Brake disc pad with bridging member

Abstract

The invention is entitled "Brake Disc Liner with Bridging Member." In some examples, a drive liner for a drive slot of a brake disc includes a first liner member configured to cover a first surface of the drive slot, a second liner member configured to cover a second surface of the drive slot, and a bridging member configured to extend between the first liner member and the second liner member. The bridging member is configured to limit movement of the first liner member and the second liner member in a tangential direction of the brake disc when the bridging member extends from the first liner member to the second liner member. In some examples, the bridging member is configured to be in compression between the first liner member and the second liner member.

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 the wheel and multiple stators interleaved with the rotors. The rotors and wheel are configured to rotate about an axis, while the stators remain stationary while rotating. To decelerate the rotational motion of the rotating wheel, the brake assembly may displace a piston against a pressure plate, which in turn presses against the stationary stator against the rotating rotor attached to the wheel, thereby generating a torque that decelerates 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] Generally, this disclosure describes articles, systems, and techniques relating to drive bushings for brake discs in wheel braking systems for vehicles. The brake disc may be configured to have one or more drive grooves surrounding its periphery, the drive grooves being configured to receive rotor drive keys of the wheel braking system. The drive bushing is configured to mechanically engage with the brake disc at the drive groove. The drive bushing may be configured such that a portion of the drive bushing resides within the drive groove of the brake disc. The drive bushing may be configured to help protect the brake disc from mechanical stresses borne by the drive groove of the brake disc, for example, during braking operation of the wheel braking system.

[0004] In the example described herein, the drive bushing includes a first bushing member, a second bushing member, and a bridging member extending between the first and second bushing members. The first and second bushing members are configured to be positioned above respective surfaces of the brake disc, such as by sliding the bushing members above the respective surfaces in a tangential direction of the brake disc. The bridging member is configured to extend between the first and second bushing members when the first and second bushing members are positioned above the respective surfaces of the brake disc.

[0005] The drive bushing can be configured such that the first bushing member, the second bushing member, and the bridging member substantially secure the drive bushing to the brake disc without requiring fasteners (e.g., rivets) or other elements that penetrate the drive bushing and enter the brake disc.

[0006] In one example, the drive bushing includes a first bushing member configured to be positioned above a first surface of the brake disc, wherein the first surface is adjacent to a drive groove on the periphery of the brake disc. The first bushing member is configured to slide above the first surface in a first direction substantially tangential to the brake disc. The drive bushing includes a second bushing member configured to be positioned above a second surface of the brake disc, wherein the second surface is adjacent to a drive groove on the periphery of the brake disc. The second bushing member is configured to slide above the second surface in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction. A bridging member is configured to extend from the first bushing member to the second bushing member when both the first and second bushing members are positioned above the first and second surfaces, wherein the bridging member is configured to restrict movement of the first and second bushing members in the tangential direction of the brake disc when extending from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

[0007] In one example, the technique includes positioning a first bushing member on the brake disc by sliding a first bushing member at least above a first surface in a tangential direction of the brake disc, wherein the first surface is adjacent to a drive groove extending axially through the periphery of the brake disc. The technique includes positioning a second bushing member on the brake disc by sliding a second bushing member at least above a second surface in a tangential direction of the brake disc, wherein the second surface is adjacent to the drive groove. The technique includes positioning a bridging member between the first and second bushing members when the first bushing member is positioned above the first surface and the second bushing member is positioned above the second surface, wherein the bridging member is configured to restrict movement of the first and second bushing members in the tangential direction of the brake disc as the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

[0008] Clause 1: An apparatus comprising a first bushing member configured to be positioned above a first surface of a brake disc, wherein the first surface is adjacent to a drive groove on the periphery of the brake disc, and wherein the first bushing member is configured to slide above the first surface in a first direction substantially tangential to the brake disc; a second bushing member configured to be positioned above a second surface of the brake disc, wherein the second surface is adjacent to a drive groove on the periphery of the brake disc, and wherein the second bushing member is configured to slide above the second surface in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction; and a bridging member configured to extend from the first bushing member to the second bushing member when the first bushing member is positioned above the first surface and the second bushing member is positioned above the second surface, wherein the bridging member is configured to restrict movement of the first bushing member and the second bushing member in a tangential direction of the brake disc when the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

[0009] Clause 2: The device according to Clause 1, wherein the bridging member is configured to establish a gap between the bridging member and the support surface of the drive slot as the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

[0010] Clause 3: The device according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the bridging member is a spring having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the bridging member is configured to contact a first bushing member, and the second end of the bridging member is configured to contact a second bushing member as the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

[0011] Clause 4: The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the bridging member is configured to be compressed when the first bushing member is positioned above the first surface, the second bushing member is positioned above the second surface, and the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

[0012] Clause 5: The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the first bushing member includes a body section including a drive surface and a back surface opposite the drive surface, wherein the back surface is configured to engage a torque surface of a brake disc when the first bushing member is positioned above the first surface, the torque surface defining a portion of the drive groove.

[0013] Clause 6: The device according to Clause 5, wherein the first bushing member further includes a first tab extending from the body section and a second tab extending from the body section.

[0014] Clause 7: The device according to Clause 5 or 6, wherein the first tab is configured to engage the first surface when the rear end engages the torque surface of the brake disc, and wherein the second tab is configured to engage the third surface of the brake disc opposite the first surface when the rear end engages the torque surface.

[0015] Clause 8: The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the first bushing member defines a bridging slot configured to receive the bridging member as it extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

[0016] Clause 9: The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the first bushing member includes a bushing lip configured to insert into a recess in the brake disc when the first bushing member is positioned above the first surface.

[0017] Clause 10: The device according to Clause 9, wherein the bushing lip includes a lip support surface configured as a portion of a surface facing a recess of the brake disc, and restricts the movement of the first bushing member in the radial direction of the brake disc when the bushing lip is inserted into the recess of the brake disc.

[0018] Clause 11: The device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the first bushing member includes a body section including a drive surface defining a bridging slot; a back surface opposite to the drive surface, wherein the back surface is configured to engage a torque surface of a brake disc when the first bushing member is positioned above the first surface; and a bushing lip projecting from the back surface, wherein the bushing lip is configured to insert into a recess in the brake disc, and a first end of the bridging member is configured to insert into the bridging slot when the back surface of the first bushing member engages the torque surface.

[0019] Clause 12: The device according to Clause 11, wherein the first bushing member includes: a first tab extending from a body section; and a second tab extending from the body section, wherein the first tab and the second tab are configured to restrict movement of the first bushing member in the axial direction of the brake disc when the back side engages the torque surface, wherein a bushing lip of the first bushing member is configured to restrict movement of the first bushing member in the radial direction of the brake disc when the back side of the first bushing member engages the torque surface, and wherein a bridging member is configured to restrict movement of the first bushing member in the tangential direction of the brake disc when the back side of the first bushing member engages the torque surface and a first end of the bridging member is inserted into a bridging slot.

[0020] Clause 13: A system comprising a brake disc and the device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12.

[0021] Clause 14: An assembly comprising: a brake disc defining: a drive groove extending axially through the brake disc over its periphery; a first surface adjacent to the drive groove; and a second surface adjacent to the drive groove; a first bushing member including: a first body section defining a first bridging slot; and a first body tab extending from the first body section, wherein the first body tab is configured to be positioned above the first surface of the brake disc; and a second bushing member including: a second body section... Defines a first bridging slot; and a second body tab extending from a second body segment, wherein the second body tab is configured to be positioned above a second surface of the brake disc; and a bridging member configured to extend from a first bushing member to a second bushing member, wherein the bridging member has a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end is configured to be inserted into the first bridging slot, and the second end is configured to be inserted into the second bridging slot when the first body tab is positioned above the first surface, the second body tab is positioned above the second surface, and the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

[0022] Clause 15: The component according to Clause 14, wherein: the brake disc includes a first torque surface adjacent to a first surface, the brake disc includes a second torque surface adjacent to a second surface, a first body segment includes a first back surface configured to engage the first torque surface when a first body tab is positioned above the first surface and a bridging member extends from a first bushing member to a second bushing member, and a second body segment includes a second back surface configured to engage the second torque surface when a second body tab is positioned above the second surface and a bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

[0023] Clause 16: The component according to Clause 14 or 15, wherein the first body tab includes a first body first tab, the first body segment further includes a first body second tab extending from the first body segment, wherein the first body first tab and the first body second tab define a space configured to receive a brake disc, and wherein the second body tab includes a second body first tab, the second body further includes a second body second tab extending from the second body segment, wherein the second body first tab and the second body second tab define a space configured to receive a brake disc.

[0024] Clause 17: The assembly according to any one of Clauses 14 to 16, wherein: the first bushing member includes a first bushing lip configured to insert into a first recess of the brake disc when the first body tab is positioned above the first surface and the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member; and the second bushing member includes a second bushing lip configured to insert into a second recess of the brake disc when the second body tab is positioned above the second surface and the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

[0025] Clause 18: A method comprising: positioning a first bushing member on a brake disc by sliding a first bushing member at least above a first surface in a tangential direction of the brake disc, wherein the first surface is adjacent to a drive groove extending axially through the periphery of the brake disc; positioning a second bushing member on a brake disc by sliding a second bushing member at least above a second surface in a tangential direction of the brake disc, wherein the second surface is adjacent to the drive groove; and positioning a bridging member between the first bushing member and the second bushing member when the first bushing member is positioned above the first surface and the second bushing member is positioned above the second surface, wherein the bridging member is configured to restrict movement of the first bushing member and the second bushing member in a tangential direction of the brake disc as the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

[0026] Clause 19: The method according to Clause 18, wherein positioning the first bushing member on the brake disc includes inserting the bushing lip of the first bushing member into a first recess of the brake disc.

[0027] Clause 20: The method according to Clause 18 or 19, wherein positioning the first bushing member on the brake disc includes covering a portion of the first torque surface of the drive groove with a body section of the first bushing member by sliding a first tab of the first bushing member at least above a first surface, wherein the first torque surface is adjacent to the first surface.

[0028] 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

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an exemplary wheel that includes multiple rotor drive keys on the inner surface of the wheel.

[0030] Figure 2 It includes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary wheel and brake assembly.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a plan view showing an exemplary brake disc with multiple drive slots.

[0032] Figure 4 It is an isometric view of a section of the brake disc.

[0033] Figure 5 This is an isometric view of an exemplary clamp for driving the bushing.

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An isometric view of an exemplary first bushing member of the drive bushing.

[0035] Figure 7A This is a front view of an exemplary first bushing member.

[0036] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A right-side view of an exemplary first bushing member.

[0037] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A A top front view of an exemplary first bushing member.

[0038] Figure 7D yes Figure 7A A front view of the bottom of an exemplary first bushing member.

[0039] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 An isometric view of an exemplary second bushing component of the drive bushing.

[0040] Figure 9It is a cross-sectional plan view of an exemplary brake disc, an exemplary first bushing member, an exemplary second bushing member, and an exemplary bridging member, wherein the cross-section is cut along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the brake disc.

[0041] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Another cross-sectional plan view of the exemplary brake disc, the exemplary first bushing member, the exemplary second bushing member, and the exemplary bridging member.

[0042] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional plan view of an exemplary brake disc, an exemplary first bushing member, an exemplary second bushing member, and an exemplary bridging member, wherein the cross-section is cut along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the brake disc.

[0043] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Another cross-sectional plan view of the exemplary brake disc, the exemplary first bushing member, the exemplary second bushing member, and the exemplary bridging member.

[0044] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional plan view of an exemplary brake disc, an exemplary first bushing member, an exemplary second bushing member, and an exemplary bridging member, wherein the cross-section is cut along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the brake disc.

[0045] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Another cross-sectional plan view of the exemplary brake disc, the exemplary first bushing member, the exemplary second bushing member, and the exemplary bridging member.

[0046] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary technique for installing a drive bushing including a first bushing member, a second bushing member, and a bridging member. Detailed Implementation

[0047] This disclosure describes articles, systems, and techniques relating to drive bushings for brake discs in wheel braking systems for vehicles. The drive bushings described herein are configured to be mechanically coupled to a brake disc, which may be one of a plurality of brake discs in a vehicle braking system's brake disc stack. In some examples, the brake disc defines and / or includes one or more drive grooves surrounding its periphery, and the drive bushing is configured to be mechanically coupled to the brake disc at the drive groove. The drive bushing is configured such that, when the brake disc is assembled within the braking system, at least a portion of the drive bushing is located between the drive groove of the brake disc and the rotor drive key. The drive bushing may be configured to protect the brake disc from mechanical stresses borne by the drive groove of the brake disc, for example, during braking operation of the wheel braking system. For example, the drive bushing may be configured to help distribute loads from the drive key and / or key teeth onto the brake disc and / or reduce wear on the brake disc.

[0048] In the example described herein, the drive bushing includes a first bushing member, a second bushing member, and a bridging member. The first bushing member is configured to slide above a first surface of the brake disc, wherein the first surface is adjacent to a drive groove on the outer periphery of the brake disc. For example, the first bushing member may be configured to slide above the first surface in a first tangential direction of the brake disc. The second bushing member is configured to slide above a second surface of the brake disc, wherein the second surface is adjacent to the drive groove and is generally separated from the first surface by the drive groove. For example, the second bushing member may be configured to slide above the second surface in a second tangential direction substantially opposite to the first tangential direction. The bridging member is configured to extend from the first bushing member to the second bushing member when the first bushing member is positioned above the first surface and the second bushing member is positioned above the second surface, to limit movement of the first and second bushing members in the tangential direction of the brake disc. For example, the bridging member may be configured to remain compressed when positioned in the drive groove and positioned to extend between the first and second bushing members. In some examples, the bridging member is a spring (e.g., a leaf spring) including a first end and a second end, and the spring is configured such that when the first bushing member and the second bushing member are positioned on the brake disc and the bridging member is positioned between the first bushing member and the second bushing member, the first end contacts the first bushing member and the second end contacts the second bushing member. In some examples, the bridging member is configured to plastically deform (e.g., by force provided by an operator) when the first end and the second end of the bridging member contact the first bushing member and the second bushing member, respectively.

[0049] In some examples, the drive bushing is configured such that a first bushing member, a second bushing member, and a bridging member substantially secure the drive bushing to the brake disc without requiring fasteners (e.g., rivets) or other elements to penetrate the drive bushing and enter the brake disc. Rivets and other fasteners attaching the drive bushing to the brake rotor can fatigue due to cyclic vibrations and stresses occurring during repeated braking operations. This can lead to rivet failure and damage to the attachment between the drive bushing and the brake disc, as well as resulting in loose hardware floating within the braking system. Additionally, rivets and other through-type fasteners may necessarily require rivet holes through the surface of the brake disc, which can compromise the surface integrity of the brake disc and may create stress concentrations around the holes when the brake disc is subjected to braking loads. Installing one or more rivets within the brake disc can also apply stress to the brake disc near the rivets, as the rivet tail can expand within the rivet hole to provide a securing function between the drive bushing and the brake disc.

[0050] The drive bushings described herein can be configured for use with any suitable wheel braking system. A wheel braking system may include a hub configured to rotate about a central axis, wherein the hub is mechanically coupled to the axle via bearings or some other mechanism allowing the wheel to rotate about the axle. In some cases, a wheel braking system may include one or more rotor brake discs configured to rotate about the axle substantially synchronously with the wheel. A wheel braking system may also include one or more stator brake discs interleaved with the rotor brake discs, wherein the stator brake discs are configured to remain stationary relative to the axle. Thus, the rotor and stator brake discs may comprise disc stacks, wherein during wheel rotation, the rotor brake discs rotate about the axle substantially synchronously with the wheel, while the interleaved stator brake discs remain stationary relative to the axle. Each rotor and stator brake disc may have one or more friction surfaces configured to face the friction surfaces of adjacent brake discs within the disc stack.

[0051] Each rotor and stator brake disc can also be configured to translate in a direction substantially parallel to the axis, thereby allowing the disc stack to be compressed and contact to be established between adjacent rotor and stator brake discs. During braking operation, the disc stack can be compressed, for example, by one or more piston and roller assemblies, to press the friction surfaces into engagement. The engagement between the friction surfaces of the rotor brake disc rotating about the axis and the stator brake disc stationary relative to the axis converts the kinetic energy of the rotating rotor brake disc into heat energy and slows down the rotation of the rotor brake disc. Similarly, the rotation of the wheel is reduced due to the mechanical connection between the rotor brake disc and the wheel.

[0052] During braking operation, as the disc stack is compressed, significant shear forces can be generated on the respective friction surfaces of the rotor and stator brake discs. These forces are typically transmitted through the rotor and stator brake discs to torque transmission components such as the aforementioned brake disc drive slots. Each rotor brake disc may include one or more drive slots surrounding its outer periphery. When the brake assembly is assembled, a rotor drive key mounted to the wheel may extend through the corresponding drive slot. The rotor drive key and drive slot may be configured such that the rotor drive key applies a force to the drive slot during braking, thereby generating stress in the rotor brake disc near the drive slot (e.g., adjacent to the drive slot). The drive bushings disclosed herein may be configured to protect the brake disc from mechanical stresses borne by the drive slots of the brake disc, such as forces generated on the brake disc due to contact with the friction surfaces of one or more adjacent brake discs.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary wheel 110, which includes a plurality of rotor drive keys 140 on its inner surface 156. In some examples, wheel 110 is part of an aircraft vehicle. In other examples, wheel 110 may be part of any other vehicle, such as, for example, any marine vessel, land vehicle, or other vehicle. Wheel 110 may include a rim 152 defining an outer surface 154 and an inner surface 156. Rim 152 may include a manhole 120, a hub 121, and an outer manhole 122. In some examples, inner surface 156 may include the inner diameter of manhole 120. For example, in some cases, inner surface 156 may be referred to as the inner diameter surface of wheel 110.

[0054] In some examples, a tire (not shown) may be mounted on the outer surface 154 of the rim 152. For example, the wheel 110 may include an inner bead seat 124B and an outer bead seat 124A, which are configured to retain the tire on the outer surface 154 of the rim 152.

[0055] Wheel 110 is configured to engage with one or more rotors of the braking assembly. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) Joining. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown in the example, a plurality of rotor drive keys 140 are attached to the inner surface 156, and each of the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 can be configured to engage one or more rotors of the brake disc stack of the brake assembly. This will be relative to... Figure 2 An exemplary braking assembly is described in more detail.

[0056] In some examples, each of the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 is in the substantially axial direction of the wheel 110 (e.g., in parallel with...). Figure 1The axis label "A" extends in the direction of the axis (which may be the axis of rotation of wheel 110). For example, the length of each rotor drive key 140 of the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 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 140 may extend from (or near) a first edge 111 of wheel 110 to (or near) a second edge 112 of wheel 110. In this way, in some examples, the length of the rotor drive key 140 of the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may be the same as or substantially similar to (e.g., within 10%) the width of wheel 110 from the first edge to the second edge. In other examples, the length of the rotor drive key 140 may be less than the width of wheel 110.

[0057] A plurality of rotor drive keys 140 extending substantially in an axial direction allow the wheel 110 to slide onto the braking assembly. For example, the plurality of rotors of the braking assembly may include drive slots configured to receive the plurality of rotor drive keys 140, allowing the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 to slide into corresponding drive slots of the plurality of rotors. In other examples, one or more of the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may be oriented in different directions and / or may engage with one or more rotors in different ways.

[0058] The plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may include any suitable number of rotor drive keys. The number of drive keys may be vehicle-specific and may depend on, for example, load, part size, material properties, etc. In some examples, the number of rotor drive keys included in the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may correspond to the number of drive slots defined by the plurality of rotors of the braking assembly, which are configured to receive the plurality of rotor drive keys 140. For example, each rotor drive key in the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may correspond to a corresponding slot defined by the plurality of rotors of the braking assembly.

[0059] like Figure 1 As illustrated in the examples, in some examples, a plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may be mounted around the inner surface 156 of the wheel 110 at substantially equal circumferential distances. In other examples, one or more of the plurality of rotor drive keys 140 may be mounted at different circumferential distances from adjacent rotor drive keys compared to at least one other rotor drive key. Here and elsewhere, circumferential distance refers to the arc length on the inner surface 156 of the wheel 110, wherein the arc lies in a plane perpendicular to the substantially axial direction of the wheel 110. The rotor drive keys 140 may be integrally formed with the well 120, or may be separate from the well 120 and mechanically attached to it.

[0060] Figure 2This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary wheel and brake assembly 215, including wheel 210 and brake assembly 258. The wheel and brake assembly 215 is shown and described to provide an environment for the exemplary drive bushing described herein. However, in other examples, the drive bushing described herein may be used with any suitable wheel and brake assembly.

[0061] Wheel 210 includes a manhole 220, a hub 221, an outer manhole 222, an outer bead seat 224A and an inner bead seat 224B, a rim 252, an outer surface 254 and an inner surface 256, which can be used with wheel 110 ( Figure 1 The components with the same name are constructed individually and with respect to each other in the same manner. Wheel 210 can be configured to be rotatably supported on axle 218. For example, wheel 210 can be rotatably supported on axle 218 by hub 221. Wheel 210 can then exert movement on a vehicle comprising or mounted on a wheel and brake assembly 215. Figure 2 In the example shown, well 220 and outer well 222 are mechanically connected by lug bolts 226 and lug nuts 228. In other examples, other connection techniques may be used.

[0062] Braking assembly 258 includes actuator assembly 214 and brake stack 216. Actuator assembly 214 includes actuator housing 230, actuator housing bolt 232, and piston 234. Brake stack 216 includes multiple brake discs, including staggered rotor brake discs 236 and stator brake discs 238. Rotor brake discs 236 are configured to move relative to stator brake discs 238, for example, rotatably relative to stator brake discs 238 about axis A and axially along axis A. Rotor brake discs 236 engage with wheels 210 via rotor drive keys 240, particularly with manholes 220. Stator brake discs 238 are mounted to torque tubes 242 via key teeth 244. Wheel and brake assembly 215 can support any kind of private, commercial, or military aircraft or other types of vehicles.

[0063] The wheel and brake assembly 215 can be mounted to the vehicle via torque tube 242 and shaft 218. Figure 2 In the example, torque tube 242 is attached to shaft 218 by multiple bolts 246. Torque tube 242 supports actuator assembly 214 and stator brake disc 238. Shaft 218 may be mounted on struts of landing gear (not shown) or other suitable components of the vehicle to connect wheels and brake assembly 215 to the vehicle.

[0064] During vehicle operation, braking may be required periodically, such as during the landing and taxiing of an aircraft. The wheel and brake assembly 215 is configured to provide braking functionality to the vehicle via actuator assembly 214 and brake stack 216. Actuator assembly 214 includes actuator housing 230 and piston 234. Actuator assembly 214 may include one or more of different types of actuators, such as, for example, electromechanical actuators, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, etc. During operation, piston 234 may extend away from actuator housing 230 to axially compress brake stack 216 against compression region 248 for braking.

[0065] The rotor brake disc 236 is slidably engaged with the rotor drive key 240 to rotate together with the well 220 and the rotor drive key 240. The stator brake disc 238 is mounted to the torque tube 242 via key teeth 244. Figure 2 In one example, brake stack 216 includes four rotors and five stators. However, in other examples, brake stack 216 may include a different number of rotors and / or stators. Rotor brake discs 236 and stator brake discs 238 provide relative friction surfaces for braking the aircraft. In some examples, wheel and brake assembly 215 may include a heat shield 223 between rotor brake discs 236 and well 220 to, for example, limit heat transfer between brake stack 216 and wheel 210.

[0066] In some examples, the key teeth 244 may be circumferentially spaced around the outer portion of the torque tube 242. The stator brake disc 238 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 244. Similarly, the rotor brake disc 236 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 240. In this way, the rotor brake disc 236 will rotate with the movement of the wheel 210, while the stator brake disc 238 remains stationary, thereby allowing the friction surfaces of adjacent stator brake discs 238 and rotor brake discs 236 to engage with each other to decelerate the rotation of the wheel 210.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary rotor brake disc 336, which is rotor brake disc 236 ( Figure 2Examples of one or more of the following. The rotor brake disc 336 may be formed of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, carbon-carbon composite materials. The rotor brake disc 336 defines a central bore 360 ​​extending through the rotor brake disc 336. The rotor brake disc 336 further defines a plurality of drive slots surrounding an outer periphery 362 of the rotor brake disc 336. The plurality of drive slots include, for example, drive slots 364 and 366, and other drive slots similarly depicted. The rotor brake disc 336 also includes a friction surface 368. The rotor brake disc 336 may include a second friction surface (not shown) opposite the friction surface 368. The friction surface 368 and the second friction surface of the brake disc 336 are configured to engage with an adjacent stator disc during braking operation of a brake assembly including a brake disc stack, wherein the disc 336 is part of the brake disc stack.

[0068] The center bore 360 ​​can be configured to surround a shaft, such as shaft 218, and allow the rotor brake disc 336 to rotate around and relative to the shaft. Figure 2 For example, the center hole 360 ​​may be configured to receive a torque tube 242, which surrounds the shaft 218 and is attached to the shaft by bolts 246. Multiple drive slots, such as 364 and 366, may be configured to slidably engage multiple rotor drive keys, such as multiple rotor drive keys 140 and 240. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As discussed, each of the plurality of rotor drive keys 140, 240 may be substantially axially (e.g., parallel to) the wheels 110, 210. Figure 3 The axis of rotation A shown extends and can extend around wheels 110 and 210. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The inner surfaces 156, 256 of the rotor are mounted. When multiple drive slots slidably engage multiple rotor drive keys such as multiple rotor drive keys 140, 240, and the center hole 360 ​​surrounds an axis such as shaft 218, the rotor brake disc 336 is configured to receive forces from the multiple rotor drive keys, which act tangentially on the rotor disc 336 and generate a contact between the rotor disc 336 and wheels such as 110, 210. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The wheels rotate in basic synchronization.

[0069] For example, Figure 3 A portion of the rotor drive key 340 is shown, extending through the drive groove 364. The rotor drive key 340 may be a plurality of rotor drive keys 140, 240, etc. Figure 1 and Figure 2The rotor drive key is located in the rotor brake disc 336. The drive slot 364 is configured to slidably engage the rotor drive key 340 in the axial direction of the rotor brake disc 336. One or more drive slots (e.g., a subgroup of drive slots or all drive slots) defined by the rotor brake disc 336 may have a portion of a corresponding rotor drive key that extends through the drive slot in a manner similar to that depicted for drive slot 364 and rotor drive key 340. The rotor drive key 340 may be located in, for example, wheels 110, 210 (…). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The wheels extend substantially axially in a direction A and are mounted around inner surfaces 156, 256, such as wheel 110, 210, such that when the wheels rotate about an axis such as shaft 218, rotor drive key 340 rotates correspondingly about that axis. The rotation of rotor drive key 340 causes rotor drive key 340 to apply a tangential force to rotor brake disc 336, thereby producing a substantially synchronous rotation of rotor disc 336 with the wheels.

[0070] During braking operation, as wheel 210 rotates about axle 218, a plunger such as piston 234 compresses brake stack 216 ( Figure 2 When the rotor brake disc 336 of the brake stack 216 is slidably translated over a plurality of rotor drive keys 140, 240 in an axial direction substantially parallel to (e.g., parallel to or nearly parallel to, within the limits of manufacturing tolerances) the axis A extending through the central bore 360. The axial translation of the rotor brake disc 336 allows the friction surface 368 of the rotor brake disc 336 to contact the friction surface of one or more adjacent stator brake discs. As discussed, stator brake discs such as stator brake disc 238 can be connected via key teeth 244 ( Figure 2 The rotor brake disc 336 is mounted to torque tube 242 and is rotatably stationary relative to shaft 218. Therefore, when the rotor brake disc 336 rotates relative to an axis such as shaft 218 (e.g., wheel 210 is rotating) and the rotor brake disc 336 translates axially, causing friction surface 368 to contact the friction surface of an adjacent stator brake disc, forces can be applied to multiple drive slots such as drive grooves 364, 366 as kinetic energy is converted into heat energy through frictional contact. For example, during braking operation, when a wheel such as wheel 210 undergoes rotation about an axis such as shaft 218, forces can be applied to multiple drive slots in a substantially tangential direction of the rotor brake disc 336 as friction surface 368 engages the friction surface of an adjacent stator brake disc. The forces applied by the multiple rotor drive keys such as drive key 340 to the multiple drive slots such as drive grooves 364, 366 can be action or reaction forces.

[0071] Here and elsewhere, the axial direction of the brake disc refers to the direction of the vector that coincides with the axis extending through the center bore of the rotor brake disc. For example, Figure 3 A central axis A is shown, perpendicular to the page and extending through the central hole 360. The axial direction of the rotor brake disc 336 is the direction of the vector coinciding with axis A. Figure 3 The axis A can correspond to Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Axis A. The radial direction of the brake disc refers to the direction of the vector that coincides with the line perpendicular to the axis extending through the center bore, intersecting that axis, and intersecting the outer periphery of the brake disc. For example, Figure 3 A line R is shown that is perpendicular to and intersects the axis A extending through the central hole 360 ​​and the outer periphery 362 of the rotor brake disc 336. The radial direction of the rotor brake disc 336 is the direction of the vector coinciding with line R. The tangential direction of the brake disc refers to the direction of the vector coinciding with the lines perpendicular to both the axial and radial directions of the brake disc. For example, Figure 3 Line T is shown, perpendicular to axis A extending through the central hole 360 ​​and perpendicular to line R. The tangential direction of the rotor brake disc 336 is the direction of the vector coinciding with line T.

[0072] Each of the plurality of drive slots including slots 364, 366 in the rotor brake disc 336 may be reinforced by a drive bushing, such as a drive bushing 370 within the drive slot 364. While the drive bushing 370 and drive slot 364 are primarily located in... Figure 3 The description of the rotor brake disc 336 and other accompanying drawings is mentioned, but the description of the drive bushing 370 and drive groove 364 applies to other drive grooves and drive bushings of the rotor brake disc 336 and other brake discs described herein. Additionally, although the rotor brake disc 336 is primarily located in… Figure 3 The description and other accompanying drawings mention this, but the drive bushing described herein can also be used on the drive slot of a stator brake disc, such as stator brake disc 238 ( Figure 2 One or more stator brake discs in ).

[0073] The drive bushing 370 is configured to help mitigate the effects of stresses applied from the rotor drive key 340 to the drive groove 364 during braking operation. The drive bushing 370 provides sliding and bearing surfaces to act on the rotor drive key 340, and thus minimizes or even eliminates the degree of direct engagement between the rotor drive key 340 and the surface of the rotor brake disc 336. The drive bushing 370 is configured to substantially cover certain areas (e.g., all or part) of the drive groove 364 and is configured to be mounted on the rotor brake disc 336 such that when the rotor drive key 340 applies a tangential force to the drive groove 364 during braking operation, the drive bushing 370 is positioned between the rotor drive key 340 and the drive groove 364. The drive bushing 370 is configured to provide a secure placement within the drive groove 364 in the axial, radial, and tangential directions of the rotor brake disc 336, so as to facilitate the movement of wheels 110, 210 (…). Figure 1 , Figure 2 During rotation, the drive bushing 370 remains substantially fixed in position relative to the drive groove 364 as the rotor brake disc 336 rotates. The drive bushing 370 can be configured to provide a secure placement in the absence of rivets or other fastening mechanisms penetrating the rotor brake disc 336. Using the drive bushing 370 reduces wear on the drive groove 364 caused by the rotor drive key 340 cyclically loading and sliding against the drive groove during repetitive braking operations.

[0074] The drive bushing 370 engages with the drive groove 364 of the brake disc 336 such that when the rotor drive key 340 loads the drive groove 364, the drive bushing 370 resides between the torque surfaces of the drive groove 364. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing a section of the rotor brake disc 336 and a section of the drive groove 364 defined by the brake disc 336. The drive groove 364 is defined by the outer periphery 362 of the rotor brake disc 336. The axial, radial, and tangential directions are indicated by lines A1, R1, and T1, respectively. Lines A1, R1, and T1 may be parallel to lines A, R, and T, respectively. Figure 3 ).

[0075] The drive slot 364 includes a first torque surface 372 and a second torque surface 374 on opposite sides of the drive slot 364. Figure 4 (Shown as a hidden surface). Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the example shown, torque surfaces 372 and 374 are opposite to each other. The first torque surface 372 and the second torque surface 374 are each positioned along the outer periphery 362 of the rotor brake disc 336. The first torque surface 372 and / or the second torque surface 374 define a portion of the drive groove 364 and are each configured to carry a rotor drive key (e.g., rotor drive key 340) during braking operation. Figure 3The applied tangential force. The first torque surface 372 and the second torque surface 374 can be configured to face and / or engage the rotor drive key 340 when the rotor drive key 340 extends axially through the drive groove 364. Figure 3 The first torque surface 372 and the second torque surface 374 may substantially face each other, such that a first vector from the first torque surface 372 toward the second torque surface 374 is projected onto line T1 in a first tangential direction, and a second vector from the second torque surface 374 toward the first torque surface 372 and parallel to the first vector is projected onto line T1 in a second tangential direction opposite to the first tangential direction.

[0076] The rotor brake disc 336 also includes a first surface 378 and a second surface 380. The first surface 378 (“first disc surface 378”) of the rotor brake disc 336 is adjacent to the drive groove 364 and may have a boundary (e.g., an acute angle or a rounded corner) shared with the first torque surface 372. The second disc surface 380 (“second disc surface 380”) of the rotor brake disc 336 is adjacent to the drive groove 364 and may have a boundary (e.g., an acute angle or a rounded corner) shared with the second torque surface 374. The rotor brake disc 336 may also include a third disc surface 379 on the side of the rotor brake disc 336 opposite to the first disc surface 378, and may include a fourth disc surface 381 on the side of the rotor brake disc 336 opposite to the second disc surface 380. The third surface 379 (“third disc surface 379”) of the rotor brake disc 336 is adjacent to the drive groove 364 and may have a boundary (e.g., an acute angle or a rounded corner) shared with the first torque surface 372. The fourth surface 381 (“fourth disc surface 381”) of the rotor brake disc 336 is adjacent to the drive groove 364 and may have a common boundary (e.g., an acute angle or a rounded corner) with the second torque surface 374. The first torque surface 372 may be located between the first disc surface 378 and the third disc surface 379, and the second torque surface 374 may be located between the second disc surface 380 and the fourth disc surface 381. The first disc surface 378 and the third disc surface 379 may be non-intersecting surfaces of the rotor brake disc 336 and may be separated by the outer perimeter 362 and / or a portion of the rotor brake disc 336. The second disc surface 380 and the fourth disc surface 381 may be non-intersecting surfaces of the rotor brake disc 336 and may be separated by the outer perimeter 362 and / or a portion of the rotor brake disc 336.

[0077] The first disk surface 378, the third disk surface 379, the second disk surface 380, and / or the fourth disk surface 381 may have any suitable orientation relative to the axial direction A1, the radial direction R1, and the tangential direction T1. In one example, unit vector n1 extends from a portion of the first disk surface 378 and is perpendicular to that portion, and unit vector n2 extends from a portion of the first torque surface 372 and is perpendicular to that portion, and the projection of unit vector n1 onto line A1 is greater than the projection of unit vector n2 onto line A1. In some examples, unit vector n3 (shown as a hidden line) extends from a portion of the third disk surface 379 and is perpendicular to that portion, and the projection of unit vector n3 onto line A1 is greater than the projection of unit vector n2 onto line A1. In one example, unit vector n4 extends from a portion of the second disk surface 380 and is perpendicular to that portion, and unit vector n5 (shown as a hidden line) extends from a portion of the second torque surface 374 and is perpendicular to that portion, and the projection of unit vector n4 onto line A1 is greater than the projection of unit vector n5 onto line A1. In some examples, the unit vector n6 (shown as a hidden line) extends from a portion of the fourth disk surface 381 and is perpendicular to that portion, and the projection of the unit vector n6 onto line A1 is greater than the projection of the unit vector n5 onto line A1.

[0078] Figure 5 An exemplary drive bushing 370 is shown, which is configured to be fixed within a drive groove of a brake disc (such as drive groove 364 of a rotor brake disc 336). Similarly, while the rotor brake disc 336, drive groove 364, and drive key 340 ( Figure 3 ) Mainly in Figure 5 The description of drive bushing 370 is mentioned in the accompanying drawings, but the description of drive bushing 370 is applicable to other drive bushings, brake discs, drive grooves, and / or drive keys. Drive bushing 370 is configured to be mounted on brake disc 336 such that when brake disc 336 is mounted on a wheel, drive bushing 370 is located between rotor drive key 340 and drive groove 364. Therefore, when rotor drive key 340 applies a tangential force to drive groove 364 during braking operation, drive bushing 370 is located between rotor drive key 340 and drive groove 364. Drive bushing 370 is configured to reinforce drive groove 364 to help reduce any adverse effects on brake disc 336 caused by force applied to drive groove 364 by rotor drive key 340 during braking operation. The drive bushing 370 may be configured to provide a stable placement within the drive groove 364 in the axial direction A, radial direction R and tangential direction T of the rotor brake disc 336, so as to maintain a substantially fixed position with respect to the drive groove 364 as the rotor brake disc 336 rotates.

[0079] Drive bushing 370 includes a first bushing member 382, ​​a second bushing member 383, and a bridging member 384. When the rotor brake disc 336 is in contact with the wheel 210 and / or brake assembly 258... Figure 2 During operation, when the drive bushing 370 undergoes movement in the tangential, axial, and radial directions, the first bushing member 382, ​​the second bushing member 383, and the bridging member 384 can act relative to each other to secure the drive bushing 370 to the rotor brake disc 336 in a substantially fixed position. For example, the drive bushing 370 is configured such that when mounted within the drive slot 364, the first bushing member 382, ​​the second bushing member 383, and the bridging member 384 interact to secure the drive bushing 370, preventing significant movement of the rotor brake disc 336 in the axial direction A1, radial direction R1, and tangential direction T1. The first bushing member 382, ​​the second bushing member 383, and the bridging member 384 can be individually and in groups configured to interact with the rotor brake disc 336 in a manner that secures the drive bushing 370 against the rotor brake disc 336, in order to minimize or eliminate significant movement of the drive bushing 370 relative to the rotor brake disc 336. The first bushing member 382, ​​the second bushing member 383, and the bridging member 384 can interact with each other and with the rotor brake disc 336 to keep the drive bushing 370 substantially stationary relative to the rotor brake disc 336 without using rivets or other fastening devices that penetrate the drive bushing 370 and / or the rotor brake disc 336.

[0080] For example, and as Figure 5 As shown, a first bushing member 382 is configured to be positioned above a first disc surface 378, and a second bushing member 383 is configured to be positioned above a second disc surface 380. The first bushing member 382 is configured to slide above the first disc surface 378 in a first tangential direction of the brake disc 336. The second bushing member 383 is configured to slide above the second disc surface 380 in a second tangential direction substantially opposite to the first tangential direction. A bridging member 384 is configured to extend from the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 when the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disc surface 378 and the second bushing member 383 is positioned above the second disc surface 380, to limit the movement of the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 in the tangential direction of the brake disc 336.

[0081] In some examples, the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383 are configured to engage the torque surface of the rotor brake disc 336 in a manner that restricts the movement of the first bushing member 382 relative to the rotor brake disc 336. For example, as Figure 5As shown, the first bushing member 382 substantially surrounds the first torque surface 372 and engages an additional surface 379 on the opposite side of the rotor brake disc 336, such that a portion of the rotor brake disc 336 is inserted into the space 395 defined by the first bushing member 382. Simultaneous engagement of the first disc surface 378 with the surface 379 of the rotor brake disc 336 that is axially displaced from the first disc surface 378 can be used to capture the first bushing member 382 in a substantially stationary axial position relative to the rotor brake disc 336 and restrict movement of the bushing 382 relative to the brake disc 336 in the axial direction A1.

[0082] The second bushing member 383 can be constructed in a similar manner, such that it substantially surrounds the second torque surface 374 and engages another surface 381 on the opposite side of the rotor brake disc 336. Thus, in some examples, a portion of the rotor brake disc 336 may be inserted into the space 395 defined by the first bushing member 382 to substantially secure the first bushing member 382 against axial movement relative to the rotor brake disc 336. In some examples, another portion of the rotor brake disc 336 may be inserted into the space 409 defined by the second bushing member 383 to substantially secure the second bushing member 383 against axial movement relative to the rotor brake disc 336.

[0083] In some examples, the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383 are configured to include one or more additional structural features configured to engage with the brake disc 336 to help reduce movement between the respective bushing member and the brake disc 336 in one or more directions. For example, in some examples, the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383 include a bushing lip configured to insert into a recess (or open slot) in the rotor brake disc 336 to help limit movement of the respective bushing members 382, ​​383 relative to the brake disc 336 in the radial direction R1. For example, the first bushing member 382 may include a bushing lip 396 that extends substantially tangentially in the rotor brake disc 336 when the first bushing member 382 is positioned on the rotor brake disc 336. The bushing lip 396 is configured to insert, for example, into a recess 373 defined by the brake disc 336. Figure 4 In the rotor brake disc 336, the recess 373 resists movement of the bushing lip 396 and the first bushing member 382 in the radial direction R1 of the rotor brake disc 336. The recess 373 can be configured as an open slot. Therefore, when the rotor brake disc 336 is in the wheel 210 and / or brake assembly 258 ( Figure 2 When the first bushing member 382 is moved during operation, the bushing lip 396 can be used to radially fix the first bushing member 382 at least partially to a substantially fixed radial position relative to the rotor brake disc 336.

[0084] In some examples, the second bushing member 383 includes a second bushing lip configured to insert into a recess 375 defined by the brake disc 336. Figure 4 (not shown in the image), and the second bushing lip can be used to at least partially radially fix the second bushing member 383 to a substantially fixed radial position relative to the rotor brake disc 336 during operation of the wheel 210 and / or brake assembly 258.

[0085] When the bridging member 384 is inserted between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 such that the bridging member 384 extends between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383, the bridging member 384 can be used to substantially limit the movement of the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383 in at least the tangential direction T1. The bridging member 384 may contact and / or abut the first bushing member 382 such that a force on the first bushing member 382 in the direction toward the second bushing member 383 is transmitted to the bridging member 384, causing the bridging member 384 to exert a reaction force on the first bushing member 382, ​​thereby resisting significant movement of the first bushing member 382 in response to the force. The bridging member 384 may contact and / or abut the second bushing member 383 such that forces on the second bushing member 383 in the direction toward the first bushing member 382 are transmitted to the bridging member 384, and cause the bridging member 384 to exert a reaction force on the second bushing member 383, thereby resisting significant movement of the second bushing member 383. In some examples, the bridging member 384 contacts and / or abuts both the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 such that forces from either the first bushing member 382 or the second bushing member 383 can be transmitted through the bridging member 384 to the other.

[0086] In some examples, the bridging member 384 may be configured to be compressed when it extends between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383. For example, the bridging member 384 may be a substantially elastically deformable element (e.g., a spring) that exhibits a shape change when a compressive force is applied to the bridging member 384 (e.g., via the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383), and substantially reverses the shape change when the compressive force is removed. In addition to or instead of including a spring component, in some examples, the bridging member 384 may be a substantially plastically deformable element that exhibits a substantially irreversible shape change when a compressive force is applied to the bridging member 384 (e.g., via the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383). Deformation may cause the bridging member 384 to exert a force on the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 in a substantially tangential direction. The force can press the first bushing member 382 against the first torque surface 372 and press the second bushing member 383 against the second torque surface 374. The bridging member 384 can thereby establish and maintain contact pressure between the first bushing member 382 and the first torque surface 372, and between the second bushing member 383 and the second torque surface 374. The force of the substantially tangential bridging member 384 and the resulting contact pressure applied by the bridging member 384 can be used to substantially maintain engagement of the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 with the opposite sides of the rotor brake disc 336, and to limit the movement of the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 in the tangential direction T1 of the rotor brake disc 336. Therefore, when the rotor brake disc 336 is in contact with the wheel 210 and / or the brake assembly 258 (… Figure 2 During operation, when the first bushing member 382, ​​the second bushing member 383, and the bridging member 384 undergo tangential and axial movement, they can functionally interact in such a way that the drive bushing 370 is axially and tangentially fixed in a substantially fixed position relative to the rotor brake disc 336.

[0087] Figure 6A first bushing member 382 is shown, comprising a body section 385 and tabs 390, 392 extending from the body section 385. The body section 385 is configured to reside between the rotor brake disc 336 and the rotor drive key 340 when the first bushing member 382 is mounted on the rotor brake disc 336 (e.g., positioned above the first disc surface 378) and the rotor drive key 340 extends through the drive groove 364 in the axial direction A1 of the rotor brake disc 336. Therefore, the body section 385 is configured to be located between the rotor drive key 340 and the drive groove 364 when the rotor drive key 340 applies a tangential force to the first torque surface 372 during braking operation. The first bushing member 382 may include a space 395 configured to receive a portion of the rotor brake disc 336.

[0088] The main body section 385 is configured to protect the rotor brake disc 336 from, for example, when the friction surface 368 of the rotor brake disc 336 ( Figure 3 The body section 385 is configured to distribute the load from the rotor drive key 340 to the first torque surface 372 and / or reduce wear on the brake disc 336 when the braking operation generates torque on the rotor brake disc 336. The body section 385 protects the first torque surface 372 from mechanical stresses generated, for example, when the rotor drive key 340 reacts against the body section 385 due to the torque generated by the rotor brake disc 336 along the tangential direction T1 of the rotor brake disc 336. When the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disc surface 378, the body section 385 can at least partially cover the first torque surface 372 of the rotor brake disc 336.

[0089] Figures 7A-7D Additional illustrations are provided for the first bushing member 382, ​​in which... Figure 7A Provides a front view. Figure 7B Provide a side view. Figure 7C Provides a top view, and Figure 7D Provide a bottom view. Figures 7A-7D The orientation relative to the xyz axes shown. Figures 7A-7D In the diagram, the positive direction along each of the x, y, and z axes is indicated by the direction of the arrow on each axis, where a circled dot indicates the direction away from the page, and a circled x indicates the direction into the page.

[0090] The main body section 385 includes a drive surface 386 and a back surface 388. The drive surface 386 and the back surface 388 may be located on substantially opposite sides of the main body section 385. The back surface 388 is configured to engage (e.g., contact and / or friction engagement) a first torque surface 372 of the brake disc 336 when the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disc surface 378. The back surface 388 may be configured to bear on the first torque surface 372 when the rotor drive key 340 generates a reaction force on the main body section 385 to resist the tangential torque generated by the rotor brake disc 336 during braking operation. In the example, when the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disc surface 378, the back surface 388 defines displacement of the rotor brake disc 336 in at least the axial direction A1 and the radial direction R1.

[0091] The back surface 388 may be configured to contact the first torque surface 372 of the brake disc 336 when a portion of the rotor brake disc 336 is inserted into the space 395 defined by the first bushing member 382, ​​as discussed above. In the example, the back surface 388 is configured to substantially face the first torque surface 372 such that when the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disc surface 378, a first vector from the back surface 388 toward the first torque surface 372 is projected onto line T1 in a first tangential direction, and a second vector from the first torque surface 372 toward the back surface 388 and parallel to the first vector is projected onto line T1 in a second tangential direction opposite to the first tangential direction.

[0092] When the first bushing member 382 is mounted on the rotor brake disc 336 and a force is applied to the body section 385 in the direction from the drive surface 386 to the back surface 388, the back surface 388 defines a contact area with the first torque surface 372 of the brake disc 336. In some examples, the back surface 388 is configured such that when the bridging member 384 applies a force to the body section 385 in the direction from the drive surface 386 to the back surface 388 (e.g., due to deformation of the bridging member 384 or for another reason), the force presses the back surface 388 against the first torque surface 372 to establish contact pressure between the back surface 388 and the first torque surface 372. The contact pressure can act in a direction from a first pressure area on the back surface 388 to a second pressure area on the first torque surface 372. For example, the force may be due to the bridging member 384 being compressed and extending between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383. The first pressure zone and / or the second pressure zone define the displacement of the rotor brake disc 336 in at least the axial direction A1 and the radial direction R1. In the wheel and brake assembly 215 ( Figure 2 During operation, the contact pressure helps to establish the first bushing member 382 in a substantially stationary axial position A1, radial position R1, and tangential position T1 relative to the rotor brake disc 336.

[0093] like Figures 7A-7D As shown, when the first bushing member 382 is oriented according to the indicated xyz axis, the projection of the back surface 388 onto the xy plane defined by the x and y axes can define displacements along the x-axis and along the y-axis to, for example, provide engagement with the first torque surface 372. The vector v1 extending from the surface of the back surface 388 in a direction away from the body section 385... Figure 7C It may have at least a z-axis component, wherein the z-axis component has a direction in the negative direction of the indicated z-axis (e.g., the direction opposite to the indicated z-axis arrow). Vector v1 may be the normal vector of a portion of the back face 388. The back face 388 in Figure 7B It is shown in the middle with a hidden line.

[0094] The main body section 385 also includes a drive surface 386. The drive surface 386 may reside on the side of the main body section 385 opposite to the back surface 388. The drive surface 386 is configured to engage (e.g., contact or friction engagement) the rotor drive key 340 when the back surface 388 engages the first torque surface 372 and the rotor drive key 340 extends through the drive slots 364, 366. Figure 3 The drive surface 386 provides sliding and supporting surfaces to act on the rotor drive key 340 to minimize or potentially eliminate direct engagement between the rotor drive key 340 and the surfaces of the rotor brake disc 336 during operation of the wheel and brake assembly 215. Reducing direct engagement between the rotor drive key 340 and the rotor brake disc 336 can help distribute the load applied to the rotor brake disc 336 and helps preserve the structural integrity of the rotor brake disc 336, especially in areas adjacent to (e.g., surrounding and adjacent to) the drive groove 364.

[0095] The drive surface 386 may include a sliding surface configured to establish a low coefficient of friction between the drive surface 386 and the rotor drive key 340, in order to minimize shear stress and heat generation during braking operation when the rotor brake disc 336 slidably translates over the rotor drive key 340, as previously discussed. The sliding surface may include a particular material, have a particular surface coating, be machined in a certain way (e.g., polished), and / or have some other properties that give it wear resistance and / or a low coefficient of friction. In some examples, the sliding surface may have a nitride coating. In the example, when the first bushing member 382 is positioned over the first disc surface 378, the drive surface 386 defines displacement of the rotor brake disc 336 in at least the axial direction A1 and the radial direction R1. The drive surface 386 may be configured to substantially face the rotor drive key 340 when the rotor drive key 340 extends through the drive grooves 364, 366 and the back surface 388 engages the first torque surface 372.

[0096] like Figures 7A-7DAs shown, when the first bushing member 382 is oriented according to the indicated xyz axis, the projection of the driving surface 386 onto the xy plane defined by the x and y axes can define the displacement along the x-axis and the displacement along the y-axis. The vector v2 extending from the surface of the driving surface 386 in the direction away from the main body section 385... Figure 7C It may have at least a z-axis component, wherein the z-axis component has a direction in the positive direction of the indicated z-axis (e.g., the same direction as the indicated z-axis arrow). Vector v2 may be a normal vector of a portion of the driving surface 386. In the example, vector v2 is parallel to vector v1 and has a direction opposite to that of vector v1.

[0097] The first bushing member 382 may be configured to engage (e.g., contact and / or friction engagement) the rotor brake disc 336 in a manner that substantially restricts movement of the first bushing member 382 relative to the rotor brake disc 336 in at least the axial direction A1. For example, the first bushing member 382 may also include at least a first tab 390 and may also include a second tab 392, wherein the first tab 390 and the second tab 392 extend from the body section 385 and, in some examples, on opposite sides of the body section 385. When the back surface 388 engages the first torque surface 372 of the rotor brake disc 336, the first tab 390 and the second tab 392 may be configured to engage (e.g., contact and / or friction engagement) opposite sides of the rotor disc 336. The first tab 390 and / or the second tab 392 may be configured to engage respective sides of the rotor brake disc 336 (e.g., respectively) in a manner that substantially fixes the first bushing member 382 to prevent movement relative to the rotor brake disc 336 in the axial direction A1. Figure 4 Surfaces 378 and 379 are shown.

[0098] When the back surface 388 engages the first torque surface 372 of the rotor brake disc 336, the first tab 390 and / or the second tab 392 may extend from the main body section 385 in a direction substantially parallel to the tangential direction T1 of the rotor brake disc 336. Figures 7A-7D As shown, when the first bushing member 382 is oriented according to the indicated xyz axis, the first tab 390 and / or the second tab 392 may extend away from the main body section 385 in the negative direction of the indicated z axis.

[0099] The first tab 390, the second tab 392, and the body section 385 may collectively define a space 395 configured to receive a portion of the rotor brake disc 336 when the first bushing member 382 is positioned on the rotor brake disc 336, such that the portion of the rotor brake disc 336 is substantially inserted into the space 395. In some examples, the first tab 390 and the second tab 392 extend from the body section 385 in substantially parallel directions. The first tab 390 and / or the second tab 392 may have one or more common boundaries (e.g., acute angles or rounded corners) with the body section 385. For example, the first tab 390 may form a common boundary with a portion of the back surface 388 and another common boundary with a portion of the drive surface 386. The second tab 392 may form at least one common boundary with a portion of the back surface 388 and an additional common boundary with a portion of the drive surface 386.

[0100] The first bushing member 382 may include a first bushing surface 391 and a second bushing surface 393, which are configured to engage opposite sides of the rotor brake disc 336 to substantially fix the first bushing member 382 to prevent movement relative to the rotor brake disc 336 in the axial direction A1. For example, the first bushing member 382 may be configured such that the first bushing surface 391 engages with a first side of the rotor brake disc 336 (e.g., Figure 4 A sliding fit (e.g., minimal component friction) is provided between the first disc surface 378 shown, and it can be configured to be on the second side of the second bushing surface 393 and the rotor brake disc 336 (e.g., Figure 4 A sliding fit is provided between the third disk surface 379 shown.

[0101] For example, Figure 6 , Figure 7C and 7D A first tab 390 with a first bushing surface 391 is shown. The first bushing surface 391 is configured to engage (e.g., contact and / or friction engagement) the first disc surface 378 when the back surface 388 engages the first torque surface 372 of the rotor brake disc 336. In some examples, the first bushing surface 391 extends from the body section 385 in a direction substantially parallel to the tangential direction T1 of the rotor brake disc 336. The first bushing surface 391 is configured to substantially face a portion of the first disc surface 378 of the rotor brake disc 336. The first bushing surface 391 substantially prevents movement of the first bushing member 382 in the direction from the first inner surface 391 toward the first disc surface 378. In the example, when the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disc surface 378, the first bushing surface 391 defines displacement of the rotor brake disc 336 in at least the radial direction R1 and the tangential direction T1.

[0102] The first bushing surface 391 may be configured such that when the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disk surface 378, the first bushing surface 391 and the first disk surface 378 are substantially facing each other, such that a vector from the first bushing surface 391 toward the first disk surface 378 is projected onto line A1 along a first axial direction, and a vector from the first disk surface 378 toward the first bushing surface 391 is projected onto line A1 along a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction.

[0103] like Figure 6 , Figure 7C and 7D As further shown, the second tab 392 of the first bushing member 382 may include a second bushing surface 393 configured to engage (e.g., contact and / or friction engagement) the third disc surface 379 when engaging the first torque surface 372 on the back surface 388. The second bushing surface 393 may extend from the body section 385 in a direction substantially parallel to the tangential direction T1 of the rotor brake disc 336 and may be configured to substantially face a portion of the third disc surface 379 to substantially prevent movement of the first bushing member 382 in the direction from the second bushing surface 393 toward the third disc surface 379. When the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the rotor brake disc 336, the second bushing surface 393 may define displacement of the rotor brake disc 336 in at least the radial direction R1 and the tangential direction T1.

[0104] The second bushing surface 393 can be configured such that when the first bushing member 382 is positioned on the rotor brake disc 336, the second bushing surface 393 and the third disc surface 379 ( Figure 4 , Figure 5 The first bushing member 382 is configured such that the first bushing surface 391 and the second bushing surface 393 are substantially facing each other, such that a vector from the second bushing surface 391 toward the second bushing surface 393 is projected onto line A1 along a first axial direction, and a vector from the third bushing surface 379 toward the second bushing surface 393 is projected onto line A1 along a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction. In some examples, the first bushing member 382 is configured such that the first bushing surface 391 and the second bushing surface 393 are substantially facing each other, such that a vector from the first bushing surface 391 toward the second bushing surface 393 is projected onto line A1 along a first axial direction, and a vector from the second bushing surface 393 toward the first bushing surface 391 is projected onto line A1 along a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction.

[0105] like Figures 7A-7D As shown, when the first bushing member 382 is oriented according to the indicated xyz axis, the projection of the first bushing surface 391 onto the yz plane defined by the y and z axes can define displacements along the y-axis and along the z-axis. The vector v3 extending from the first bushing surface 391 in a direction away from the first tab 390... Figure 7C The vector v3 may have at least an x-axis component, wherein the x-axis component has a direction in the positive direction of the indicated x-axis (e.g., the same direction as the indicated x-axis arrow). Vector v3 may be a normal vector of a portion of the first bushing surface 391. In the example, when vector v3 extends from the first bushing surface 391 and intersects the second tab 392, and when vector v1 extends from the back surface 388 and does not intersect the first tab 390 or the second tab 392, the projection of v3 onto the z-axis is less than the projection of v1 onto the z-axis.

[0106] like Figures 7A-7D Further, when the first bushing member 382 is oriented according to the indicated xyz axis, the projection of the second bushing surface 393 onto the yz plane defined by the y and z axes can define displacements along the y-axis and along the z-axis. The vector v4 extending from the second bushing surface 393 in a direction away from the second tab 392... Figure 7C The vector v4 may have at least an x-axis component, wherein the x-axis component has a direction in the negative direction of the indicated x-axis (e.g., the direction opposite to the indicated x-axis arrow). Vector v4 may be a normal vector of a portion of the second bushing surface 393. Vector v4 may be perpendicular to vector v1. Vector v4 may be parallel to vector v3 and have a direction opposite to vector v3. In the example, when vector v4 extends from the second bushing surface 393 and intersects the first tab 390, and when vector v1 extends from the back surface 388 and does not intersect the first tab 390 or the second tab 392, the projection of v4 onto the z-axis is less than the projection of v1 onto the z-axis.

[0107] The first bushing member 382 may define a space 395 between the first bushing surface 391 and the second bushing surface 393. Figure 7C Space 395 may be configured to receive a portion of rotor brake disc 336, for example, with drive groove 364 of brake disc 336. Figure 4Adjacent portions fit together. When the first bushing member 382 is oriented according to the shown xyz axis, space 395 may define a displacement D parallel to the x-axis. The displacement D of space 395 may vary relative to the y-axis and / or z-axis. For example, displacement D may increase or decrease in the positive direction of the y-axis and in the negative direction of the y-axis, and may increase or decrease in the positive direction of the z-axis and in the negative direction of the z-axis. In some examples, the first bushing member 382 may be configured such that when the first bushing member 382 receives a portion of the rotor brake disc 336, displacement D matches and / or substantially conforms to that portion of the rotor brake disc 336. For example, the first bushing surface 391 and the second bushing surface 393 may be configured to be inclined away from each other, such that displacement D increases in the positive direction of the y-axis (e.g., when the first bushing member is positioned on the rotor brake disc 336, in the radial direction from the central hole 360 ​​to the periphery 362). Figure 3 (Increase). The rotor brake disc 336 can be configured such that the increased displacement D matches the rotor brake disc 336 to, for example, substantially fix the first bushing member 382 radially from the central hole 360 ​​to the periphery 362. Figure 3 The displacement D can be substantially constant relative to the y-axis and / or z-axis in some examples.

[0108] Therefore, the first bushing member 382 can be configured such that when the first bushing member 382 is positioned on the rotor brake disc 336 and the back surface 388 engages the first torque surface 372 of the rotor brake disc 336, the first bushing surface 391 and the second bushing surface 393 substantially support a portion of the rotor brake disc 336. This support of the rotor brake disc 336 can contribute to the wheel and brake assembly 215 (… Figure 2 During operation, the first bushing member 382 is fixed to prevent movement relative to the rotor brake disc 336 in the axial direction A1. For example, when the rotor drive key 340 applies force to the drive surface 386 in the tangential direction T1, the axial direction A1, and / or the radial direction R1 during braking operation, the rotor brake disc 336 supported by the first bushing surface 391 and the second bushing surface 393 can provide axial support for the first bushing member 382.

[0109] In some examples, other than the first tab 390 and / or the second tab 392 or elsewhere, the first bushing member 382 and the brake disc 336 may include interlocking or otherwise engaging components configured to reduce relative movement between the first bushing member 382 and the brake disc 336. For example, the first bushing member 382 may include a mating protrusion configured to insert into or slidably translate into a mating recess defined by the rotor brake disc 336 when the first bushing member 382 is positioned on the rotor brake disc 336. Alternatively, the first bushing member 382 may define a mating recess configured to receive a mating protrusion of the rotor brake disc 336 when the first bushing member 382 is positioned on the rotor brake disc 336. The mating protrusions and / or mating recesses can be configured to engage (e.g., contact and / or friction engagement) when the first bushing member 382 is positioned on the rotor brake disc, in order to limit the movement of the first bushing member 382 relative to the rotor brake disc 336 at least in the axial direction A1. When the body section 385 is according to Figures 7A-7D When the xyz axes are oriented as shown, the mating protrusion defined by the first bushing member 382 can extend from the back surface 388 along the negative direction of the z-axis. The mating recess defined by the first bushing member 382 can extend from the back surface 388 into the body section 385 and can be configured to receive the first torque surface 372 from the brake disc 336. Figure 4 A protrusion extending in the tangential direction T1 along the rotor brake disc 336.

[0110] In some examples, the first bushing member 382 is further configured to include a bushing lip 396, which is configured to insert into the recess 373 of the rotor brake disc 336. Figure 4 In the rotor brake disc 336 in the wheel 210 and / or brake assembly 258 ( Figure 2 During operation, when the first bushing member 382 undergoes movement, it is at least partially secured in a substantially fixed radial position relative to the rotor brake disc 336. A bushing lip 396 may be added to the mating protrusion of the first bushing member 382 discussed above. The bushing lip 396 extends away from the body section 385. The bushing lip 396 may form a common boundary with the back surface 388 and may reside at least partially between the first tab 390 and the second tab 392. The bushing lip 396 may extend from the body section 385 in a direction substantially the same as that of the first tab 390 and / or the second tab 392 (e.g., protruding). When the first bushing member 382 is positioned on the rotor brake disc 336, the bushing lip 396 may extend in a substantially tangential direction T1 of the rotor brake disc 336.

[0111] When the back surface 388 engages the first torque surface 372 of the rotor brake disc 336, the bushing lip 396 can be inserted into the recess 373 defined by the brake disc 336. When the bridging member 384 applies force to the body section 385 in a direction from the drive surface 386 to the back surface 388, the bridging member 384 can be used to partially secure the bushing lip 396 within the recess 373. Therefore, the bushing lip 396 can be used to provide a measure of support for the first bushing member 382 in the radial direction R1. The bushing lip 396 can have any suitable configuration. In some examples, the bushing lip 396 may include one or more radii or surfaces, which may be present in the wheel 210 and / or brake assembly 258 ( Figure 2 This reduces stress concentration on the bushing lip 396 during operation and braking, compared to sharper corners or surfaces.

[0112] The bushing lip 396 is configured to substantially face a portion of the recess 373 when inserted into it, in order to substantially limit the movement of the first bushing member 382 in the radial direction of the rotor brake disc 336. In the example, when the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disc surface 378 and the bushing lip 396 is inserted into the recess 373, the bushing lip 396 defines displacement of the rotor brake disc 336 in at least the tangential direction T1 and the axial direction A1. The bushing lip 396 can be configured such that when the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disk surface 378, a portion of the bushing lip 396 and a portion of the recess 373 substantially face each other, such that a vector from the surface of the bushing lip 396 toward the surface of the recess 373 is projected onto line R1 along a first radial direction, and a vector from the surface of the recess 373 toward the surface of the bushing lip 396 is projected onto line R1 along a second radial direction opposite to the first radial direction. For example, the first bushing member 382 can be configured such that when the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disk surface 378, the lip support surface 397 of the bushing lip 396 substantially faces the recess support surface 371 of the recess 373. Figure 4 ).

[0113] like Figure 7C and Figure 7B As shown, with the first bushing member 382 oriented according to the indicated xyz axis, the bushing lip 396 may extend from the body section 385 in the negative z-axis direction. The bushing lip 396 may reside at least partially within the space 395 between the first bushing surface 391 and the second bushing surface 393, and may extend from any portion of the body section 385. For example, the bushing lip 396 may be more... Figure 7BThe location depicted for the position correction extends from the main body section 385. The bushing lip 396 may extend from the main body section 385 at any location on the x-axis or z-axis. The bushing lip 396 defines a lip support surface 397, which is configured such that the projection of the lip support surface 397 onto the xz plane defined by the x-axis and z-axis defines displacement along the x-axis and displacement along the z-axis. A vector v5 (…) extends from the lip support surface 397 in a direction away from the bushing lip 396. Figure 7B It may have at least a y-axis component, wherein the y-axis component has a direction in the positive direction of the y-axis shown (e.g., the same direction as the y-axis arrow shown). Vector v5 may be a normal vector of a portion of the lip support surface 397.

[0114] The bushing lip 396 may share a common boundary (e.g., an acute angle or a rounded corner) with the back surface 388. The bushing lip may be oriented relative to the back surface 388 such that when vector v5 extends from the lip support surface 397 and does not intersect the back surface 388, and when vector v1 extends from the back surface 388 and does not intersect the first tab 390 or the second tab 392, the projection of v5 onto the z-axis is less than the projection of v1 onto the z-axis. The bushing lip 396 may be oriented relative to the first tab 390 such that when vector v5 extends from the lip support surface 397 and does not intersect the first tab 390 or the second tab 392, and when vector v3 extends from the first bushing surface 391 and intersects the second bushing surface 393, the projection of v5 onto the x-axis is less than the projection of vector v3 onto the x-axis. The bushing lip 396 may be oriented relative to the second tab 392 such that when vector v5 extends from the lip retaining surface 397 and does not intersect the first tab 390 or the second tab 392, and when vector v4 extends from the second bushing surface 393 and intersects the first bushing surface 391, the projection of v5 onto the x-axis is less than the projection of vector v4 onto the x-axis.

[0115] The bushing lip 396 may be configured to provide a measure of axial support for the first bushing member when the bushing lip 396 is inserted into the recess 373. For example, the bushing lip 396 may include a first side surface 402 configured to face the surface of the defining recess 373 of the brake disc 336 such that the first side surface 402 substantially constrains the movement of the first bushing member 382 in the axial direction A1 of the rotor brake disc 336. The first side surface 402 may be configured to engage (e.g., contact and / or friction engagement) the surface of the defining recess 373 of the brake disc 336 when the bushing lip is inserted into the recess 373. When the bushing lip 396 is inserted into the recess 373, the first side surface 402 and the recess 373 can substantially face each other, such that a first vector from the first side surface 402 toward the recess 373 is projected onto line A1 along a first axial direction, and a second vector from the recess 373 toward the first side surface 402 and parallel to the first vector is projected onto line A1 along a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction.

[0116] The bushing lip 396 may also include a second side surface 404 located on a side of the bushing lip 396 substantially opposite to the first side surface 402. In some examples, the second side surface 404 may be configured to face the second surface of the recess 373 and substantially constrain the movement of the first bushing member 382 in a direction opposite to the axial direction constrained by the first side surface 402. The second side surface 404 may be configured to engage (e.g., contact and / or friction engagement) the second surface defining the recess 373 of the brake disc 336 when the bushing lip is inserted into the recess 373. When the bushing lip 396 is inserted into the recess 373, the second side surface 404 and the recess 373 may substantially face each other such that a first vector from the second side surface 404 toward the recess 373 is projected onto line A1 in a first axial direction, and a second vector from the recess 373 toward the second side surface 404 and parallel to the first vector is projected onto line A1 in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction. Figures 7A-7D As shown, when the first bushing member 382 is oriented according to the indicated xyz axis, the projection of the first side surface 402 or the projection of the second side surface 404 onto the yz plane can define the displacement along the y axis and the displacement along the z axis.

[0117] Therefore, the first bushing member 382 can be secured to prevent movement in the radial direction R1, axial direction A1, and tangential direction T1 of the rotor brake disc 336 without penetrating any additional attachment mechanism of the rotor brake disc 336. A bushing lip 396 can be used to provide support to prevent significant movement of the first bushing member 382 relative to the rotor brake disc 336 in the radial direction R1. A first bushing surface 391 and a second bushing surface 393 can support a portion of the rotor brake disc 336 to provide support and prevent significant movement of the first bushing member 382 relative to the rotor brake disc 336 in the axial direction A1. A bridging member 384 can be used to substantially limit movement of the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383 in at least the tangential direction T1. The bridging member 384 can provide force on the body section 385 in a direction from the drive surface 386 to the rear surface 388 to provide support and prevent significant movement of the first bushing member 382 relative to the rotor brake disc 336 in the tangential direction T1. Such radial, axial, and tangential supports allow the first bushing member 382 to be securely placed on the rotor brake disc 336 without the presence of rivets or other fastening mechanisms penetrating the rotor brake disc 336. When positioned on the rotor brake disc 336, the radial, axial, and tangential supports of the first bushing member 382 can exist without additional attachment devices (e.g., rivets) penetrating the first bushing member 382 and / or the rotor brake disc 336.

[0118] The first bushing member 382 may have any suitable configuration. In some examples, the body segment 385, the first tab 390, and the second tab 392 are formed to be physically separate from each other and subsequently attached to define the first bushing member 382. In other examples, the body segment 385, the first tab 390, and the second tab 392 have an integral body construction, for example, being formed as a single piece. The first bushing member 382 may be formed by bar milling, investment casting, 3D printing, or some other suitable method. Furthermore, in some examples, the first bushing member 382 may be formed from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, 17-4PH stainless steel, chromium-nickel-iron alloy, or other alloys. In some examples, the first bushing member 382 includes a wear-resistant coating, such as, but not limited to, a nitride coating. In some examples, the body segment 385, the first tab 390, and the second tab 392 are formed from the same material, while in other examples, at least two of the body segment 385, the first tab 390, and the second tab 392 are formed from different materials.

[0119] Figure 8A perspective view of an exemplary second bushing member 383 is shown. The second bushing member 383 may include at least a body segment 406, a drive surface 408, a space 409, a back surface 410 (e.g., facing in the direction opposite to the drive surface 408), a first tab 412, a first bushing surface 414, a second tab 416, a second bushing surface 418, and a bushing lip 420 defining a first side surface 424, a second side surface 426, and a lip support surface 422, which may be constructed in a similar manner to and relative to each other as described above for similarly named components of the first bushing member 382. The second bushing member 383 can interact with the rotor drive key 340, the second torque surface 374, the second disc surface 380, the fourth disc surface 381, the recess 375, and the recess support surface 377 of the rotor brake disc 336 in a manner similar to the interaction between the first bushing member 382 and the rotor drive key 340, the first torque surface 372, the first disc surface 378, the third disc surface 379, the recess 373, and the recess support surface 371.

[0120] As discussed, and as Figure 5 As shown, the drive bushing 370 includes a first bushing member 382, ​​a second bushing member 383, and a bridging member 384. The first bushing member 382 is configured to slide over a first disc surface 378 and a third disc surface 379 along a first tangential direction of the rotor brake disc 336. The second bushing member 383 is configured to slide over a second disc surface 380 and a fourth disc surface 381 along a second tangential direction of the rotor brake disc 336, wherein the second tangential direction may be substantially opposite to the first tangential direction. The bridging member 384 is configured to extend from the first bushing member 382 to the second bushing member 383 when the first bushing member 382 is positioned over the first disc surface 378 and the second bushing member 383 is positioned over the second disc surface 380, to at least partially restrict the movement of the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 in the tangential direction of the brake disc.

[0121] The bridging member 384 may have any suitable shape that allows it to contact and / or abut against the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383. For example, the bridging member 384 may include a straight beam, a curved beam (e.g., a beam having a V-shape, U-shape, wavy shape, etc.), a helical element, or other shapes. The bridging member 384 may include an elongated base extending between a first end configured to contact and / or abut against the first bushing member 382 and a second end configured to contact and / or abut against the second bushing member 383. In some examples, the bridging member 384, the first bushing member 382, ​​and / or the second member 383 may be configured to provide engineered fits, such as sliding fits, positional fits, transition fits, or interference fits, between the bridging member 384 and the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383. In addition to or instead of engineered fits, in some examples, the bridging member 384 may be attached to the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383 using any suitable technique, such as, but not limited to, adhesives, fusion, friction, or welding or brazing. The attachment may be substantially permanent, or alternatively, may be configured such that the bridging member 384, the first bushing member 382, ​​and / or the second bushing member 383 can be separated, such that the bridging member 384, the first bushing member 382, ​​and / or the second bushing member 383 remain usable when separated.

[0122] In some examples, the bridging member 384 is configured such that when the bridging member 384 contacts and / or abuts the first element 382 and the second element 383, a force applied to the bridging member 384 (e.g., applied by an operator) and driving the bridging member 384 between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 causes the bridging member 384 to deform (e.g., elastically and / or plastically). For example, the bridging member 384 may be a substantially elastically deformable element (e.g., a spring) that exhibits a shape change when a compressive force is applied to the bridging member 384 (e.g., through the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383), and substantially reverses the shape change when the compressive force is removed. When the bridging member 384 is a substantially elastic element and is compressed between the first bushing member 382 at its first end and the second bushing member 383 at its second end, the elasticity of the bridging member 384 causes the first end of the bridging member 384 to be pushed back against the first bushing member 382 and / or the second end of the bridging member 384 to be pushed back against the second bushing member 383.

[0123] In other examples, the bridging member 384 is a substantially plastically deformable element that exhibits a substantially irreversible shape change when a compressive force is applied to the bridging member 384 (e.g., via the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383). When the bridging member 384 is a substantially plastically deformable element, it can retain a degree of elasticity during plastic deformation such that when the bridging member 384 is compressed between the first bushing member 382 at its first end and the second bushing member 383 at its second end, the retained elasticity of the bridging member 384 causes the first end of the bridging member 384 to be pushed back against the first bushing member 382 and / or the second end of the bridging member 384 to be pushed back against the second bushing member 383. In the example, when the bridging member 384 is a substantially plastically deformable element and the bridging member 384 extends from the first bushing member 382 to the second bushing member 383, the bridging member 384 constitutes (e.g., constituting the base section 401). Figure 9 The material is located in the plastic deformation region of the material's stress-strain curve.

[0124] The bridging member 450 is a substantially plastically deformable member configured to retain a degree of elasticity during plastic deformation, such that when the bridging member 450 is compressed between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383, the retained elasticity of the bridging member 450 causes the first end 452 of the member to be pushed back against the first bushing member 382 and / or the second end 454 of the member to be pushed back against the second bushing member 383. In some examples, when an installation force (e.g., a compressive force) is applied to the bridging member 450 (e.g., via the first bushing member 382, ​​the second bushing member 383, an installation operator, or some other source), the bridging member 450 exhibits a substantially irreversible shape change.

[0125] The bridging member 384 may be formed by bar machining, investment casting, 3D printing, or some other suitable method. Furthermore, in some examples, the bridging member 384 may be formed from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, X-750 chromium-nickel-iron alloy, 17-7PH stainless steel, or other alloys. The bridging member 384 may be formed from a material that provides good strength at temperature, good creep resistance, high ductility during forming, and sufficient buckling during installation to minimize the effect of tolerances on the required forces during installation of the bridging member 384.

[0126] In some examples, the bridging member 384 includes a first end portion 387 (“bridging first end portion 387”) configured to insert into a recess defined by the first bushing member 382. Figure 9 ), and includes a second end portion 389 configured to be inserted into a recess defined by the second bushing member 383 (“bridging second end portion 389”). Figure 9 For example, the first bushing member 382 may define a bridging slot 394 configured to receive a bridging slot 394 bridging the first end 387. Figure 6 ), and / or the second bushing member 383 may define a bridging slot 430 configured to receive a bridging slot 430 bridging the second end 389. Figure 8 The bridging slots 394 and 430 may be recessed sections of the corresponding main body sections 385 and 406, such as the recessed section of the drive surface 386 of the main body section 385. The bridging member 384 may include a base section 401 bridging the first end 387 and the second end 389.

[0127] Figure 9 A bridging member 384 is shown during an exemplary assembly technique, as the bridging member 384 is placed between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383. Figure 9 It shows that along the line that is substantially perpendicular to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The rotor brake disc 336, the first bushing member 382, ​​and the second bushing member 383 are shown in cross-section taken by a cutting plane in the axial direction A1. The radial direction R1, tangential direction T1, and axial direction A1 of the rotor brake disc are depicted for reference, wherein the axial direction A1 is perpendicular to the page. The first bushing member 382 includes at least a bridging slot 394 (“first member bridging slot 394”), a bushing lip 396 (“first member bushing lip 396”), and a back surface 388 (“first member back surface 388”). The second bushing member 383 includes at least a bridging slot 430 (“second member bridging slot 430”), a bushing lip 420 (“second member bushing lip 420”), and a back surface 410 (“second member back surface 410”). Figure 9 In this configuration, the back surface 388 of the first component faces the first torque surface 372 of the drive groove 364, and the back surface 410 of the second component faces the second torque surface 374 of the drive groove 364. The first component bushing lip 396 is inserted into the recess 373 of the drive groove 364, which is located on the outer periphery 362 of the rotor brake disc 336. The second component bushing lip 420 is inserted into the recess 375 of the drive groove 364. Figure 9 As depicted, the second end 389 of the bridging member is partially inserted into the second member bridging slot 430, wherein the bridging member 384 is in a relaxed, essentially zero-stress configuration.

[0128] Figure 10 A drive bushing 370 is shown, wherein a bridging member 384 is positioned to extend between a first bushing member 382 and a second bushing member 383. The bridging member 384 is configured to secure the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 to prevent significant movement relative to the rotor brake disc 336 in the tangential direction T1. Figure 10In this configuration, the first bridging end 387 is inserted into the first bridging slot 394, and the second bridging end 389 is inserted into the second bridging slot 430. The bridging member 384 (e.g., at the first bridging end 387) contacts the first bushing member 382 (e.g., in contact with the first bridging slot 394), such that a force on the first bushing member 382 in the direction toward the second bushing member 383 is transmitted to the bridging member 384, causing the bridging member 384 to exert a reaction force on the first bushing member 382, ​​thereby resisting significant movement of the first bushing member 382 in response to the force. A bridging member 384 (e.g., at the bridging second end 389) contacts a second bushing member 383 (e.g., contacts the second member bridging slot 430) such that forces on the second bushing member 383 in the direction toward the first bushing member 382 are transmitted to the bridging member 384, causing the bridging member 384 to exert a reaction force on the second bushing member 383, thereby resisting significant movement of the second bushing member 383 in response to the force. The bridging first end 387 may abut the first bushing member 382 and / or the bridging second end 389 may abut the second bushing member 383. In the example, the bridging member 384 contacts and / or abuts both the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 such that forces from one of the first bushing member 382 or the second bushing member 383 can be transmitted through the bridging member 384 to the other.

[0129] The bridging member 384 may be under compression when positioned between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383, or may be in a substantially relaxed zero-stress state when positioned between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383. The bridging member 384 may undergo some degree of deformation during its placement between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383, or may be configured to remain substantially in its relaxed zero-stress state during its placement between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383. The bridging member 384 can be used to substantially establish and / or maintain the engagement between the back surface 388 of the first member and the first torque surface 372, and can be used to substantially establish and / or maintain the engagement between the back surface 410 of the second member and the second torque surface 374. This can facilitate the engagement of the wheel 210 and / or brake assembly 258 ( Figure 2 The stability of the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383 during operation. The bridging member 384 can be used in the wheel 210 and / or brake assembly 258. Figure 2 During operation, the first component bushing lip 396 is securely established and / or retained within the recess 373 of the drive groove 364, and can be used to securely establish and / or retain the second component bushing lip 420 within the recess 375 of the drive groove 364.

[0130] In some examples, the bridging member 384 is configured to extend between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 in a manner that substantially avoids contact with the rotor brake disc 336. This prevents the drive bushing 370 from contacting the wheel 210 and / or the brake assembly 258. Figure 2 During operation, it bottoms out and contacts the rotor brake disc 336 (e.g., surface 376). Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 When the rotor drive key 340 extends through the drive groove 364, this reduces or avoids the mechanical stress exerted by the rotor drive key 340 on the drive groove 364 in the radial orientation (e.g., in the radial direction R1). For example, Figure 10 A bridging member 384 is shown, which bridges the bridging member 384 (e.g., base section 401) and the rotor brake disc 336 (e.g., surface 376). Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 The bridging member 384 extends between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 in a manner that provides a gap C. The bridging member 384 may be configured to at least establish a gap C in order to minimize or avoid contact between the rotor brake disc 336 and the bridging member 384, thereby reducing or eliminating the transmission of mechanical stress or vibration from the rotor drive key 340 to a portion of the rotor brake disc 336. The gap C may help mitigate and / or eliminate wear on portions of the rotor brake disc 336 that may be contacted by the bridging member 384. For example, the gap C may help maintain an anti-oxidation coating on the rotor brake disc 336. In some examples, one or more surfaces defining bridging slots 394 and / or bridging slots 430 may be configured such that, when positioned, the bridging member 384 tends to slide radially in the direction R1 within the bridging slots 394, 430 to help maintain the gap C. For example, one or more surfaces defining bridging slot 394 and / or bridging slot 430 may be angled such that displacement from the plane including lines R1 and A1 increases in a direction parallel to the radial direction R1 (e.g., angles θ1 and / or θ2 may be less than 90 degrees). This can help maintain the structural integrity of rotor brake disc 336 and / or drive slot 364 during repetitive braking operations.

[0131] As discussed, the bridging member 384 can be configured to be compressed when the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disc surface 378, the second bushing member 383 is positioned above the second disc surface 380, and the bridging member 384 extends between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383. The bridging member 384 can be configured such that compression establishes contact pressure between the first bushing member 382 and the first torque surface 372, and between the second bushing member 383 and the second torque surface 374. In the example, the bridging member 384 is configured to be inserted between bushing members 382 and 383 such that when the first end 387 of the member engages with the first bushing member 382 (e.g., inserted into the first member bridging slot 394) and the second end 389 of the member engages with the second bushing member 383 (e.g., inserted into the second member bridging slot 430), the bridging member 384 applies a first force to the first bushing member 382 in a direction from the drive surface 386 to the back surface 388, and applies a second force to the second bushing member 383 in a direction from the drive surface 408 to the back surface 410. When the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disc surface 378, the first force can drive and / or more fully establish engagement between the back surface 388 of the first member and the first torque surface 372, and can establish contact pressure between the back surface 388 of the first member and the first torque surface 372. Figure 4 and Figure 5 When the second bushing member 383 is positioned above the second disc surface 380, the second force can drive and / or more fully establish engagement between the second member back surface 410 and the second torque surface 374, and can establish contact pressure between the second member back surface 410 and the second torque surface 374. Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0132] In the example, bridging member 384 may be or may include leaf springs and / or coil springs. Bridging member 384 may include a compression spring configured to generate more potential energy when compressed by a particular displacement than when extended by a particular displacement. Bridging member 384 may include a proportional spring and may include a constant force spring.

[0133] For example, Figure 11A bridging member 440 is shown, configured as a leaf spring and including a first end 442 (“spring first end 442”) configured to form a first member bridging slot 394 defined by a first bushing member 382, ​​and a second end 444 (“spring second end 444”) configured to insert into a second member bridging slot 430 defined by a second bushing member 383. The bridging member 440 includes a spring base 446 between the spring first end 442 and the spring second end 444. The bridging member 440 is an example of the bridging member 384, the spring first end 442 is an example of the member first end 387, the spring second end 444 is an example of the member second end 389, and the spring base 446 is an example of the base segment 401.

[0134] The bridging member 440 is a substantially elastic member that exhibits a shape change when a compressive force is applied to the bridging member 440 (e.g., via the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383), and substantially reverses the shape change when the compressive force is removed. Figure 11 As depicted, the second end 444 of the spring is partially inserted into the second member bridging slot 430, wherein the bridging member 440 is in a relaxed, substantially zero-stress configuration. In the zero-stress configuration, the first end 442 of the spring and the spring base 446 are oriented at an angle θ3, and the second end 444 of the spring and the spring base 446 are oriented at an angle θ4.

[0135] Figure 12 A drive bushing 448 is shown, wherein a bridging member 440 is positioned to extend between a first bushing member 382 and a second bushing member 383. The drive bushing 448 is an example of a drive bushing 370. The bridging member 440 is configured to secure the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 to prevent significant movement relative to the rotor brake disc 336 in the tangential direction T1. Figure 12 In this configuration, the first end 442 of the spring is inserted into the first member bridging slot 394, and the second end 444 of the spring is inserted into the second member bridging slot 430. The bridging member 440 is compressed, wherein the first end 442 of the spring applies a spring force to the first bushing member 382 in a direction from the first end 442 to the back surface 388 of the first member, and the second end 444 of the spring applies a spring force to the second bushing member 383 in a direction from the second end 444 to the back surface 410 of the second member. In the compressed configuration, the first end 442 of the spring and the spring base 446 are oriented at an angle θ5, and the second end 444 of the spring and the spring base 446 are oriented at an angle θ6. When the bridging member 440 is in a compressed state, angle θ5 may be less than angle θ3, and angle θ6 may be less than angle θ4.

[0136] The spring force applied to the first bushing member 382 by the bridging member 440 can drive and / or more fully establish engagement between the first member back surface 388 and the first torque surface 372, and can establish contact pressure between the first member back surface 388 and the first torque surface 372. The spring force applied to the second bushing member 383 by the bridging member 440 can drive and / or more fully establish engagement between the second member back surface 410 and the second torque surface 374, and can establish contact pressure between the second member back surface 410 and the second torque surface 374. These contact pressures can help maintain contact between the wheel 210 and / or the brake assembly 258. Figure 2 During operation, the stability of the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383 is improved. For example, when the rotor brake disc 336 transmits braking force to the rotor drive key 340, the increased engagement of the back surface 388 of the first member and the first torque surface 372, and / or the back surface 410 of the second member and the second torque surface 374, can increase the corresponding contact area and promote a more uniform force transmission through the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383. A corresponding spring force can be used in the wheel 210 and / or the brake assembly 258. Figure 2 During operation, the first component bushing lip 396 is securely established and / or retained within the recess 373 of the drive groove 364, and can be used to securely establish and / or retain the second component bushing lip 420 within the recess 375 of the drive groove 364.

[0137] The bridging member 440 may be configured to extend between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 in a manner that provides a clearance C between the bridging member 440 and the rotor brake disc 336, in order to minimize or avoid contact between the rotor brake disc 336 and the bridging member 440. In some examples, one or more surfaces defining the bridging slot 394 and / or the bridging slot 430 are configured such that, when positioned, the bridging member 440 may slide in a radial direction R1 within the bridging slots 394, 430 (e.g., may tend to slide) to help maintain the clearance C.

[0138] In some examples, the bridging member 384 may be or may include a substantially plastically deformable member configured to plastically deform when placed between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383. For example, Figure 13A bridging member 450 is shown, comprising a first end 452 (“member first end 452”), a second end 454 (“member second end 455”), and a base segment 456 located between the member first end 452 and the member second end 454. Bridging member 450 is an example of bridging member 384, member first end 452 is an example of bridging the first end of member first end 387, member second end 454 is an example of member second end 389, and base segment 456 is an example of base segment 401.

[0139] The bridging member 450 is a substantially plastically deformable member configured to retain a degree of elasticity during plastic deformation, such that when the bridging member 450 is compressed between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383, the retained elasticity of the bridging member 450 causes the first end 452 of the member to be pushed back against the first bushing member 382 and / or the second end 454 of the member to be pushed back against the second bushing member 383. In some examples, when an installation force (e.g., a compressive force) is applied to the bridging member 450 (e.g., via the first bushing member 382, ​​the second bushing member 383, an installation operator, or some other source), the bridging member 450 exhibits a substantially irreversible shape change.

[0140] The bridging member 450 can be configured to exhibit a relaxed, substantially zero-stress state when it is in a relaxed configuration (“static” configuration) when there is no compression between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383. In some examples, the bridging member 450 exhibits a relaxed state when there are no externally generated forces on the first end 452, the second end 454, and / or the base segment 456. For example, Figure 13 A bridging member 450 in a relaxed configuration is shown. This bridging member typically has a U-shape, with the first end 452 and the second end 454 displaced from a portion of the base segment 456 in substantially similar directions (e.g., in direction R1). In the depicted relaxed configuration, the bridging member 450 is in a substantially zero-stress position, where any stress on the bridging member 450 is generated by properties or phenomena within the bridging member 450, such as mass, internal temperature, residual stress, etc. Although the bridging member 450 is depicted as having a generally U-shaped shape, it can be configured to present any other suitable shape in the relaxed configuration. The bridging member 450 is configured to plastically deform in response to an externally applied force (e.g., applied by an operator) for positioning the bridging member 450 into contact with the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383.

[0141] Figure 14A drive bushing 458 is shown, in which a bridging member 450 is positioned to extend between a first bushing member 382 and a second bushing member 383. The drive bushing 458 is an example of a drive bushing 370. Within the drive bushing 458, the bridging member 450 plastically deforms and contacts the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383, such that the bridging member 450 secures the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 to prevent significant movement relative to the rotor brake disc 336 in the tangential direction T1. Figure 14 In this configuration, the first end 452 of the component is inserted into the first component bridging slot 394, and the second end 454 of the component is inserted into the second component bridging slot 430. The bridging component 450 is configured to maintain a degree of elasticity during plastic deformation. In this example, the bridging component 450 may be under compression between the first bushing component 382 and the second bushing component 383. Figure 14 In the plastic deformation configuration shown, the first end 452 of the component applies a first force to the first bushing component 382 in the direction from the first end 452 of the component to the back surface 388 of the first component, and the second end 454 of the component applies a second force to the second bushing component 383 in the direction from the second end 454 of the component to the back surface 410 of the second component.

[0142] A first force applied to the first bushing member 382 by the bridging member 450 can drive and / or more fully establish engagement between the first member back surface 388 and the first torque surface 372, and can establish contact pressure between the first member back surface 388 and the first torque surface 372. A second force applied to the second bushing member 383 by the bridging member 450 can drive and / or more fully establish engagement between the second member back surface 410 and the second torque surface 374, and can establish contact pressure between the second member back surface 410 and the second torque surface 374. In the wheel 210 and / or brake assembly 258 ( Figure 2 During operation, contact pressure can contribute to the stability of the first bushing member 382 and / or the second bushing member 383, for example by increasing the engagement of the first member back surface 388 and the first torque surface 372, and / or the second member back surface 410 and the second torque surface 374. The first and second forces can be used on the wheel 210 and / or brake assembly 258. Figure 2 During operation, the first component bushing lip 396 is securely established and / or retained within the recess 373 of the drive groove 364, and can be used to securely establish and / or retain the second component bushing lip 420 within the recess 375 of the drive groove 364.

[0143] The bridging member 450 may be configured to extend between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 in a manner that provides a clearance C between the bridging member 450 and the rotor brake disc 336, in order to minimize or avoid contact between the rotor brake disc 336 and the bridging member 450. In some examples, one or more surfaces defining the bridging slot 394 and / or the bridging slot 430 are configured such that, when positioned, the bridging member 450 may slide in a radial direction R1 within the bridging slots 394, 430 (e.g., may tend to slide) to help maintain the clearance C.

[0144] Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary technique for positioning a drive bushing in a drive groove on a brake disc. Although referenced... Figures 3-10 The technology is described in the drive bushing 370 and rotor brake disc 336, but in other examples, the technology can be used with another drive bushing and brake disc.

[0145] The technique involves positioning a first bushing member 382 over a first disc surface 378 on a rotor brake disc 336 (1500). For example, a user, either individually or with the aid of a tool or machine, can slidably translate the first bushing member 382 over each portion of the first disc surface 378 and / or the rotor brake disc 336 to position the first bushing member 382 over the first disc surface 378. The first bushing member 382 can be slidably translated over a portion of the first disc surface 378 and / or the rotor brake disc 336 in a direction substantially tangential to the rotor brake disc 336. When the first bushing member 382 is positioned over the first disc surface 378, the user or machine can engage (e.g., contact or friction engagement) the first component back face 388 and the first torque surface 372 of the rotor brake disc 336.

[0146] In some examples where the first bushing member 382 includes a first tab 390 having a first bushing surface 391 and a second tab 392 having a second bushing surface 393, when the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disk surface 378, the first bushing surface 391 may face the first disk surface 378, and when the first bushing member 382 is positioned above the first disk surface 378, the second bushing surface 393 may face the third disk surface 379.

[0147] For reference Figures 7A-7DThe first bushing member 382 discussed may define a space 395 between the first bushing surface 391 and the second bushing surface 393. In some examples, positioning the first bushing member 382 on the rotor brake disc 336 (1500) includes positioning the first bushing member 382 above the rotor brake disc 336 such that a portion of the rotor brake disc 336 adjacent to the drive groove 364 is introduced into the space 395. Thus, the first bushing member 382 supports (e.g., at least partially surrounds) that portion of the rotor brake disc 336. In examples where the back surface 388 of the first bushing member 382 includes a mating protrusion, positioning the first bushing member 382 on the rotor brake disc 336 (1500) may include inserting the mating protrusion into a mating recess in the rotor brake disc 336. In an example where the back surface 388 includes a mating recess configured to receive a mating protrusion of the rotor brake disc 336, positioning the first bushing member 382 on the rotor brake disc 336 (1500) may include placing the first bushing member 382 above the brake disc 336 such that the mating protrusion of the rotor brake disc 336 is inserted into the mating recess of the first bushing member 382.

[0148] In an example where the first bushing member 382 includes a bushing lip 396, positioning the first bushing member 382 on the brake disc 336 (1500) includes inserting the bushing lip 396 into a recess 373 of the rotor brake disc 336. The bushing lip 396 may include a lip support surface 397, and the technique may include inserting the bushing lip 396 such that the lip support surface 397 faces the recess support surface 371. Inserting the bushing lip 396 into the recess 373 may include engaging (e.g., contact or friction engagement) the lip support surface 397 and the recess support surface 371, which may help secure the first bushing member 382 when the bushing lip 396 is inserted into the recess 373 to prevent movement relative to the rotor brake disc 336 in the radial direction of the rotor brake disc 336.

[0149] according to Figure 15The technique shown allows a user or machine to position a second bushing member 383 on the rotor brake disc 336 (1502) above the second disc surface 380. For example, the second bushing member 383 may be slidably translated over the second disc surface 380 and / or a portion of the rotor brake disc 336 to position the second bushing member 383 above the second disc surface 380. The second bushing member 383 may be slidably translated over the second disc surface 380 and / or a portion of the rotor brake disc 336 in a direction substantially tangential to the rotor brake disc 336. The sliding translation of the second bushing member 383 may be in a substantially tangential direction opposite to the sliding translation of the first bushing member 382. When the second bushing member 383 is positioned above the second disc surface 380, the technique may include engaging (e.g., contact or friction engagement) the second member back surface 410 and the second torque surface 374 of the rotor brake disc 336.

[0150] In some examples, the second bushing member 383 may be constructed similarly to the first bushing member 382, ​​and therefore any of the techniques described above for positioning the first bushing member 382 above the brake disc 336 (1500) may be similarly used for positioning the second bushing member 383 above the brake disc 336 (1502). For example, the second bushing member 383 may include a first tab 412 (“second member first tab 412”) and a second tab 416 (“second member second tab 416”), and the second bushing member 383 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the brake disc 336 is received within the space between the second member first tab 412 and the second member second tab 416. Thus, in some examples, after the second bushing member 383 is positioned on the brake disc 336 (1502), the second bushing member 383 supports (e.g., at least partially surrounds) a portion of the rotor brake disc 336. As another example, in an example where the second bushing member 383 includes a second member bushing lip 420, positioning the second bushing member 383 on the brake disc 336 includes inserting the second member bushing lip 420 into a corresponding recess 375 defined by the rotor brake disc 336.

[0151] Figure 15The illustrated technique also includes positioning bridging members 384, 440, 450 extending from the first bushing member 382 to the second bushing member 383 (1504). A user or machine can position the bridging members 384, 440, 450 (1504) by placing them at least between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383. In the example, positioning the bridging members 384, 440 includes substantially elastically deforming them to apply a spring force from the first ends 387, 442 to the first bushing drive surface 386 and from the second ends 389, 444 to the second bushing drive surface 408. In the examples, positioning bridging members 384, 450 includes substantially plastically deforming the bridging members 384, 450 to apply a spring force from the first end 387, 452 to the first bushing drive surface 386 and / or from the second end 389, 454 to the second bushing drive surface 408. In some examples, positioning bridging members 384, 450 includes substantially plastically deforming the bridging members 384, 450 to minimize the gap between the bridging members 384, 450 and the first bushing member 382 (e.g., the first bushing drive surface 386) and / or the second bushing member 384 (e.g., the second bushing drive surface 408). As discussed above, when the bridging members 384, 440, and 450 are positioned between the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383, the bridging members 384, 440, and 450 help to fix the first bushing member 382 and the second bushing member 383 to prevent movement relative to the rotor brake disc 336 in the tangential direction.

[0152] For example, the spring force applied to the bushing members 382 and 383 by the bridging members 384, 440, and 450 can establish or increase the contact between the back surface 388 of the first member and the first torque surface 372 of the rotor brake disc 336, and can establish or increase the contact between the back surface 410 of the second member and the second torque surface 374. The first and second forces applied to the bushing members 382 and 383 by the bridging members 384, 440, and 450 can establish or increase the contact between the back surface 388 of the first member and the first torque surface 372 of the rotor brake disc 336, and can establish or increase the contact between the back surface 410 of the second member and the second torque surface 374.

[0153] In some examples, positioning bridging members 384, 440, 450 (1504) includes inserting the ends of bridging members 384, 440, 540 into bridging slots (e.g., inserting second ends 389, 444, 454 into second member bridging slot 430). Figure 9 , Figure 11In the process, a force having a component parallel to the radial direction R1 is applied to a portion of the bridging members 384, 444, and 454, causing the bridging members 384, 444, and 454 to compress and their opposing ends to insert into the remaining bridging slots (e.g., the first ends 387, 442, and 452 are inserted into the first member bridging slot 394). Figure 10 , Figure 12 , Figure 14 )).

[0154] In some examples, positioning bridging members 384, 440 (1504) includes inserting the ends of bridging members 384, 440 into bridging slots (e.g., inserting second ends 389, 444 into second member bridging slot 430). Figure 9 , Figure 11 In the process, a force having a component parallel to the radial direction R1 is applied to a portion of the bridging members 384 and 444, causing the bridging members 384 and 444 to be tangentially elastically compressed until the opposing ends are inserted into the remaining bridging slots (e.g., the first ends 387 and 442 are inserted into the first member bridging slot 394). Figure 10 , Figure 12 )).

[0155] In some examples, positioning bridging members 384, 440, 450 (1504) includes contacting first ends 387, 442, 452 with a first member drive surface 386 and second ends 389, 444, 454 with a second member drive surface 408. For example, a user or machine may at least partially insert the first ends 387, 442, 452 into a first member bridging slot 394 and at least partially insert the second ends 389, 444, 454 into a second member bridging slot 430. (Refer to the above text.) Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 14 In some examples, when the bridging members 384, 440, 540 are positioned between the bushings 382, ​​383, there is a gap C between the bridging members 384, 440, 450 and the rotor brake disc 336.

[0156] In some examples, positioning the bridging member 450 (1504) includes contacting a first end 452 with the disk surface 376 and a second end 454 with the disk surface 376. For example, a user or machine may insert the first end 452 at least partially into the first member bridging slot 394 and the second end 454 at least partially into the second member bridging slot 430. An installation force is then applied downward and parallel to R1 to the bridging central section 456 to cause plastic deformation of the bridging central section 456, which will cause the bridging ends 452 and 454 to tangentially expand into the first bushing member slot 394 and the second bushing member slot 430.

[0157] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A drive bushing, comprising: A first bushing member is configured to be positioned above a first surface of a brake disc, wherein the first surface is adjacent to a drive groove on the periphery of the brake disc, and wherein the first bushing member is configured to be slidable above the first surface in a first direction substantially tangential to the brake disc, wherein the first bushing member includes a drive surface and a back surface, the drive surface defining a first slot, the back surface opposing the drive surface, and wherein the back surface is configured to engage a torque surface of the brake disc when the first bushing member is positioned above the first surface. A second bushing member, configured to be positioned above a second surface of the brake disc, wherein the second surface is adjacent to the drive groove on the periphery of the brake disc, wherein the second bushing member is configured to slide above the second surface in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction; and A bridging member is configured to extend from the first bushing member to the second bushing member when the first bushing member is positioned above the first surface and the second bushing member is positioned above the second surface, wherein the bridging member is configured to restrict movement of the first bushing member and the second bushing member in the tangential direction of the brake disc when the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member, and wherein a first end of the bridging member is configured to insert into the first slot when the back side engages the torque surface.

2. The drive bushing of claim 1, wherein the bridging member is configured to establish a gap between the bridging member and the support surface of the drive groove when the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

3. The drive bushing according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bridging member includes a spring having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to contact the first bushing member, and the second end is configured to contact the second bushing member as the spring extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

4. The drive bushing according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the bridging member is configured to be compressed when the first bushing member is positioned above the first surface, the second bushing member is positioned above the second surface, and the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

5. The drive bushing according to claim 1, wherein the first bushing component further comprises: The main body section includes the driving surface and the back surface; A first tab extends from the body section, wherein the first tab is configured to engage the first surface when the back surface engages the torque surface of the brake disc; and A second tab extends from the body section, wherein the second tab is configured to engage a third surface of the brake disc opposite to the first surface when the back surface engages the torque surface.

6. The drive bushing of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second bushing member defines a second slot, the second slot being configured to receive the bridging member as the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

7. The drive bushing according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first bushing member includes a bushing lip configured to insert into a recess in the brake disc when the first bushing member is positioned above the first surface.

8. A method of operating a drive bushing according to any one of claims 1-7, the method comprising: The first bushing member is positioned on the brake disc by sliding the first bushing member at least above a first surface along the tangential direction of the brake disc, wherein the first surface is adjacent to a drive groove extending axially through the periphery of the brake disc, wherein the first bushing member includes a drive surface and a back surface, the drive surface defining a first slot, the back surface opposing the drive surface, and wherein the back surface is configured to engage a torque surface of the brake disc when the first bushing member is positioned on the brake disc. The second bushing member is positioned on the brake disc by sliding the second bushing member at least above the second surface along the tangential direction of the brake disc, wherein the second surface is adjacent to the drive groove; and When the first bushing member is positioned above the first surface and the second bushing member is positioned above the second surface, the bridging member is positioned between the first bushing member and the second bushing member by inserting at least a first end of the bridging member into the first slot, wherein the bridging member is configured to restrict the movement of the first bushing member and the second bushing member in the tangential direction of the brake disc as the bridging member extends from the first bushing member to the second bushing member.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein positioning the first bushing member on the brake disc comprises inserting the bushing lip of the first bushing member into a first recess of the brake disc.

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