boss 123 is provided. Wheel boss 123 may be an example of wheel boss 72 or wheel boss 73. Wheel boss 123 is shown according to the axial direction A1, radial direction R1, and tangential direction T1 of the wheel 10. Figures 3 to 5 Orientation. The axial direction A1, radial direction R1, and tangential direction T1 of wheel 10 can be substantially parallel to the following directions: Figure 13 and Figures 15A to 15C The z-axis, y-axis, and x-axis. The wheel boss 123 defines the boss hole 126, the front surface 121, the rear surface 122, the first side surface 127, and the second side surface 128. The rear surface 122 and the first side surface 127 of the boss... Figure 13 The surface is shown as hidden in the view. The boss hole 126 is shown extending fully from the front surface 121 of the boss to the rear surface 122 of the boss; however, this is not necessary. In some examples, the boss hole 126 may extend approximately along axis L from the front surface 121 of the boss into the wheel boss 123, without extending fully to the rear surface 122 of the boss. Thus, the boss hole 126 may be an example of the boss hole 86 of the wheel boss 72 and the boss hole 87 of the wheel boss 73.

[0142] return Figure 13 and Figures 15A to 15C The rotor drive key 74 may include a front face 78 configured to engage the wheel boss 72 and resist movement toward the wheel boss 72 and in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10. In the example, when the rotor drive key 74 is positioned such that the boss hole 126 of the wheel boss 123 ( Figure 14When substantially aligned with the support structure slot 75, the front face 78 is configured to engage (contact and / or frictionally engage) the wheel boss 123 to substantially prevent movement in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10. For example, the front face 78 may engage the rear surface 122 of the wheel boss 123. The front face 78 may include a substantially planar and / or curved surface. The front face 78 may be configured to substantially conform to the rear surface 122 of the boss. When the fasteners 80, 90, 100 extend through the wheel boss 123 and the support structure 76, the front face 78 may substantially face the rear surface 122 of the boss, such that a vector may originate from the front face 78 and intersect the rear surface 122 of the boss without passing through the front face 78, and the negative portion of the vector may originate from the rear surface 122 of the boss and intersect the front face 78 without passing through the rear surface 122 of the boss. The front end 78 may intersect a portion of the groove base 61 and meet the groove base 61 at a corner (e.g., a sharp or rounded corner) to substantially prevent movement in the axial direction A1 when the groove base 61 contacts the wheel boss 123. In the example, the yz plane ( Figure 13 , Figures 15A to 15C The first vector in the yz plane is parallel to the surface of the groove base 61, the second vector in the yz plane is parallel to a portion of the front 78, and the minimum angle between the two vectors is greater than 30 degrees. In some examples, the minimum angle is greater than 45 degrees.

[0143] The rotor drive key 74 may include a rear end 79 configured to engage the wheel boss 73 and resist movement toward the wheel boss 73 and in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10. The rear end 79 may be on the side of the support structure 76 substantially opposite the front end 78. In the example, when the wheel boss 123 is the wheel boss 73 ( Figures 3 to 5 In the example of ), when the rotor drive key 74 is positioned such that the boss hole 126 of the wheel boss 123 ( Figure 14When substantially aligned with the support structure slot 75, the rear end 79 is configured to engage (contact and / or frictionally engage) the wheel boss 123 to substantially prevent movement in the axial direction A1 of the wheel 10. For example, the rear end 79 may engage the front surface 121 of the wheel boss 123. The rear end 79 may include a substantially planar and / or curved surface. The rear end 79 may be configured to substantially conform to the front surface 121 of the wheel boss. When the fasteners 80, 90, 100 extend through the support structure 76 and at least partially enter the wheel boss 123, the rear end 79 may substantially face the front surface 121 of the wheel boss, such that a vector may originate from the rear end 79 and intersect the front surface 121 of the wheel boss without passing through the rear end 79, and the negative portion of the vector may originate from the front surface 121 of the wheel boss and intersect the rear end 79 without passing through the front surface 121 of the wheel boss. The rear 79 may intersect a portion of the groove base 61 and meet the groove base 61 at a corner (e.g., a sharp or rounded corner) to substantially prevent movement in the axial direction A1 when the groove base 61 contacts the wheel boss 123. In the example, the yz plane ( Figure 13 , Figures 15A to 15C The first vector in the yz plane is parallel to the surface of the groove base 61, the second vector in the yz plane is parallel to a portion of the rear 79, and the minimum angle between the two vectors is greater than 30 degrees. In some examples, the minimum angle is greater than 45 degrees.

[0144] In some examples, the front 78 includes a first planar surface and the rear surface 122 of the boss includes a second planar surface, and the first planar surface contacts and is substantially parallel to the second planar surface when the fasteners 80, 90, 100 extend at least through the wheel boss 123 and the support member 76. In other examples, the front 78 and the rear surface 122 of the boss may define complementary surfaces other than planar surfaces, such as complementary curved surfaces. In some examples, the rear 79 includes a third planar surface and the front surface 121 of the boss includes a fourth planar surface, and the third planar surface contacts and is substantially parallel to the fourth planar surface when the fasteners 80, 90, 100 extend through the support structure 76 and at least partially enter the wheel boss 123. In other examples, the rear 79 and the front surface 121 of the boss may define complementary surfaces other than planar surfaces, such as complementary curved surfaces.

[0145] In some examples, the rotor drive key 74 is configured to surround at least a portion of the wheel boss 72 to further help prevent movement of the rotor drive key 74 relative to the wheel boss 72 in at least the tangential direction T1 of the wheel 10. For example, as shown in FIG12, the rotor drive key 74 may define a slot 59 forming an open, channel-like passage. The slot 59 may be configured to receive the wheel boss 123 (e.g., wheel boss 72 and / or wheel boss 73) when the fasteners 80, 90, 100 extend into the wheel boss 123 and the support structure 76, such that the slot 59 substantially resists movement of the rotor drive key 74 in at least the tangential direction T1 of the wheel 10. For example, Figure 13 and Figures 15A to 15C A groove 59 is shown, comprising a groove base 61, a first groove side 62, and a second groove side 63. The first groove side 62 and the second groove side 63 are attached to the groove base 61, wherein the second groove side 63 is substantially opposite to the first groove side 62. The first groove side 62 and the second groove side 63 may be physically separable from the groove base 61 and mechanically attached to the groove base 61, or they may be integrally formed with the groove base 61.

[0146] The first side 62, the second side 63, and the base 61 of the slot extend at least a portion of the length of the rotor drive key 74 and the constraint slot 59. In some examples (such as in...) Figure 13 and Figures 15A to 15C (As depicted), the support structure 76 is located within the slot 59. The slot 59 is configured to surround a portion of the wheel boss 123 when the rotor drive key 74 is mounted above the wheel boss 123. Figure 14 In some examples, when the rotor drive key 74 is positioned above the wheel boss 123, the groove 59 may surround at least a portion of the first side 127 and a portion of the second side 128 of the boss, such that the groove 59 substantially prevents the rotor drive key 74 from moving in the tangential direction T1 of the wheel 10. In some examples, when the rotor drive key 74 is positioned above the wheel boss 123, the groove first side 62 of the groove 59 contacts the first side 127 of the wheel boss 123 and / or the groove second side 63 of the groove 59 contacts the second side 128 of the wheel boss 123. In some examples, the groove 59 and / or the wheel boss 123 are configured to provide an engineered fit between the groove 59 and the wheel boss 123. 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 can provide increased tangential and radial stability of the rotor drive key 74 during rotation and braking of the wheel 10, among other advantages.

[0147] In some examples, the groove base 61 of the groove 59 extends in a direction parallel to the x-axis and in a direction parallel to the z-axis, and the support structure 76 extends away from the groove base 61 in a direction parallel to the y-axis. In the examples, the support structure 76 and the groove base 61 act as rigid bodies, such that forces applied to the support structure 76 (such as contact pressure on the key support surface 77) are transmitted to one or more portions of the groove base 61 (such as contact areas C1 and / or contact areas C2).

[0148] In some examples, to help maintain the radial, axial, and tangential position of the rotor drive key 74 on the wheel 10, component 70 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first surface within component 70 and the second surface within component 70 are complementary surfaces. For example, one of the first and second surfaces may be a convex surface, wherein the other is a concave surface configured to receive and at least partially mate with the convex surface. In some examples, one of the first or second surfaces defines a protrusion, and the other of the first or second surface 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 surface is configured to form a mating connection with the second surface.

[0149] In some examples, the first and second surfaces are frictionally joined. In some examples, the front 78 ( Figure 13 and Figures 15A to 15C ) is the first surface, and the rear surface of the boss is 122 ( Figure 13 ) is the second surface. In some examples, the latter 79 ( Figure 13 and Figures 15A to 15C ) is the first surface, and the front surface of the boss 121 ( Figure 14 ) is the second surface. In some examples, the first side of the groove 62 ( Figure 13 and Figures 15A to 15C ) is the first surface, and the first side surface of the boss is 127 ( Figure 14 ) is the second surface. In some examples, the second side of the groove 63 ( Figure 13 and Figures 15A to 15C ) is the first surface, and the boss is the second side surface 128 ( Figure 14 ) is the second surface.

[0150] The rotor drive key 74 and fasteners 80, 90, 100, as well as other components described herein, can be made of any suitable material. For example, the material can be any material that has adequate strength for the intended use of the rotor drive key 74 or fasteners 80, 90, 100. In some examples, the material includes metals or metal alloys. For example, the material may include a nickel alloy or a steel alloy. As an example, the material may include stainless steel.

[0151] In some examples, the rotor drive key 74 may be forged, cast, manufactured, additively manufactured (e.g., 3D printed), or produced using other suitable methods. In some examples, the rotor drive key 74 may be machined, and in some examples, the rotor drive key 74 may be forged, cast, or otherwise formed (e.g., not necessarily substantially machined) and / or additively manufactured to obtain the rotor drive key 74, which defines one or more of the following: support structure 76, support structure slot 75, key support surface 77, slot 59, slot base 61, slot first side 62, slot second side 63, and key pin passage 65.

[0152] In some examples, fasteners 80, 90, and 100 may be forged, cast, manufactured, additively manufactured (e.g., 3D printed), or produced using other suitable methods. In some examples, fasteners 80, 90, and 100 may be machined, and in some cases, fasteners 80, 90, and 100 may be forged, cast, or otherwise formed (e.g., not necessarily substantially machined) and / or additively manufactured to obtain fasteners 80, 90, and 100 that define one or more of the following: fastener head 81, 91, 101; fastener shank 82, 92, 102; shank proximal portion 83, 93, 103; shank middle portion 89, 99, 109; shank surface 84, 94, 104; recess 110; shank distal portion 85, 95, 105; socket driver 67; pin passage 68; and pin passage 69.

[0153] In some examples, wheel 10 may be precision machined from a near-net-shape aluminum forging and includes wheel bosses to assemble rotor drive key 74 onto wheel 10 using fasteners 80, 90, 100 extending through, for example, wheel boss 72 and support structure 76. In other examples, wheel 10 may be manufactured in a different manner. In still other examples, wheel 10 may be obtained instead of manufactured. In some examples, wheel 10 may be obtained and machined to form an internal surface 14 comprising a plurality of wheel bosses. Wheel 10 may be made of any suitable material. In some examples, wheel 10 comprises a metal or metal alloy. For example, wheel 10 may comprise aluminum, nickel alloy, steel alloy (e.g., stainless steel), titanium, carbon composite, or magnesium.

[0154] Wheel 10 may include any number of wheel bosses and any number of components 70. Figure 3Wheel bosses (including wheel bosses 72 and / or wheel bosses 73) projecting from the inner surface 14 may extend from adjacent portions of the inner surface 14 in a substantially radial direction. A wheel boss may extend radially inward than a corresponding portion of the inner surface 14 adjacent to it. In some examples, the wheel bosses may have any suitable height in the substantially radial direction. Furthermore, a plurality of wheel bosses may include wheel bosses having the same or substantially the same height, or wheel bosses having different heights. Similarly, a plurality of wheel bosses may include wheel bosses having the same or substantially the same width, or wheel bosses having different widths. In some examples, wheel bosses may exist around the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10 at substantially equal circumferential distances. In other examples, one or more of the plurality of wheel bosses may exist at different circumferential distances from adjacent wheel bosses. Additionally, wheel bosses may be spaced apart from each other at any suitable distance in the axial direction of the wheel 10.

[0155] Fastener 80 may include one or more additional shank segments attached to fastener shank 82 and intersecting bolt axis B1. Rotor drive key 74 may include one or more key support surfaces configured to engage one or more additional shank segments. For example, Figure 16 Fastener 140 and wheel 142 are shown. Wheel 142 includes wheel boss 144 with boss hole 146, wheel boss 148 with boss hole 150, and wheel boss 152 with boss hole 154. Fastener 140 may be an example of fastener 80, and wheel 142 may be an example of wheel 10. Fastener 140 includes shank 156, wherein shank 156 includes a proximal shank segment 158, an intermediate shank segment 160, and a distal shank segment 162, wherein the distal shank segment 162 is attached to a portion of shank 156 including a second intermediate portion 164 and a second distal portion 166. Rotor drive key 170 includes a support structure 172 (which includes a key support surface 174) and a second support structure 176 (which includes a second key support surface 178). Rotor drive key 170 may be an example of rotor drive key 72.

[0156] The shank 156, proximal shank section 158, intermediate shank section 160, and distal shank section 162 of fastener 140 can be constructed similarly to the shank 82, proximal shank section 83, intermediate shank section 89, and distal shank section 85 of fastener 80. The wheel 142, wheel boss 148, boss hole 150, wheel boss 152, and boss hole 154 can be constructed similarly to the wheel 10, wheel boss 72, boss hole 86, wheel boss 73, and boss hole 87. The rotor drive key 170, support structure 172, and key support surface 174 can be constructed similarly to the rotor drive key 72, support structure 76, and key support surface 77.

[0157] The second intermediate portion 164 includes a second shank surface 177 configured to engage a second key support surface 178 of the rotor drive key 74. The second shank surface 177 may be configured relative to the second key support surface 178 in a manner similar to that of the shank surface 84 relative to the key support surface 77. For example, the second shank surface 177 may be configured in a manner similar to that of the shank surface 94 and / or the shank surface 104.

[0158] The second support structure 176 can be constructed in a manner similar to that of support structure 76, and can be constructed relative to rotor drive key 170 in a manner similar to that of support structure 76 relative to rotor drive key 74. The second key support surface 178 can be constructed in a manner similar to that of key support surface 77, and can be constructed relative to support structure 176 in a manner similar to that of key support surface 77 relative to support structure 75.

[0159] The second distal portion 166 is configured to engage the boss hole 154 and / or extend into the boss hole. The second distal portion 166 may be configured relative to the boss hole 154 in a manner similar to that of the distal portion 85 relative to the boss hole 87. The boss hole 154 may be configured relative to the wheel boss 152 in a manner similar to that of the boss hole 87 relative to the wheel boss 73 and / or the boss hole 86 relative to the wheel boss 72.

[0160] Fastener 80 may have any number of additional shank segments, and rotor drive key 72 may have any number of additional key support surfaces, including or supplementing them. Figure 16 The additional handle sections and additional key support surfaces depicted.

[0161] Figure 17 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary technique for attaching rotor drive keys and fasteners to a wheel is shown. (Although references are provided...) Figures 3 to 1 The rotor drive key 74, fasteners 80, 90, 100 and wheel 10 of 5 describe the technology, but in other examples, the technology can be used with another rotor drive key, fastener and wheel.

[0162] The technique includes positioning a rotor drive key 74 on a wheel 10 (1700). The rotor drive key 74 may be positioned to at least partially cover wheel bosses 72 and / or 73 extending from the inner surface 14 of the wheel 10. For example, the rotor drive key 74 may include a groove 59 configured to partially surround wheel bosses 72 and / or 73 when the rotor drive key 74 is positioned on the wheel 10. When the rotor drive key 74 is positioned on the wheel 10, a first side 62 of the groove may engage a first side of wheel boss 72 (e.g., first side 127 of wheel boss 123). When the rotor drive key 74 is positioned on the wheel 10, a second side 63 of the groove may engage a second side of wheel boss 72 (e.g., second side 128 of wheel boss 123). When the rotor drive key 74 is positioned and / or placed on the wheel 10, the first side 62 of the groove may engage a first side of wheel boss 73 (e.g., first side 127 of wheel boss 123). When the rotor drive key 74 is positioned on the wheel 10, the second side 63 of the slot can engage the second side of the wheel boss 73 (e.g., the second side 128 of the wheel boss 123).

[0163] The rotor drive key 74 may include a front end 78 configured to engage wheel boss 72 and resist movement of the rotor drive key 74 toward wheel boss 72, and a rear end 79 configured to engage wheel boss 73 and resist movement of the rotor drive key 74 toward wheel boss 73. The rotor drive key 74 may include a support structure 76 including the front end 78 and the rear end 79. The front end 78 may engage the rear surface 122 of the wheel boss 123 (e.g., the surface of wheel boss 72). The rear end 79 may engage the front surface 121 of the wheel boss 123 (e.g., the surface of wheel boss 73). When the rotor drive key 74 is positioned on the wheel 10, the support structure 76 may extend substantially from the groove base 61 and be inserted between the wheel boss 72 and the wheel boss 73.

[0164] The rotor drive key 74 may be configured such that when the rotor drive key 74 is positioned on the wheel 10, the support structure slot 75 is substantially aligned with the boss hole 86 extending through the wheel boss 72. The rotor drive key 74 may be configured such that when the rotor drive key 74 is positioned on the wheel 10, the support structure slot 75 is substantially aligned with the boss hole 87 extending at least into the wheel boss 73.

[0165] The technology also includes extending fasteners 80, 90, and 100 through wheel bosses 72 (1702). Fasteners 80, 90, and 100 may extend through boss holes 87 in wheel bosses 72. The technology also includes contacting shank surfaces 84, 94, and 104 with key support surfaces 77 (1704). Fasteners 80, 90, and 100 may contact the key support surfaces 77 of the support structure 76 as they extend through boss holes 87. Fasteners 80, 90, and 100 may further extend into boss holes 87 in wheel bosses 73.

[0166] Fasteners 80, 90, and 100 may be configured such that when fasteners 80, 90, and 100 are inserted through wheel boss 72 in the axial direction A1 of wheel 10, rotation of fasteners 80, 90, and 100 about fastener axes B, B1, and B2 establishes contact and / or increases contact pressure between shank surfaces 84, 94, and 104 and key support surface 77. In some examples, shank surfaces 84, 94, and 104 are cam surfaces relative to fastener axes B, B1, and B2. In these examples, an operator may individually or by means of a machine position shank surfaces 84, 94, and 104 adjacent to key support surface 77 and rotate fastener 80 about fastener axes B, B1, and B2 to contact shank surfaces 84, 94, and 104 with key support surface 77 and / or increase contact pressure between shank surfaces 84, 94, and 104 and key support surface 77. Therefore, in some examples, Figure 16 The technique includes rotating fasteners 80, 90, and 100 about fastener axes B, B1, and B2 to increase contact pressure between shank surfaces 84, 94, and 104 and key support surface 77. For example, the technique may include rotating fasteners 80, 90, and 100 to generate contact pressure between rotor drive key 74 and wheel boss 72 (e.g., at contact area C1) and / or between rotor drive key 74 and wheel boss 73 (e.g., at contact area C2).

[0167] In some examples, fasteners 80, 100 may include a first segment 110 and a second segment 111. Figures 9A to 12BThe second segment 111 may have a larger curvature than the first segment 110, and the contact area S may combine the second segment 111 and the first segment 110. In these examples, the operator may place the first segment 110 adjacent to the key support surface 77 individually or by means of a machine and rotate the fasteners 80, 100 about the fastener axes B, B2 to bring the contact area S into contact with the key support surface 77 and / or increase the contact pressure between the shank surfaces 84, 104 and the key support surface 77. The operator may rotate the fasteners 80, 100 about the fastener axes B, B2 until the contact area S slides past the key support surface 77 and the second surface 111 contacts the key support surface 77. The operator may rotate the fasteners 80, 100 until the operator senses a change in the desired torque (e.g., a smoothing or reduction in torque).

[0168] In some examples, Figure 17 The technique may include extending a retaining pin 66 through portions of fasteners 80, 90, and 100, and securing fasteners 80, 90, and 100 in a rotatable position relative to the rotor drive key 74. The retaining pin 66 may extend through pin passages 68 and 113 of fastener heads 81, 91, and 101. The technique may include rotating fasteners 80, 90, and 100 until pin passages 68 and 113 are substantially aligned with the key passage 65 of the rotor drive key 74. The technique may include inserting the retaining pin 66 into the key passage 65 of the rotor drive key 74.

[0169] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A component, the component comprising: A rotor drive key, the rotor drive key being configured to be positioned above a wheel boss of a wheel, wherein the rotor drive key defines a key support surface; and A fastener configured to extend through the wheel boss when the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss. The fastener said therein includes a shank defining a shank surface. The shank surface is configured to contact the key support surface of the rotor drive key as the fastener extends through the wheel boss, and The fastener is configured to restrict movement of the rotor drive key relative to the wheel boss; The fastener shank defines the fastener axis, and the shank surface defines a displacement from the fastener axis to the shank surface and perpendicular to the fastener axis, wherein the displacement varies from a minimum displacement to a maximum displacement greater than the minimum displacement.

2. The component of claim 1, wherein the fastener is configured to extend through the wheel boss in the axial direction of the wheel.

3. The component of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fastener is configured to restrict movement of the rotor drive key in the radial direction of the wheel when the fastener extends through the wheel boss and the shank surface contacts the key support surface.

4. The component of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fastener is configured such that when the fastener extends through the wheel boss and the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss and when the fastener rotates about the axis of the fastener shank, the shank surface increases the contact pressure with the key support surface.

5. The component according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The rotor drive key includes a support structure, and the support structure includes the key support surface. The fastener is configured to extend into the support structure, and The shank surface is configured to contact the key support surface of the rotor drive key when the fastener extends into the support structure.

6. The component of claim 5, wherein the support structure includes an aperture configured to receive the fastener, wherein the key support surface defines at least a portion of the aperture.

7. The component of claim 1 or claim 2, 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 groove configured to surround at least some portions of each of the opposing sides when the rotor drive key is positioned above the wheel boss.

8. A method, the method comprising: Position the rotor drive key, including the key support surface, around the wheel boss of the vehicle wheel. The fastener, including the fastener shank with a shank surface, extends through the wheel boss. as well as The shank surface and the key support surface are brought into contact to restrict the movement of the rotor drive key in the radial direction of the vehicle wheel; The fastener shank defines a fastener axis, and the shank surface defines a displacement from the fastener axis to the shank surface and perpendicular to the fastener axis, wherein the displacement varies from a minimum displacement to a maximum displacement greater than the minimum displacement.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the wheel boss is a first wheel boss, and the method further comprises: The support structure of the rotor drive key is inserted between the first wheel boss and the second wheel boss; as well as The fastener extends through the support structure and the second wheel boss.

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