Friction assembly with friction frame and wear pad

Abstract

A friction assembly is provided that includes a body, a frame, and a wear pad. The body may include a first connection side having a cavity with one or more protrusions. The frame may be coupled with the one or more projections. The frame may have a first wear surface that may engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear pad may be coupled to a first connection side of the body and the frame. The wear pad may have a second wear surface to engage the working surface. The wear pad may be coupled with the frame such that at least a portion of the wear pad is located between the frame and the body. The frame and the wear pad may be comprised of different materials. For example, the frame may be composed of metal, while the wear pad may be composed of a composite material.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 617,199, filed on January 3, 2024, titled "Friction Assembly Having a Friction Frame and Wear Liner", and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 664,563, filed on June 26, 2024, titled "Friction Assembly Having a Friction Frame with Bonding Features", under 35 U.S.C.§119(e). The disclosures of each application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Technical field

[0003] The subject matter described herein relates to friction assemblies for vehicles. Background art

[0004] In various applications, vehicles and vehicle systems can include components that may require frictional support, such as, for example, acting as shock absorbers, brakes, suspension devices, etc. In various systems, including rail vehicle systems, each vehicle may have many such components. In some aspects, these components may be high - friction components, which can include friction wedges, constant - contact side bearings, center bowl wear liners, coupler yoke wear plates, brake beam outer joints, etc. Such components can be positioned in a vehicle to engage another vehicle component under pressure while one or both components move relative to the other component. However, it should be understood that the problems of such components discussed herein and the solutions to such problems described herein are not limited to such exemplary components.

[0005] Generally, when one or more mating components move relative to each other, friction may be generated or exist between the components. The friction generated or existing between the components serves to control the vehicle during the movement of the vehicle system. For example, one such function is to provide damping characteristics to control the ride quality of the vehicle system.

[0006] Friction components can be assembled into friction or wear-resistant assemblies. Currently, friction assemblies can include wear-resistant liners, which can be all-metal. The all-metal wear-resistant liners can provide metal-to-metal contact between the friction assembly and the mating surface. Such metal-to-metal contact can generate very high friction between these components and may result in a high wear rate on the mating surface. This metal-to-metal contact typically produces a stick-slip effect that is difficult to control and may vary with environmental changes (such as drastic temperature fluctuations or humidity changes). Additionally, metal wear-resistant liners may not be moldable onto other components such as constant-contact side bearings, friction wedges, etc. Moreover, metal wear-resistant liners may prematurely wear the corresponding components that they are joined to. Metal wear-resistant liners may have a high static friction, which can cause stick-slip when the direction changes during reciprocating friction against another metal (such as a wear plate). This can lead to rough, bumpy motion and large forces in adjacent components or systems.

[0007] Friction assemblies can include all composite wear-resistant liners that are bonded to the friction assembly. The compressive strength of all composite wear-resistant liners may be limited, so they may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications. The bonded wear-resistant liners may be prone to chipping and delaminating from the friction assembly mating surface. There may be a limit to the maximum temperature of all composite wear-resistant liners, which may be generated by high loads during high friction speeds. Smearing or melting may occur at high loads or high friction speeds. Additionally, composite wear is generally used as a sacrificial element, which is manufactured to wear and be replaced after a certain time or service period. The need to regularly replace these worn, damaged, or destroyed wear-resistant liners increases the overall maintenance required for vehicles using friction assemblies with these wear-resistant liners, thus increasing the overall operating cost of vehicles using such friction assemblies.

[0008] Currently, friction assemblies can include wear-resistant liners that can be connected to the body or frame. The attachment of the wear-resistant liner to the body or frame may not include mechanical attachment features and / or chemical attachment features, which may cause the wear-resistant liner to chip, break, or experience other material losses.

[0009] Material losses may be due to the relatively thin wear-resistant liner resulting from space limitations in the friction assembly. Additionally, the wear-resistant liner may lack elasticity or flexibility because it may be designed to achieve a long wear life and may be suitable for high loads and impact forces. The edges and / or corners of the wear-resistant liner may be subjected to high loads and impact forces because the surface of the friction assembly may not be aligned and mated with the wear-resistant liner and the wear surface. High loads and impacts are typical features of freight rail service due to conditions such as those on railways, freight cars, etc.

[0010] The thermal expansion and contraction characteristics of the wear-resistant liner may be different from those of the vehicle body or frame to which it is attached because the vehicle body or frame may be more thermally conductive. Additionally, the cooling rates of the wear-resistant liner and the vehicle body or frame may be different. These factors may cause the wear-resistant liner to separate from the vehicle body or frame.

[0011] Therefore, it may be necessary to provide a friction assembly that is different from existing friction assemblies. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to one example or aspect, a friction assembly is provided that includes a metal frame and a wear-resistant liner. The metal frame may define an array having gaps. The metal frame may have a first wear surface disposed around the gaps and may engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the metal frame within the gaps of the metal frame and may define a second wear surface to engage the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may cover the first wear surface of the metal frame such that the second wear surface of the wear-resistant liner may initially engage the working surface of the vehicle while the first wear surface does not engage. The wear-resistant liner may wear over time by frictional engagement with the working surface until the second wear surface is coplanar with the first wear surface to engage the working surface of the vehicle. The first wear surface and the second wear surface are coplanar and positioned to engage the working surface of the vehicle.

[0013] According to one example or aspect, a friction component is provided that includes a metal frame and a wear-resistant liner. The metal frame may define a grid array having gaps. The metal frame may have a first friction surface disposed around the gaps and may engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the metal frame at the gaps of the metal frame and may define a second friction surface to engage the working surface. The wear-resistant liner may extend across and cover the first friction surface of the metal frame such that the second friction surface of the wear-resistant liner may initially engage the working surface of the vehicle while the first friction surface does not engage. The wear-resistant liner may wear over time by frictional engagement with the working surface of the vehicle until the second friction surface is coplanar with the first friction surface to engage the working surface of the vehicle together. The first friction surface and the second friction surface may be coplanar and positioned to engage the working surface of the vehicle.

[0014] According to one example or aspect, a friction assembly is provided that includes a body and a wear-resistant liner. The body may include a support frame having a gap. The support frame may have a first friction surface disposed around the gap and may engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled within the gap of the support frame and may define a second friction surface that engages the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the support frame such that at least a portion of the wear-resistant liner is positioned between the support frame and the body. The wear-resistant liner may extend across and cover the first friction surface of the support frame such that the second friction surface of the wear-resistant liner initially engages the working surface of the vehicle while the first friction surface does not. The wear-resistant liner may wear over time by frictional engagement with the working surface of the vehicle until the second friction surface is within the gap and coplanar with the first friction surface to engage the working surface of the vehicle together. The wear-resistant liner may define a second friction surface positioned within the gap of the support frame, and the first friction surface and the second friction surface may be coplanar and positioned to engage the working surface of the vehicle together.

[0015] According to at least one example or aspect, a friction assembly is provided that may include a body, a frame, and a wear-resistant liner. The body may include a first connection side that may have a cavity with one or more protrusions. The frame may be coupled to or mounted on the one or more protrusions. The frame may include a first wear surface to engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the first connection side of the body and the frame. The wear-resistant liner may have a second wear surface to engage the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the frame such that at least a portion of the wear-resistant liner is positioned between the frame and the body.

[0016] According to at least one example or aspect, a friction component is provided that may include a body, a frame, and a wear-resistant liner. The body may include a first connection side having a cavity with one or more protrusions. The frame may be coupled to or mounted on the one or more protrusions. The frame may define a grid array having a gap, the grid array having a first friction surface disposed around the gap to engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the frame at the gap. The wear-resistant liner may define a second friction surface to engage the working surface. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the frame such that at least a portion of the wear-resistant liner is positioned between the frame and the body.

[0017] According to at least one example or aspect, a friction assembly is provided that may include a body and a wear-resistant liner. The body may include a cavity with one or more protrusions and a support frame having a gap. The support frame may have a first friction surface disposed around the gap to engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the support frame and may define a second friction surface to engage the working surface. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the support frame such that at least a portion of the wear-resistant liner may be positioned between the support frame and the body. Description of the Drawings

[0018] The subject matter can be understood by reading the following description of non - limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a friction assembly positioned relative to a working surface of a vehicle according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 is a side view of a friction assembly positioned relative to a working surface of a vehicle according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 1 of the friction assembly.

[0021] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a wear - resistant liner of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 1 of the friction assembly.

[0022] Figure 3B is a perspective view of a frame of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 1 of the friction assembly.

[0023] Figure 3C is a perspective view according to at least one example of the present disclosure, in which Figure 3A the wear - resistant liner is coupled to Figure 3B the frame to form a wear surface.

[0024] Figure 4A is a front view of a wear surface according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 3C of the wear surface.

[0025] Figure 4B is a sectional view of a wear surface according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 4A of the wear surface along A - A.

[0026] Figure 4C is a sectional view of a wear surface according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 4A of the wear surface along B - B.

[0027] Figure 5A is a front view of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 1 of the friction assembly.

[0028] Figure 5B is a sectional view of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 5A of the friction assembly along C - C.

[0029] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 1 in another state.

[0030] Figure 7 is of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 1 of the wear surface of the friction assembly in Figure 6 a perspective view of another state.

[0031] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 9A is of a Figure 8 perspective view of the wear-resistant liner of the friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 9B is of a Figure 8 perspective view of the frame of the friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 9C is a perspective view according to at least one example of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 9A the wear-resistant liner of Figure 9B is coupled to the frame of

[0035] Figure 10 is of a Figure 9C perspective view of the wear surface of in another state according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 12 is of a Figure 11 another perspective view of the friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 13A is of a Figure 11 perspective view of the wear-resistant liner of the friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 13B is of a Figure 11 perspective view of the frame of the friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 13C is a perspective view according to at least one example of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 13A the wear-resistant liner of Figure 13B is coupled to the frame of

[0041] Figure 14 is of a Figure 13C perspective view of the wear surface in another state according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 11 in another state.

[0043] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 11 in another state.

[0044] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a constant contact side bearing assembly and a working surface of a vehicle according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 18A is a perspective view of a constant contact side bearing assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 17 in an exploded side view.

[0046] Figure 18B is a perspective view of a constant contact side bearing assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 18A in an exploded sectional view taken along D-D.

[0047] Figure 19A is a perspective view of a constant contact side bearing assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 17 in a side view.

[0048] Figure 19B is a perspective view of a constant contact side bearing assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 19A in a sectional view taken along E-E.

[0049] Figure 20A is a perspective view of a frame of a constant contact side bearing assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 17 in a top view.

[0050] Figure 20B is a perspective view of a wear-resistant liner of a constant contact side bearing assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 17 in a perspective view.

[0051] Figure 20C is a perspective view according to at least one example of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 20A the frame is coupled to Figure 20B the wear-resistant liner to form a wear surface.

[0052] Figure 21 is a perspective view of a wear surface according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 20C in another state.

[0053] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a constant contact side bearing assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 17 in another state.

[0054] Figure 23A is a perspective view of a frame of a constant contact side bearing according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 23B is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 23A top view of the frame of.

[0056] Figure 24A is a perspective view according to at least one example of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 23A the frame of is coupled to a wear-resistant liner to form a wear surface.

[0057] Figure 24B is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 24A perspective view of the wear surface of in another state.

[0058] Figure 25A is a perspective view of a frame of a constant contact side bearing according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 25B is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 25A top view of the frame of.

[0060] Figure 26A is a perspective view according to at least one example of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 25A the frame of is coupled to a wear-resistant liner to form a wear surface.

[0061] Figure 26B is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 26A perspective view of the wear surface of in another state.

[0062] Figure 27A is a top view of a frame of a central bowl-shaped liner according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 27B is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 27A cross-sectional view of the frame of the central bowl-shaped liner of along F-F.

[0064] Figure 27C is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 27A cross-sectional view of the frame of the central bowl-shaped liner of along G-G.

[0065] Figure 28A is a top view according to at least one example of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 27A the frame of is coupled to a wear-resistant liner to form a wear surface.

[0066] Figure 28B is according to at least one example of the present disclosureFigure 28A Cross-sectional view along H-H of the worn surface of the central bowl-shaped liner.

[0067] Figure 28C is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 28A Cross-sectional view along I-I of the worn surface of the central bowl-shaped liner.

[0068] Figure 29A is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 28A Top view of the worn surface of in the first state.

[0069] Figure 29B is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 29A Cross-sectional view along J-J of the worn surface of the central bowl-shaped liner.

[0070] Figure 29C is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 29A Cross-sectional view along K-K of the worn surface of the central bowl-shaped liner.

[0071] Figure 30A Top view of the frame of the bracket coupler base according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0072] Figure 30B is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 30A Cross-sectional view along L-L of the frame of the bracket coupler base.

[0073] Figure 31A Perspective view according to at least one example of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 30A the frame is coupled to the wear-resistant liner to form a worn surface.

[0074] Figure 31B is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 31A Perspective view of the worn surface of in another state.

[0075] Figure 32A1 and Figure 32A2 are respectively the top view and cross-sectional view of the frame of the bracket coupler base according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 32B1 and Figure 32B2 are respectively the top view and cross-sectional view of the frame of the bracket coupler base according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 32C1 and 32C2 are respectively the top view and cross-sectional view of the frame of the bracket coupler base according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 32D1 and Figure 32D2 are a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a frame of a bracket coupler base according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0079] Figure 32E1 and Figure 32E2 are a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a frame of a bracket coupler base according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 32F1 and 32F2 are a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a frame of a bracket coupler base according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0081] Figure 33A is a top view of a frame of a bracket coupler base according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0082] Figure 33B is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 33A a cross-sectional view of the frame of the bracket coupler base along S-S.

[0083] Figure 34A is a perspective view according to at least one example of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 33A the frame is coupled to a wear-resistant liner to form a wear surface.

[0084] Figure 34B is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 34A a perspective view of the wear surface of

[0085] Figure 35 is a perspective view of a friction assembly positioned relative to a working surface of a vehicle according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0086] Figure 36 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 35 an exploded view of the friction assembly of

[0087] Figure 37 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 35 a perspective view of the friction assembly of

[0088] Figure 38A is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 35 a front view of the friction assembly of

[0089] Figure 38B is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 35 a front view of the friction assembly of

[0090] wherein the wear-resistant liner is removed for illustrative purposes.Figure 39A is a cross-sectional view along A1 - A1 of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure. Figure 38A

[0091] Figure 39B is a cross-sectional view along B1 - B1 of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure. Figure 38B

[0092] Figure 40 is a perspective view of a friction assembly in another state according to at least one example of the present disclosure. Figure 35

[0093] Figure 41 is a cross-sectional view along C1 - C1 of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure. Figure 40

[0094] Figure 42 is a perspective view of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0095] Figure 43 is an exploded view of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure. Figure 42

[0096] Figure 44 is a perspective view of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure, with the wear-resistant liner removed for illustrative purposes. Figure 42

[0097] Figure 45A is a front view of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure, with certain hidden features depicted in dashed lines for illustrative purposes. Figure 44

[0098] Figure 45B is a cross-sectional view along E1 - E1 of the wear surface of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure. Figure 45A

[0099] Figure 46 is a cross-sectional view along D1 - D1 of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure. Figure 42

[0100] Figure 47 is a perspective view of a friction assembly in another state according to at least one example of the present disclosure. Figure 42

[0101] Figure 48 is a cross-sectional view along F1 - F1 of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure. Figure 47

[0102] Figure 49 ​​​​​​​​​​​Perspective view of a friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0103] Figure 50 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 49 exploded view of the friction assembly.

[0104] Figure 51 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 49 perspective view of the friction assembly, wherein the wear-resistant liner is removed for illustrative purposes.

[0105] Figure 52A is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 49 front view of the friction assembly.

[0106] Figure 52B is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 49 cross-sectional view of the friction assembly along G1-G1.

[0107] Figure 53A is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 49 front view of the friction assembly in another state.

[0108] Figure 53B is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 53A cross-sectional view of the friction assembly along H1-H1.

[0109] Figure 54 top view of the friction assembly according to at least one example of the present disclosure.

[0110] Figure 55 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 54 cross-sectional view of the friction assembly along I1-I1;

[0111] Figure 56 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 54 top view of the friction assembly, which further includes a frame;

[0112] Figure 57 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 56 cross-sectional view of the friction assembly along J1-J1, including a frame positioned above the cavity of the friction assembly;

[0113] Figure 58 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 56 cross-sectional view of the friction assembly along J1-J1, including a frame positioned inside the cavity of the friction assembly;

[0114] Figure 59 is according to at least one example of the present disclosureFigure 56 A cross-sectional view of the friction assembly along J1-J1, further including a wear-resistant liner in a first state; and

[0115] Figure 60 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 56 A cross-sectional view of the friction assembly along J1-J1, further including a wear-resistant liner in a second state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0116] Examples of the subject matter described herein relate to friction assemblies that are used as shock absorbers in vehicle suspensions or components thereof. More specifically, the subject matter described herein relates to systems and methods for improving the durability and bonding of wear-resistant liners of friction assemblies. The friction assembly may include a friction wedge, a constant contact side bearing, a center bowl-shaped liner, a wear plate for the coupler bracket, a roller bearing adapter, a roller bearing adapter liner, a side bearing wall, an outer joint of the brake beam, etc. The friction assembly may include an external wear-resistant liner that can be coupled to the friction assembly. The wear-resistant liner may be positioned to include a wear surface for engaging the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be a composite material that can help to more precisely and uniformly control the amount of friction between the wear surface and the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be mounted or coupled to a frame and a body that provide support for the wear-resistant liner. The frame may include a wear surface for engaging the working surface of the vehicle. The frame may allow the friction assembly to withstand a greater range of pressures and temperatures. The body may include a cavity having one or more protrusions. The wear-resistant liner may be mounted or coupled to the cavity and / or protrusions of the body such that at least a portion of the wear-resistant liner is located between the frame and the body.

[0117] The ratio of the adjustable frame to the wear-resistant liner can be adjusted to provide customized friction performance and / or wear rate. The body and the cavity can be designed and shaped such that the wear-resistant liner material can flow around the cavity and the protrusions to interlock the sections inside and below the frame, thereby preventing loss of the wear-resistant liner material.

[0118] The combination of the frame and the wear-resistant liner can both work at the working surface to provide the required frictional support. In this way, the frame is not just a support member, but a part of the wear surface. The material and quantity of the wear-resistant liner can be customized based on the required friction performance / characteristics and wear rate. The material and shape of the frame can also be customized to further enable the friction performance to conform to the customized specifications. The frame can be metal, alloy, casting, sintering, 3D printing material, or metal, etc. The combination of the wear-resistant liner and the frame can provide a range of customizable friction performance, including low friction, medium friction, high friction, and extremely low friction / lubricant. The frame and the wear-resistant liner can be used to provide the required friction level without deformation, melting, coking, crushing, while limiting wear on the wear surface, thereby extending the life of the wear surface.

[0119] Additionally, the frame can act as a heat sink to allow heat to transfer from the worn surface of the wear-resistant liner through the frame to the supported, non-worn surface of the frame.

[0120] The vehicles and vehicle systems described herein extend to multiple types of vehicles or vehicle systems. Suitable vehicle types can include automobiles, trucks with or without trailers, rail vehicles or rail vehicle systems, buses, seagoing vessels, manned or unmanned aerial vehicles, mining vehicles, agricultural vehicles, other off-road vehicles, etc. The vehicle systems described herein (including rail vehicle systems or other vehicle systems that do not travel on rails or tracks) can be formed by a single vehicle or multiple vehicles. For a multi-vehicle system, the vehicles can be mechanically coupled to each other (e.g., via a coupler), or logically coupled but not mechanically coupled. For example, when separate vehicles communicate with each other to coordinate their movements with respect to each other such that the vehicles travel together as a group, the vehicles can be logically coupled but not mechanically coupled. A vehicle system can also be referred to as a vehicle formation, convoy, fleet, group, team, platoon, train, etc.

[0121] Figure 1 An example of a friction assembly 100 according to at least one example of the present disclosure is shown. The friction assembly 100 is a friction wedge assembly in aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The friction assembly 100 in can be in an initial state, which corresponds to a non-worn state in many aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 6 The friction assembly 100 in is further shown in another state, which corresponds to a worn state in many aspects of the present disclosure.

[0122] The friction assembly 100 can include a body 102, an inclined surface 104, a front surface 106, side walls 111, a bottom surface 112, and one or more worn surfaces 120. The worn surfaces 120 can be positioned to engage corresponding working surfaces 110 of the vehicle. The working surfaces 110 of the vehicle can be wear plates, side frames, etc. The frictional force generated by the engagement of the worn surface with the working surface can inhibit the movement of vehicle components relative to the friction assembly and can make the vehicle and its components travel more smoothly and with fewer jolts.

[0123] The friction assembly 100 can be used in a suspension system of a vehicle. In one example, the inclined surface and the front surface can be positioned to be the worn surfaces that engage the working surface of the vehicle. The inclined surface can include a frame attachment surface 108 ( Figure 2 ), which can be positioned to receive and / or couple with a frame 130. The frame attachment surface 108 can be a pocket in the inclined surface 104 that can receive the frame. In another example, the frame attachment surface 108 can be flush with the inclined surface 104. For example, the frame 130 can frictionally engage a corresponding inclined wall of the vehicle.

[0124] As Figure 2As shown, the rear surface corresponding to the inclined surface 104 in the friction assembly 100 can be a wear surface. The rear surface can engage the inner surface of the side frame column of the vehicle. The friction assembly 100 can be initially positioned such that the wear surface is in the working position to engage the working surface 110 of the vehicle. The friction assembly 100 can move up and down and / or left and right relative to the working surface 110 of the vehicle. Additionally, the body 102 of the friction assembly 100 can include one or more lateral holes 114 on the sidewall 111 of the body 102, which can lead to the interior of the body. In other embodiments, referring to Figure 11 and 12 , for example, the sidewall of the friction assembly body can include additional wear surfaces instead of lateral holes.

[0125] The frame 130 and the wear-resistant liner 140 can be composed of different materials. For example, the frame 130 can be composed of a metallic material, while the wear-resistant liner 140 can be composed of a non-metallic material, as further disclosed herein. The different materials of the frame 130 and the wear-resistant liner 140 can define different coefficients of friction. Additionally, the different materials can wear in different ways. For example, the wear-resistant liner 140 can be formed of a material that wears faster than the frame 130, as further disclosed herein.

[0126] The frame 130 can be coupled to the frame attachment surface 108. In other examples, the frame can be attached to one or more different parts of the friction assembly 100, specifically, at one or more wear surfaces of the friction assembly 100. The frame 130 can be formed of cast iron, wrought iron, cast steel, wrought steel, sintered metal, alloy, aluminum, 3D printing material, or a combination of metals, metals, etc. The frame 130 can be welded to the frame attachment surface 108, integrally incorporated into the wedge assembly 100, removably coupled to the frame attachment surface 108 via mechanical fasteners, etc. Referring primarily to Figure 3B , the frame 130 can define an array 132 having gaps 134. The first wear surface 121 can be disposed around the gaps and can engage the working surface of the vehicle. The material of the frame 130 can be selected based on the desired frictional performance with the working surface of the vehicle. The material of the frame 130 can also be selected to be rigid to provide support and extend the wear life.

[0127] The wear-resistant liner 140 can be coupled or bonded to the first connection side or engagement surface and / or the frame. The wear-resistant liner 140 can be made of a suitable material having a low coefficient of friction, dry self-lubricating and non-hygroscopic properties, high compressive strength, and high wear resistance for engaging the working surface of the vehicle. In one example, the wear-resistant liner 140 can be formed of high-density polyethylene, which is commonly referred to as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. In another example, the wear-resistant liner 140 can be formed of high-density polypropylene. In other examples, the wear-resistant liner 140 can be formed of nylon, graphite, or polyurethane (such as oil-impregnated polyurethane). However, the wear-resistant liner 140 can be formed of a specific combination of materials, a composite material, or can be an impregnated material. The material of the wear-resistant liner 140 can be selected based on the desired frictional properties, desired wear life, etc. with respect to the working surface of the vehicle.

[0128] The wear-resistant liner 140 can be coupled to the cavity of the body 102. This can allow the wear-resistant liner to fully encapsulate and surround the frame 130 so as to form a greater mechanical bond with the frame 130. The cavity can also allow for a thicker wear-resistant liner on all sides of the cavity, such that the cavity can serve as a pocket for receiving the wear-resistant liner 140. The wear-resistant liner 140 can extend beyond the cavity toward the working surface of the vehicle to serve as the first wear surface.

[0129] The wear-resistant liner 140 can be coupled to the frame 130 such that the frame can provide structural support for the wear-resistant liner 140. The wear-resistant liner 140 can be extensible during being coupled to the body 102 and the frame 130 such that the wear-resistant liner 140 can wrap around all or a part of the frame 130 to form a secure connection, for example, as further described below. Figure 4B The wear-resistant liner 140 can receive and be coupled to the cavity and the protrusion of the body 102 such that at least a part of the wear-resistant liner 140 can be positioned between the frame 130 and the body 102.

[0130] Figure 3A The wear-resistant liner 140 shown in the removed position and not coupled to the frame 130 is depicted. The wear-resistant liner 140 can be shown as having recesses corresponding to the places where the frame 130 can be coupled to the wear-resistant liner 140. Figure 3B The frame 130 shown in the removed position and not coupled to the wear-resistant liner 140 is illustrated. The frame 130 can have an array 132 and gaps 134. The frame 130 can be coupled to the frame attachment surface. However, at least a part 129 of the frame 130 can be spaced apart from the frame attachment surface 108. The part of the frame 130 spaced apart from the frame attachment surface 108 can provide a gap between the part of the frame 130 and the frame attachment surface 108. The wear-resistant liner 140 can be coupled to this part of the frame 130 such that the wear-resistant liner 140 can wrap around the frame 130 and be coupled to the wear-resistant liner 140 located between this part of the frame 130 and the frame attachment surface 108.

[0131] Although the portion of the frame 130 that is spaced apart from the frame attachment surface 108 may be shown as two vertical portions of an array in Figure 3B , in other examples, other or additional portions of the frame may be spaced apart from the frame attachment surface. In one example, the perimeter of the frame 130 may engage the frame attachment surface 108, and the interior portion of the frame 130 may be spaced apart from the frame attachment surface 108. In another example, the perimeter of the frame 130 may be spaced apart from the frame attachment surface 108, and the interior portion of the frame 130 may engage the frame attachment surface 108.

[0132] Figure 3C Illustrated is Figure 3A the wear pad 140 of Figure 3B coupled to the frame 130 of

[0133] to form a wear surface 120. Compared to the wear pad 140 not being coupled to the friction assembly 100 through the frame 130, the frame 130 may provide a higher degree of structural support. The structural support provided by the frame 130 may reduce squeezing, scratching, deformation, etc. of the wear pad 140. Additionally, the frame 130 may provide additional frictional engagement between the wear pad 140 and the working surface 110 of the vehicle. The wear pad 140 may be coupled to the frame 130 via chemical bonding (e.g., through an adhesive), mechanical fasteners, molding to the frame, etc. Figure 4B Now referring primarily to

[0134] In Figure 1 the example shown in -5, the wear pad 140 may initially be coupled to the frame 130 such that the wear pad 140 constitutes all or substantially all of the wear surface 120 that engages the working surface 110 of the vehicle, as Figure 4A - 5BAs shown. In other words, the wear-resistant liner 140 can cover the frame 130. The wear-resistant liner 140 can have a liner thickness measured from the wear surface 120 towards the base of the body 102 of the friction assembly 100, as Figure 5B shown. The wear-resistant liner 140 can have one or more liner thicknesses. The one or more liner thicknesses can be selected based on the desired frictional properties and / or based on the mating working surface 110 of the vehicle that engages with the wear-resistant liner 140. For example, the liner thickness can be selected to be thicker at portions of the wear-resistant liner 140 that are likely to engage more with the working surface 110.

[0135] The frame can have one or more frame thicknesses measured from the outermost portion facing the wear surface towards the base of the body of the friction wedge assembly. For example, the frame thickness of the portion 129 of the frame spaced apart from the frame attachment surface can be less than the frame thickness of adjacent portions of the frame, as Figure 4B shown. In one example, the thickness of the liner portion 190 can be substantially equal to the thickness of the frame portion 192, as Figure 4C shown. In another example, the liner thickness can be less than one or more of the frame thicknesses, for example, between 50% and 99% of one or more of the frame thicknesses. In another example, the liner thickness can be greater than one or more of the frame thicknesses, for example, between 101% and 200% of one or more of the frame thicknesses.

[0136] The wear-resistant liner 140 can initially engage the working surface 110 (excluding the frame 130). However, through frictional engagement with the working surface 110, the wear-resistant liner 140 may start to wear, and multiple portions of the wear-resistant liner 140 may be removed. By removing multiple portions of the wear-resistant liner 140 through frictional engagement, this can reduce the thickness of the liner. Specifically, the worn wear-resistant liner 140 may expose portions of the frame 130 that may engage the working surface 110 of the vehicle (e.g., the array 132). While some prior friction assemblies may require repair or replacement when the wear-resistant liner wears, the present friction assembly 100 can operate when the wear-resistant liner wears because the exposed frame 130 under the wear-resistant liner can be used as a wear surface to frictionally engage the working surface 110 of the vehicle. As the wear-resistant liner 140 wears, the friction assembly 100 can still operate in the worn state.

[0137] Figure 6 Shows the friction wedge assembly in another state according to one embodiment Figure 1 . Figure 7 Shows the wear surface removed from the friction wedge assembly in another state. In one example, Figure 6 and 7 The states shown in can be the worn states. In another example, Figure 6 and 7The state shown in [description] can be a non-worn state, as further discussed below. When in a worn state, portions of the wear-resistant liner 140 may be worn away and removed based on frictional engagement with the working surface 110 of the vehicle. However, due to the frictional performance characteristics of the frame 130, the friction assembly 100 can still operate in the worn state. The worn state may expose portions of the frame 130 that are beneath the wear-resistant liner 140. In other words, the wear-resistant liner 140 may wear down such that the wear-resistant liner 140 may be coplanar with multiple portions of the frame 130 and can be positioned to engage the working surface 110 together with the frame 130. In the worn state, the friction assembly 100 may be able to engage the working surface 110 of the vehicle. Specifically, the exposed portions of the frame 130 can serve as a first wear surface, while the remaining portions of the wear-resistant liner 140 can serve as a second wear surface.

[0138] In one example, the wear-resistant liner 140 can be coupled to the frame 130 such that the wear-resistant liner 140 and the frame 130 can be coplanar and can be positioned such that initially the wear-resistant liner 140 and the frame 130 engage the working surface 110 together. The wear-resistant liner 140 can be coupled to the frame 130 such that the wear-resistant liner 140 can be positioned within the gap 134 of the frame 130 without covering the array 132 of the frame 130. Thus, the wear-resistant liner 140 and the array 132 of the frame 130 can be coplanar and can engage the working surface 110 together. As described above, the wear-resistant liner 140 and the array 132 of the frame 130 are not coplanar in the worn state; rather, the wear-resistant liner 140 and the array 132 of the frame 130 can be coplanar in the non-worn state at the initial coupling.

[0139] The combination of the frame 130 and the wear-resistant liner 140 can achieve customizable frictional performance for engaging the working surface 110 of the vehicle. The materials of the frame 130 and the wear-resistant liner 140 can be selected based on the desired frictional output. The frame 130 can be distributed throughout the liner thickness of the wear-resistant liner 140 such that when the entire wear surface 120 (i.e., the frame plus the wear-resistant liner) wears, both the frame 130 and the wear-resistant liner 140 can contribute to the frictional performance. The frame 130 can also provide structural support for the wear-resistant liner 140; however, the frame 130 can also contribute to the friction of the entire assembly. The coefficient of friction can be provided by both the frame 130 and the wear-resistant liner 140, and each can be customized to provide the friction level and support required for various applications. Customization can be achieved by adjusting the material formulation of the wear-resistant liner 140, the geometry of the frame 130, the ratio of the frame 130 to the wear-resistant liner 140, the type of material / metal used for the frame 130, etc.

[0140] In one example, the frame 130 may be coupled to the friction assembly 100, and then the wear-resistant liner 140 may be coupled to the frame 130. When the wear-resistant liner 140 is completely worn out, for example, when any part of the wear-resistant liner 140 cannot engage with the working surface 110, the wear-resistant liner 140 can be replaced. However, even if the wear-resistant liner 140 may be completely worn out, the frame 130 can still be in frictional engagement with the working surface 110 of the vehicle, and the friction assembly 100 can still operate.

[0141] In another example, the wear-resistant liner 140 may first be coupled to the frame, and then the frame 130 and the wear-resistant liner 140 may be coupled to the friction assembly 100. When the frictional performance may drop below a predetermined threshold, the wear-resistant liner 140 and the frame 130 can be repaired and replaced together. By separately coupling the wear-resistant liner 140 and the frame 130 to the body 102 of the friction assembly 100, the wear-resistant liner 140 and the frame 130 can be separately packaged and transported from the body 102 of the friction assembly 100. Since the body 102 of the friction assembly 100 may be larger and heavier than the wear-resistant liner 140 and the frame 130, this can improve the packaging and transportation efficiency. This can also reduce damage to the wear-resistant liner 140 and the frame 130 during transportation and improve the customization of the friction assembly based on the required performance and wear constraints.

[0142] In addition, the frame 130 can be used as a heat sink for the wear surface 120 and the wear-resistant liner 140. The wear-resistant liner 140 can be formed of a material that may deform, crack, gum up, etc. at high temperatures. The frame 130 can transfer heat away from the wear surface 120. In one example, on the wear surface 120, the frame 130 can be completely encapsulated, and the wear surface 120 can support the working surface 110 of the vehicle. The wear surface 120 can be isolated, and the frame 130 may not be in frictional engagement with the working surface 110.

[0143] In another example, the frame 130 can engage the working surface 110 together with the wear surface 120 of the wear-resistant liner 140. The frame 130 can absorb heat from the wear surface 120 and transfer the heat away from the wear surface 120. Formed of metal, the frame 130 can serve well as a strong heat sink. In one example, the frame 130 can transfer the received heat to the body of the friction assembly 100 for further heat dissipation. Transferring the heat away from the wear surface 120 can improve the performance of the wear-resistant liner 140 and extend its life.

[0144] The frame 130 can be rectangular and may include one or more first cross members 160 and one or more second cross members 162( Figure 6)。The first cross member 160 may have a first common orientation (e.g., generally vertical), while the second cross member 162 may have a second common orientation (e.g., generally horizontal). As used herein, generally can be understood as, for example, within about 15 degrees. As described above with respect to Figure 3B and 4C one or more of the first cross members 160 may have different thicknesses extending from the wear surface 120 towards the frame attachment surface 108. One or more of the first cross members 160 may not extend to the frame attachment surface 108. Additionally, one or more of the second cross members 162 may have different thicknesses extending from the wear surface 120 towards the frame attachment surface 108. One or more of the second cross members 162 may not extend to the frame attachment surface 108.

[0145] The first cross members 160 may be generally parallel to each other, and the second cross members 162 may be generally parallel to each other. In one example, the first common orientation may be generally perpendicular to the second common orientation. The first cross members 160 may be interconnected and integral with the second cross members 162. The first cross members 160 and the second cross members 162 may form and define an array 132 of the frame 130. Each gap 134 may be surrounded by the first cross members 160 and the second cross members 162. Although Figure 6 the embodiment includes seven first cross members 160, in other embodiments, the number of the first cross members 160 may be more or less, depending on the desired frictional properties and the desired support. Figure 6 the embodiment includes four second cross members 162, however, in other embodiments, the number of the second cross members 162 may be more or less, depending on the desired frictional properties and the desired support. Additionally, the ratio of the first cross members 160 to the second cross members 162 may vary according to the desired performance.

[0146] The first cross members 160 and the second cross members 162 may each include a facing side surface. The facing side surfaces may be positioned to face and engage the working surface 110. In one example, each of the first cross members 160 and the second cross members 162 may have its own facing side surface, which may be coplanar with all the facing side surfaces of the other first cross members 160 and the second cross members 162. The facing side surfaces may jointly define the wear surface 120.

[0147] The frame 130 may include a perimeter defined by other cross members. For example, the frame 130 may include one or more lateral first cross members that may extend outwardly beyond the wear-resistant liner 140. These one or more lateral first cross members may protect the lateral portions of the wear-resistant liner from damage, such as premature chipping, shearing, or wear. The frame 130 may include top and / or bottom second cross members that may extend outwardly beyond the wear-resistant liner 140. The top and / or bottom second cross members may protect the top / bottom portions of the wear-resistant liner from damage, such as premature chipping, shearing, or wear.

[0148] The frame 130 may include different shapes and arrangements. The different shapes and arrangements may be based on the desired frictional properties of the friction assembly 100, the wear rate of the friction assembly 100 and / or the working surface 110 of the vehicle, the desired heat distribution from the wear surface 120 to the frame 130, etc. The first cross members 160 and the second cross members 162 may be arranged to change the size and number of the gaps 134. The first cross members 160 and the second cross members 162 may be arranged to provide some relatively large gaps 134, which may provide more space between adjacent cross members. In another example, the cross members 160, 162 may be arranged to provide a number of relatively small gaps, such as a grid array. This may provide less space between adjacent cross members. In other words, the frequency and density of the gaps 134 may be adjusted by adjusting the number and spacing of the first cross members 160 and the second cross members 162. Changing the shape and arrangement of the frame 130 may change the frictional properties, the amount of support provided to the wear-resistant liner 140, the wear life of the frame 130, etc.

[0149] Changing the size, number, and arrangement of the cross members 160, 162 and the gaps 134 may change the ratio of the surface area of the array 132 of the frame 130 to the surface area of the gaps 134. In an example where the wear-resistant liner 140 may be located in the gaps 134, the surface area of the first wear surface of the frame 130 and the surface area of the second wear surface of the wear-resistant liner 140 may be adjusted by adjusting the arrangement and number of the first cross members 160 and the second cross members 162. In one example, the surface area of the first wear surface may be less than or equal to the surface area of the second wear surface. In a case where the surface area of the first wear surface (e.g., the frame 130) may be less than the surface area of the second wear surface (e.g., the wear-resistant liner 140), the friction assembly 100 may have a high frictional performance range, but the wear life may be shortened compared to a case where the surface area of the first wear surface is greater than the second wear surface. This may be because the frame 130 may provide less support and friction, such that the wear-resistant liner 140 may be able to provide high frictional performance but may wear faster in a situation where the support and friction provided by the frame 130 are less.

[0150] In another example, the surface area of the first wear surface may be greater than or equal to the surface area of the second wear surface. In the case where the surface area of the first wear surface (e.g., the frame 130) may be greater than the surface area of the second wear surface (e.g., the wear-resistant liner 140), the friction assembly 100 may have a low to medium range of friction performance, but may have an increased wear life compared to the case where the surface area of the first wear surface is less than the second wear surface. The increased surface area of the frame 130 may provide additional support and frictional engagement, thereby reducing the degree of wear of the wear-resistant liner 140.

[0151] The frame 130 may include various arrangements or patterns of the array 132 and the gap 134. The arrangement may be selected based on the desired friction performance and / or wear rate of the frame 130, the wear-resistant liner 140, and / or the working surface 110 of the vehicle. The array 132 and the gap 134 may be arranged in a diamond shape, a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, an ellipse, other polygons, irregular shapes, and various combinations thereof.

[0152] The friction assembly may include a frame, a wear-resistant liner, and / or a wear surface, which may be circular (e.g., Figure 8 - 11 15 and 17 - 24). For example, with primary reference to Figure 8 - 10 the friction assembly 200 is similar to the friction assembly 200 in many respects and includes a circular wear surface 220 formed by a circular wear-resistant liner 240 and a circular frame 230. The circular frame 230 may include one or more linear members 231, and the linear members 231 may intersect the circular frame 230. The one or more linear members 231 may include one or more of a vertical member, a horizontal member, a diagonal member, etc. The linear members 231 may be positioned to intersect, for example, at the central portion of the circular frame 230. The frame 230 may further include one or more circular support portions 233, which extend around the central portion of the intersection of the linear members 231. The linear members 231 and the circular support portions 233 form an array 232, and gaps are defined in the array 232, as disclosed herein with respect to the frame 130. The number of the circular support portions 233 may be modified based on the desired friction performance. For example, with reference to Figure 25A - 26B the frame 1930 is similar to the circular frame 230 in many respects and includes a grid array 1960 having a central hole 1970. The frame 1930 together with the circular wear-resistant liner 1940 forms a circular wear surface 1920 and may be used where high friction performance is required because the additional circular support portions may provide additional support and frictional capacity. However, with reference to Figure 23A - 24B, the frame 1830 is similar to the circular frame 230 in many aspects and includes a grid array 1860 with a central hole 1870. The frame 1830 and the circular wear pad 1840 together form a circular wear surface 1820 and can be used in places where low friction performance may be required. A single circular support portion may be included in the frame.

[0153] Mainly referring to Figure 11 - 16 , the friction assembly 300 is similar to the friction assembly 200 in many aspects and may include triangular side walls 311 that support a triangular wear surface 320 formed by a triangular frame 330 and a triangular wear pad 340. The function of the triangular wear surface 320 may be similar to the above-mentioned wear surfaces 120, 220. However, the size and shape of the wear surface 320 may be modified to engage the corresponding portion of the working surface 110 of the vehicle. The triangular wear surface 320 may be positioned on the side walls 311 of the body of the friction assembly 300 to engage the corresponding working surface 110 of the vehicle. As described above, the frame 330 may be coupled to the wear pad 340, so the triangular wear surface 320 may include both the frame 330 and the wear pad 340.

[0154] Figure 14 and 15 Another state of the triangular wear surface 320 is shown, in which the frame 330 and the wear pad 340 may be coplanar and positioned to engage with the working surface 110 of the vehicle together. In one example, Figure 14 and 15 the state depicted in may be a worn state. In another example, Figure 14 and 15 the state depicted in may be a non-worn state. The function of the triangular wear surface 320 may be substantially similar to the rectangular and circular wear surfaces discussed above.

[0155] As described herein, the friction assemblies 100, 200, and 300 may be friction wedge assemblies; however, the wear surfaces 120, 220, and 320 may be used with other friction assemblies, including constant contact side bearings, center bowl liners, coupler yoke wear plates, roller bearing adapters, roller bearing adapter liners, side bearing walls, brake beam outer joints, etc. Figure 17 - 22An example of a constant contact side bearing assembly 1700 is shown. The constant contact side bearing assembly may include a body 1702, a side surface 1704, a top surface 1706, a bottom surface 1712, and one or more wear surfaces 1720. The wear surfaces 1720 may be positioned to engage corresponding working surfaces 1710 of a vehicle. As described above, the wear surfaces 1720 may include a frame 1730 and a wear-resistant liner 1740. The working surfaces 1710 of the vehicle may be wear plates, side frames, etc. The frictional force generated by the engagement of the wear surface with the working surface 110 may inhibit the movement of the vehicle relative to the constant contact side bearing assembly 1700 and may make the vehicle and its components travel more smoothly and with less jolting. The top surface 1706 may include a frame attachment surface 1708, which may be positioned to receive and / or couple with the frame 1730. The frame attachment surface 1708 may be a notch in the top surface 1706 that may receive the frame 1730. The frame 1730 may frictionally engage the corresponding sidewall of the vehicle.

[0156] The wear surfaces 1720 (including the wear-resistant liner 1740 and the frame 1730) may be positioned to extend above the top surface 1706 of the constant contact side bearing assembly 1700 to engage the working surface 1710 of the vehicle, as Figure 19A and 19B shown. The wear-resistant liner 1740 and the frame 1730 may be coupled together and removably coupled to the constant contact side bearing assembly 1700. This may allow for easy replacement of the wear surfaces 1720 when the frictional performance may be below the desired threshold.

[0157] As Figure 25A , 25B , 26A, and 26B shown, the frame may be circular and may include a grid array 1960 having a central hole 1970. Compared to the Figure 17 - 2 frame of 4, the central hole 1970 may provide a central area for positioning the wear-resistant liner. The central hole may correspond to the central portion of the working surface 1710 of the vehicle, which may be designed to engage the wear surface 1920. The central hole 1970 may include a wear-resistant liner 1940, which may provide additional frictional force for the central portion of the working surface. The gaps 1934 of the grid array or additional holes may extend around the central hole 1970. As Figure 25B shown, the size of the gaps 1934 may increase as the gaps get closer to the outer edge 1938 of the frame 1930.

[0158] In another example, the gaps may all be of uniform size. In another example, the gaps of the grid array 1960 may be formed in an irregular pattern and / or irregular shape based on the desired frictional performance and wear characteristics.

[0159] Additionally, the grid array 1960 can provide heat transfer from the wear surface 1920 and the wear-resistant liner 1940. The grid array 1960 can include a larger frame compared to the wear-resistant liner, thereby allowing the frame 1930 to absorb and dissipate more heat from the wear surface 1920.

[0160] Figure 27A - 29C An example of a central bowl-shaped liner assembly 2700 is shown. The central bowl-shaped liner assembly 2700 can include a body 2702 and one or more wear surfaces 2720, which can be similar in many respects to the wear surfaces further disclosed herein (e.g., wear surfaces 120, 220, 320, 1720, 1820, 1920). The wear surface 2720 can be positioned to engage a corresponding working surface of the vehicle (e.g., working surfaces 110, 1710). As described above, the wear surface 2720 can include a frame 2730 and a wear-resistant liner 2740. The working surface of the vehicle can be a wear plate, side frame, etc. The frictional force generated by the engagement of the wear surface 2720 with the working surface can inhibit the movement of the vehicle relative to the central bowl-shaped liner assembly and can make the driving of the vehicle and its components smoother and less bumpy.

[0161] The wear surface 2720 (including the wear-resistant liner 2740 and the frame 2730) can be positioned to engage the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner 2740 and the frame 2730 can be coupled together and removably coupled to the central bowl-shaped liner assembly 2700. This can allow for easy replacement of the wear surface when the frictional performance may be below the desired threshold.

[0162] As Figure 27A - 29C shown, the frame 2730 can be circular and can include a grid array 2760 having a central hole 2770. The central hole 2770 can provide a central region for positioning the wear-resistant liner 2740. The central hole 2770 can correspond to the central portion of the vehicle working surface, which can be designed to engage the wear surface 2720. The central hole 2770 can include the wear-resistant liner 2740, which can provide additional frictional force for the central portion of the working surface. The gaps 2734 of the grid array or additional holes can extend around the central hole 2770. Referring mainly to Figure 27A , the size of the gap 2734 can increase as the gap 2734 approaches the outer edge 2738 of the frame 2730. In another example, the size of the gap 2734 can be all the same. In another example, the gaps 2734 of the grid array 2760 can be formed in an irregular pattern and / or irregular shape based on the desired frictional performance and wear characteristics.

[0163] The wear-resistant liner 2740 can initially engage the working surface (but the frame 2730 does not engage), as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 28, for example. However, through frictional engagement with the working surface, the wear-resistant liner 2740 may start to wear, and a portion of the wear-resistant liner 2740 may be removed. Removing a portion of the wear-resistant liner 2740 through frictional engagement can reduce the liner thickness. Specifically, the worn wear-resistant liner can expose a portion of the frame 2730 (e.g., an array), and the exposed portion can engage the working surface of the vehicle. When the wear-resistant liner 2740 may wear, the central bowl-shaped liner assembly 2700 can operate because the exposed frame 2730 below the wear-resistant liner 2740 can be used as the wear surface 2720 to frictional engage the working surface of the vehicle. When the wear-resistant liner 2740 wears, the central bowl-shaped liner assembly 2700 can still operate in the worn state.

[0164] FIGS. 30 - 34 illustrate examples of the bracket coupler base assembly 3000. The bracket coupler base assembly 3000 can include a body 3002 and one or more wear surfaces 3020, which are similar in many respects to the wear surfaces further disclosed herein (e.g., wear surfaces 120, 220, 320, 1720, 1820, 1920, 2720). The wear surface 3020 can be positioned to engage the corresponding working surface of the vehicle. As described above, the wear surface 3020 can include a frame 3030 and a wear-resistant liner 3040. The working surface of the vehicle can be a wear plate, a side frame, etc. The frictional force generated by the engagement of the wear surface 3020 with the working surface can inhibit the movement of the vehicle relative to the bracket coupler base assembly 3000 and can make the driving of the vehicle and its components smoother and less bumpy.

[0165] The wear surface 3020 (including the wear-resistant liner 3040 and the frame 3030) can be positioned to engage the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner 3040 and the frame 3030 can be coupled together and removably coupled to the bracket coupler base assembly 3000. This can allow for easy replacement of the wear surface when the frictional performance may be below the required threshold.

[0166] Figure 32A1 - 32F2 A top view and a cross-sectional view of the frame for a bracket coupler base (e.g., the bracket coupler base depicted in FIG. 30) are shown according to different examples. Figure 32A1 - 32F2 The various frames 3130, 3230, 3330, 3430, 3530, 3630 shown depict alternative shapes, spacings, and arrangements. For example, the frame 3130 can include circular protrusions of uniform size arranged in a uniform pattern, as Figure 32A1 and 32A2 shown. The frame 3230 can include circular protrusions with circular pits at the top, as Figure 32B1 and 32B2as shown. The frame 3330 may include protrusions and pits as described in Figure 32B1 and 32B2 , with additional pits provided between the protrusions, as in Figure 32C1 and 32C2 as shown. The frame 3430 may also include protrusions arranged alternately with three protrusions and two protrusions, as in Figure 32D1 and 32D2 as shown. The frame 3530 may include rectangular protrusions of uniform size arranged in a uniform pattern, as in Figure 32E1 and 32E2 as shown. The frame 3630 may include rectangular protrusions with circular pits on top of the protrusions, as in Figure 32F1 and 32F2 as shown.

[0167] Figure 33A and 33B show a frame 3730 of a bracket coupler base according to an example. The frame 3730 may be similar to various frames further disclosed herein in many respects. The frame 3730 may be rectangular and may include one or more first cross members 3760 and one or more second cross members 3762 extending from the base 3702. The first cross members 3760 may have a first common orientation, while the second cross members 3762 may have a second common orientation. The first cross members 3760 and the second cross members 3762 may intersect to form a support matrix.

[0168] Referring mainly to Figure 31A and 34A , the wear-resistant liner 3040 may initially engage the working surface (but the frames 3030, 3730 do not engage), as in the embodiments shown in Figure 31A and 34A . However, through frictional engagement with the working surface, the wear-resistant liner 3040 may start to wear, and parts of the wear-resistant liner 3040 may be removed, as in the embodiments shown in Figure 31B and 34B . Removing parts of the wear-resistant liner 3040 through frictional engagement may reduce the liner thickness. Specifically, the worn wear-resistant liner may expose parts of the frames 3030, 3730 (e.g., the array) that can engage the vehicle working surface. When the wear-resistant liner 3040 may wear, the bracket coupler base assembly 3000 may still be operable because the frames 3030, 3730 exposed below the wear-resistant liner 3040 can be used as wear surfaces to frictionally engage the vehicle's working surface. When the wear-resistant liner 3040 may wear, the bracket coupler base assembly 3000 may still be operable in the worn state.

[0169] Figure 35Shows an example of a friction assembly 4100 according to at least one example of the present disclosure. The friction assembly 4100 is a friction wedge assembly and is similar in many respects to, for example, friction assemblies 100, 200, and 300. Figure 35 The friction assembly 4100 in Figure 35 can be in an initial state, which corresponds to a non-worn state in many aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 6 Further shown in Figure 6 is the friction assembly 4100 in another state, which corresponds to a worn state in many aspects of the present disclosure.

[0170] Figure 36 Shows an exploded view of the friction assembly 4100. The front surface 4106 may include a first connection side 4108, also referred to herein as a mating surface, which may be positioned to receive and / or couple with the frame 4130. The first connection side 4108 or mating surface may include a cavity 4150 having one or more protrusions 4152. In one example, the frame 4130 may be coupled to the protrusions.

[0171] As Figure 36 shown, the wear-resistant liner 4140 may have a worn-side portion 4121, which may be coupled to the frame 4130 and may engage the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner 4140 may have a bonding-side portion 4122, which may be located between the frame 4130 and the cavity 4150 and / or the protrusions 4152. This arrangement may allow the wear-resistant liner 4140 to have a greater thickness, as the cavity 4150 provides additional space for the wear-resistant liner 4140 and a higher bonding strength. The thickness will be further discussed below with reference to Figure 39A and 38B The higher bonding strength may be partly attributed to the wear-resistant liner completely surrounding and encapsulating the frame, thereby increasing the bonding area. The increased thickness of the wear-resistant liner 4140 can improve the durability, effectiveness, and efficiency of the friction assembly.

[0172] Figure 37 Shows a perspective view of a friction assembly 4100 without a wear-resistant liner according to at least one example of the present disclosure. The protrusions 4152 may form a platform to which the frame 4130 may be mechanically coupled. The frame 4130 may be coupled to the protrusions 4152 by welding, mechanical fasteners, press fitting, etc. The number, shape, and / or pattern of the protrusions may be customized based on the desired performance of the friction assembly, for example, as shown by the various patterns and geometries disclosed in Figure 36 , 43 and 50. More protrusions 4152 may be included to provide additional platforms or locations for securing the frame 4130. As Figure 44As shown, the frame 4230 can be similar to the frame 4130 in many aspects and can further include a hole 4229 that can receive a mechanical fastener to couple the frame 4230 to its protrusion 4225( Figure 43 ).

[0173] The various protrusions disclosed herein (such as protrusions 4152, 4252) can be equally spaced or randomly arranged on the body. The protrusions can be circular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, irregularly shaped, or another shape based on the desired design and performance. In addition, all the protrusions of a particular frame can have the same shape and size, or can have different shapes and / or sizes.

[0174] In one example, the frame can be coupled to the body at a perimeter (the perimeter surrounding the cavity 4150). With primary reference to Figure 37 , the frame 4130 can be coupled to the body 4102 at the peripheral portion 4103. The frame 4130 can be coupled to the peripheral portion 4103 by welding, mechanical fasteners, press - fitting, etc. The peripheral portion 4103 can surround the cavity 4150 on one or more sides. The frame 4130 can be coupled only to the peripheral portion 4103, or can be coupled to the peripheral portion 4103 and the protrusion 4152. The peripheral portion 4103 can extend further outward toward the working surface than the cavity 4150. In one example, the peripheral portion 4103 can extend coplanarly outward with the outermost portion of the protrusion 4152. In another example, the protrusion 4152 can extend further outward than the peripheral portion 4103.

[0175] The frame 4130 can be coupled to the first connection side or mating surface 4108. In other examples, the frame 4130 can be attached to one or more different parts of the friction assembly 4100, specifically, at one or more wear surfaces 4120 of the friction assembly 4100. As described herein with respect to the frame 130( Figure 3B ), for example, the frame 4130 can be formed of cast iron, wrought iron, cast steel, wrought steel, sintered metal, alloy, aluminum, 3D - printed material, or a metal, metal combination, etc. The frame 4130 can be welded to the first connection side 4108 or mating surface, integrally incorporated into the friction assembly 4100, removably coupled to the first connection side 4108 or mating surface via mechanical fasteners, etc. The frame 4130 can define an array 4132 having gaps 4134. The gaps 4134 can be open areas or passages between the arrays 4132. The first wear surface 4125 can be disposed around the gaps and can engage the working surface of the vehicle. The material of the frame 4130 can be selected based on the desired frictional properties with the working surface of the vehicle. The material of the frame 4130 can also be selected to be rigid to provide support and extend the wear life.

[0176] In addition, the arrangement and pattern of the frame 4130 can be selected based on the desired frictional properties. For example, the frame 4130 can be a grille with uniform spacing, such as Figure 36 , 37 and as shown in 41.

[0177] Additionally or alternatively, the frame can include a grille having holes for receiving mechanical fasteners, such as Figure 43 , 44 and as shown in 47 with respect to the frame 4230, for example. More specifically, the friction assembly 4200 includes a body 4202 and a wear-resistant liner 4240 coupled to the body 4202. The friction assembly 4200 and the wear-resistant liner 4240 are similar to the friction assembly 4100 and the wear-resistant liner 4140 in many respects; however, the protrusions 4152 in the cavity 4150 of the body 4202 define a different geometry from the friction assembly 4100, and the frame 4130 of the wear-resistant liner 4140 includes holes for receiving mechanical fasteners. Similar to the wear-resistant liner 4140, the wear-resistant liner 4240 includes a two-part wear-resistant liner that includes a first face 4221 and a second face 4222, and the second face 4222 is located between the body 4202 and the frame 4230. In other words, the frame 4230 is embedded in the wear-resistant liner 4240.

[0178] Referring mainly to Figure 49 - 53B the friction assembly 4500 and its components depicted therein, the frame 4530 thereof can include a denser grille, such as an array of meshes, such as Figure 50 and 51 shown. The arrangement and pattern of the frame 4530 can be selected based on the desired properties or combined characteristics of the sides 4521, 4522 of the wear-resistant liner and the frame 4530. The selection of the arrangement and pattern of the frame 4530 will be discussed further below.

[0179] Referring again to the friction assembly 4100 and Figure 38A and 38B , the wear-resistant liner 4140 is coupled to the frame 4130 to form a wear surface 4120. Compared to the wear-resistant liner 4140 that is coupled to the friction assembly 4100 without being coupled to the frame 4130, the frame 4130 can provide a higher degree of structural support. The structural support provided by the frame 4130 can reduce the extrusion, scratching, deformation, etc. of the wear-resistant liner 4140. Additionally, the frame 4130 can provide additional frictional engagement to engage the wear-resistant liner 4140 with the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner 4140 can be coupled to the frame 4130 via chemical bonding (e.g., through an adhesive), mechanical fasteners, molding to the frame 4130, etc.

[0180] As Figure 39BAs shown in the cross-section, at least a portion 4129 of the frame 4130 can be spaced apart from the body 4102 such that at least a portion of the wear-resistant liner 4140 can be coupled to the frame 4130 between the frame 4130 and the body 4102. The frame 4130 can have multiple portions that can be spaced apart from the body 4102. Additionally, the wear-resistant liner 4140 can be coupled to the frame 4130 between the frame 4130 and the wear surface 4120 such that at least a portion of the frame 4130 is surrounded by the wear-resistant liner 4140. In other words, the wear-resistant liner 4140 can be attached to all sides of the portion 4129 of the frame 4130 to increase the bonding strength. The arrangement of the frame 4130 can increase the bonding strength because there can be both mechanical bonding and chemical bonding. The array 4132 with gaps 4134 can provide a way of mechanical interlocking between the molded wear-resistant liner 4140 and the frame 4130. Additionally, this arrangement can reduce the separation between the wear-resistant liner 4140 and the frame 4130 and reduce the fragmentation, shearing, and / or removal of the wear-resistant liner 4140, which can increase the service life of the wear-resistant liner 4140.

[0181] In Figure 35 - 40 the example shown, the wear-resistant liner 4140 can initially be coupled to the frame 4130 such that the wear-resistant liner 4140 constitutes all or substantially all of the wear surface 4120 that engages with the working surface of the vehicle. In other words, the wear-resistant liner 4140 can cover the frame 4130. The wear-resistant liner 4140 can have a wear-resistant liner thickness 4160( Figure 39A ) that is measured from the wear surface 4120 towards the base of the body 102 of the friction assembly 4100. The wear-resistant liner thickness can be between 2 millimeters and 30 millimeters, preferably between 5 - 10 millimeters. The cavity 4150 of the body 4102 can provide more space for the wear-resistant liner 4140, thereby allowing a greater wear-resistant liner thickness. A greater wear-resistant liner thickness can improve the life, performance, and durability. The wear-resistant liner 4140 can have one or more liner thicknesses. The one or more wear-resistant liner thicknesses can be selected based on the desired frictional properties and / or based on the mating working surface of the vehicle that the wear-resistant liner engages with. For example, the wear-resistant liner thickness can be selected to be thicker at portions of the wear-resistant liner 4140 that are likely to engage more with the working surface.

[0182] The frame 4130 may have one or more frame thicknesses, measured from the outermost portion facing the wear surface to the bottom of the body of the friction wedge assembly. For example, the portion 4129 of the frame 4130 spaced from the first connection side 4108 or the engagement surface may have a frame thickness that may be less than the frame thickness of adjacent portions of the frame 4130. In one example, the thickness of a portion of the wear pad may be substantially equal to the thickness of a portion of the frame thickness. In another example, the wear pad thickness may be less than one or more frame thicknesses, such as between 50% and 99% of one or more frame thicknesses. In another example, the pad thickness may be greater than one or more frame thicknesses, such as between 101% and 200% of one or more frame thicknesses.

[0183] The wear pad 4140 may initially engage the working surface, but the frame 4130 does not engage the working surface. However, through frictional engagement with the working surface, the wear pad 4140 may begin to wear, and some portions of the wear pad 4140 may be removed. Removing some portions of the wear pad 4140 through frictional engagement may reduce the pad thickness. In particular, the worn wear pad 4140 may expose some portions of the frame 4130 (e.g., the array 4132), which may engage the working surface of the vehicle. While some prior friction assemblies may require repair or replacement when the wear pad wears, the present friction assembly 4100 is operable when the wear pad 4140 wears because the exposed frame 4130 below the wear pad 4140 can be used as the wear surface 4120 to frictionally engage the working surface of the vehicle. Since the wear pad 4140 can wear, the friction assembly 4100 remains operable in the worn state.

[0184] Figure 40 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 35 of the friction assembly in another state. Figure 41 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 40 Cross-sectional view of the friction assembly along C1-C1. In one example, Figure 40 the state of the friction assembly 4100 in may be a worn state. In another example, Figure 40The state of the friction assembly 4100 in [the context] can be a non-worn state, as described below. When in a worn state, portions of the wear-resistant liner 4140 can be worn away and removed based on frictional engagement with the working surface of the vehicle. However, due to the frictional performance characteristics of the frame 4130, the friction assembly 4100 can still operate in the worn state. The worn state may expose portions of the frame 4130 below the wear-resistant liner 4140. In other words, the wear-resistant liner 4140 may be worn such that the wear-resistant liner 4140 may be coplanar with portions of the frame 4130 and may be positioned to engage the working surface together with the frame 4130. In the worn state, the friction assembly 4100 may be able to engage the working surface of the vehicle. Specifically, the exposed portion of the frame 4130 can be used as a first wear surface, while the remaining portion of the wear-resistant liner can be used as a second wear surface.

[0185] In one example, the wear-resistant liner 4140 can be coupled to the frame 4130 such that the wear-resistant liner 4140 and the frame 4130 can be coplanar and can be positioned such that initially both the wear-resistant liner 4140 and the frame 4130 together and / or simultaneously engage the working surface. The wear-resistant liner 4140 can be coupled to the frame 4130 such that the wear-resistant liner 4140 can be positioned in the gaps of the frame 4130 without covering the array of the frame 4130. Thus, the array 4132 of the wear-resistant liner 4140 and the frame 4130 can be coplanar and can engage the working surface together and / or simultaneously. The array 4132 of the wear-resistant liner 4140 and the frame 4130 is not coplanar as described above in the worn state. Instead, the array 4132 of the wear-resistant liner 4140 and the frame 4130 can be coplanar at the initial coupling in the non-worn state.

[0186] The combination of the frame 4130 and the wear-resistant liner 4140 can achieve customizable frictional performance for engaging the working surface of the vehicle. The materials of the frame 4130 and the wear-resistant liner 4140 can be selected based on the desired frictional output. The frame 4130 can be distributed across the entire liner thickness of the wear-resistant liner 4140 such that when the entire wear surface (e.g., the frame plus the wear-resistant liner) wears, both the frame 4130 and the wear-resistant liner 4140 can contribute to the frictional performance. The frame 4130 can also provide structural support for the wear-resistant liner 4140. However, the frame 4130 can also contribute to the friction of the entire assembly. The coefficient of friction can be provided by the frame 4130 and the wear-resistant liner 4140, and each can be customized to provide the friction level and support required for each application. The customization can be achieved by adjusting the material formulation of the wear-resistant liner 4140, the geometry of the frame 4130, the ratio of the frame 4130 to the wear-resistant liner 4140, the type of material / metal used for the frame 4130, etc.

[0187] In one example, the frame 4130 may be coupled to the friction assembly 411, and then the wear-resistant liner 4140 may be coupled to the frame 4130. When the wear-resistant liner 4140 is completely worn out - for example, when any part of the wear-resistant liner 4140 cannot engage the working surface, the wear-resistant liner 4140 can be replaced. However, even if the wear-resistant liner 4140 may be completely worn out, the frame 4130 can still frictionally engage the working surface of the vehicle, and the friction assembly 4100 can still operate.

[0188] In another example, the wear-resistant liner 4140 may be first coupled to the frame 4130, and then the frame 4130 and the wear-resistant liner 4140 may be coupled to the friction assembly 4100. When the frictional performance may drop below a predetermined threshold, the wear-resistant liner 4140 and the frame 4130 can be repaired and replaced together. By coupling the wear-resistant liner 4140 and the frame 4130 independently / separately to the body 4102 of the friction assembly 4100, the wear-resistant liner 4140 and the frame 4130 can be packaged and transported separately from the body 4102 of the friction assembly 4100. Since the body 4102 of the friction assembly may be larger and heavier than the wear-resistant liner 4140 and the frame 4130, this can improve the packaging and transportation efficiency. This can also reduce damage to the wear-resistant liner 4140 and the frame 4130 during transportation and improve the customization of the friction assembly based on the required performance and wear limits.

[0189] Now, continuing to refer to Figure 35 and 40 , [[ID=26 the friction assembly 4100 of ​ may be in an initial state, while ​ the friction assembly 4100 of ​ may be in a worn state. In

[0190] Additionally, the frame 4130 can serve as a heat sink for the wear surface 4120 and the wear-resistant liner 4140. The wear-resistant liner 4140 can be formed of materials that may deform, crack, or gum up at high temperatures. The frame 4130 can transfer heat away from the wear surface 4120. In one example, on the wear surface 4120, the frame 4130 can be fully encapsulated and can support the vehicle working surface. The wear surface 4120 can be isolated, and the frame 4130 can not be in friction engagement with the working surface. In another example, the frame 4130 can engage the working surface together with the wear surface 4120 of the wear-resistant liner 4140. The frame 4130 may be able to absorb heat from the wear surface 4120 and transfer the heat away from the wear surface. The frame 4130 is made of metal and can serve well as a strong heat sink. In one example, the frame 4130 can transfer the received heat to the body 4102 of the friction assembly 410 for further heat dissipation. Transferring heat away from the wear surface 4120 can improve the performance of the wear-resistant liner 4140 and extend its lifespan.

[0191] As ​ , 37 , 38B, and 40 show, the frame 4130 can be rectangular and can include one or more first cross members 4180 and one or more second cross members 4182. The first cross members can have a first common orientation (e.g., a first generally diagonal axis), while the second cross members can have a second common orientation (e.g., a second generally diagonal axis). As used herein, generally should be understood to mean approximately, e.g., within 15 degrees.

[0192] The first cross members 4180 can be generally parallel to each other, and the second cross members 4182 can be generally parallel to each other. In one example, the first common orientation can be generally perpendicular to the second common orientation. The first cross members 4180 can be interconnected and integral with the second cross members 4182. The first and second cross members 4180, 4182 can form and define an array 4132 of the frame 4130. Each gap 4134 can be surrounded by the first cross members 4180 and the second cross members 4182. Although ​ the embodiment includes six first cross members 4180, in other embodiments, the number of the first cross members 4180 can be more or less, depending on the desired frictional properties and the desired support. ​ the embodiment includes six second cross members 4182, but in other embodiments, the number of the second cross members 4182 can be more or less, depending on the desired frictional properties and the desired support. Additionally, the ratio of the first cross members 4180 to the second cross members 4182 can vary according to the desired performance.

[0193] The first cross member 4180 and the second cross member 4182 may each include a facing side surface. The facing side surfaces may be positioned to face and engage the working surface. In one example, each of the first cross member 4180 and the second cross member 4182 may have its own facing side surface, which may be coplanar with all of the facing side surfaces of the other first cross members 4180 and second cross members 4182. The facing side surfaces may together define a wear surface 4120.

[0194] The frame 4130 may include one or more transverse first cross members that may extend outwardly beyond the wear-resistant liner 4140. These one or more transverse first cross members may protect the transverse portions of the wear-resistant liner 4140 from damage, such as premature chipping, shearing, or wear. The frame 4130 may include top and / or bottom second cross members 4182 that may extend outwardly beyond the wear-resistant liner 4140. The top and / or bottom second cross members 4182 may protect the top / bottom of the wear-resistant liner from damage, such as premature chipping, shearing, or wear.

[0195] The frame 4130 may include different shapes and arrangements. The different shapes and arrangements may be based on the desired frictional properties of the friction assembly 4100, the wear rate of the friction assembly 4100 and / or the working surface of the vehicle, the desired heat distribution from the wear surface 4120 to the frame 4130, etc. The first cross members 4180 and the second cross members 4182 may be arranged to change the size and number of the gaps 4134. The cross members 4180, 4182 may be arranged to provide some relatively large gaps 4134, which may provide more space between adjacent cross members. In another example, the cross members 4180, 4182 may be arranged to provide many relatively small gaps, such as a grid array. This may provide a smaller space between adjacent cross members 4180, 4182. In other words, the frequency and density of the gaps 4134 may be adjusted by adjusting the number and spacing of the cross members 4180, 4182. Changing the shape and arrangement of the frame 4130 may change the frictional properties, the amount of support provided to the wear-resistant liner 4140, the wear life of the frame 4130, etc.

[0196] Changing the dimensions, number, and arrangement of cross members 4180, 4182 and gaps 4134 can change the ratio of the surface area of the array 4132 of frame 4130 to the surface area of the gaps 4134. In an example where the wear-resistant liner 4140 can be positioned in the gap 4134, the ratio of the surface area of the first wear surface of the frame 4130 to the surface area of the second wear surface of the wear-resistant liner 4140 can be adjusted by adjusting the arrangement and number of the first and second cross members 4180, 4182. In one example, the surface area of the first wear surface can be less than or equal to the surface area of the second wear surface. In a case where the surface area of the first wear surface (e.g., frame 4130) may be less than the surface area of the second wear surface (e.g., wear-resistant liner 4140), the friction assembly 4100 may have a high friction performance range, but the wear life may be shortened compared to the case where the surface area of the first wear surface is greater than the second wear surface. This may be because the frame 4130 may provide less support and friction, such that when the support and friction provided by the frame 4130 are less, the wear-resistant liner 4140 may be able to provide high friction performance, but may wear out faster.

[0197] In another example, the surface area of the first wear surface can be greater than or equal to the surface area of the second wear surface. In a case where the surface area of the first wear surface (e.g., frame 4130) may be greater than the surface area of the second wear surface (e.g., wear-resistant liner 4140), the friction assembly may have a low to medium friction performance range, but may have an increased wear life compared to the case where the surface area of the first wear surface is less than the second wear surface. The increased surface area of the frame 4130 can provide additional support and frictional engagement, thereby reducing the degree of wear of the wear-resistant liner 4140.

[0198] The frame 4130 can include various arrangements or patterns of the array 4132 and the gaps 4134. The arrangement can be selected based on the desired friction performance and / or wear rate of the frame 4130, the wear-resistant liner 4140, and / or the vehicle working surface. The array 132 and the gaps 134 can be arranged in a diamond shape, a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, an ellipse, other polygons, irregular shapes, and various combinations thereof.

[0199] As ​As shown in -53, the frame 4530 may include a grid array 4530. The grid array 4530 may include gaps 4534. In one example, the gaps 4534 may all be of a uniform size. In another example, the gaps 4534 of the grid array 4530 may be formed in an irregular pattern and / or irregular shape based on the desired frictional properties and wear characteristics. The grid array 4530 may provide a greater bonding surface area for the wear-resistant liner 4540, thereby increasing the total bonding strength between the frame 4530 and the wear-resistant liner 4540. Similar to the wear-resistant liners 4140, 4240, the wear-resistant liner 4540 may include a first surface and a second surface, and at least a portion of the wear-resistant liner 4540 may be located between the body 4502 of the friction assembly 4500 and the grid array 4530.

[0200] Additionally, the grid array 4530 may provide heat transfer from the wear surface 4520 to the wear-resistant liner 4540. The grid array 4530 may include a greater frame-to-wear-resistant liner ratio, allowing the frame 4530 to absorb and dissipate more heat from the wear surface 4520.

[0201] ​ is a friction assembly 2000 according to at least one example of the present disclosure. ​ is ​ a cross-sectional view of the friction assembly 2000 along I1-I1. The friction assembly 2000 may represent a bearing cap. The friction assembly 2000 may include a body 2002 having an internal groove 2102 extending from the bottom side 2104 of the body 2002 into the body 2002. The body 2002 may have the shape of an inverted cup, where the body 2002 extends around the perimeter of the internal groove 2102 and covers the top side of the internal groove 2102 while opening at or along the bottom side of the internal groove 2102.

[0202] The wear surface 2004 of the body 2002 extends to the top of the internal groove 2102. A cavity 2006 extends downward into the wear surface 2004 and toward the bottom side of the body 2002 to a connection surface 2008. This cavity 2006 may optionally be referred to as a pocket or void. An internal support protrusion 2010 may extend upward and away from the connection surface 2008 of the body 2002 within the cavity 2006. This internal support protrusion 2010 may optionally be referred to as a weldment bracket or coupling bracket. As shown, the internal support protrusion 2010 may have a symmetric shape and be located at the center of the cavity 2006. Optionally, the internal support protrusion 2010 may have an asymmetric shape and / or be offset from the center of the cavity 2006.

[0203] The deepest part of the cavity 2006 can extend from the wear surface 2004 into the body 2002 by a depth distance 2106. This depth distance can represent the furthest distance that the cavity 2006 extends into the body 2002 - from the wear surface 2004 to the connection surface 2008 along a direction perpendicular to both the wear surface 2004 and the connection surface 2008. The internal support protrusion 2010 can extend upward from the connection surface 2008 by a height distance 2108. As ​ shown, this height distance of the internal support protrusion 2010 is shorter than the depth distance of the cavity 2006.

[0204] ​ is a friction assembly 2000 of FIG. 20 according to at least one example of the present disclosure, including a frame 2200. ​ is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 56 A cross-sectional view of the friction assembly 2000 along J1-J1, including a frame 2200 located above the cavity 2006 of the friction assembly 2000. The frame 2200 can be a friction frame similar to the above-mentioned frame. The frame 2200 can have a plurality of concentric circular parts 2202 joined by a linear bridging part 2204, with a gap 2206 between the circular part 2202 and the bridging part 2204. Optionally, the frame 2200 can have another shape. Optionally, the frame 2200 can be referred to as a bonded grid or array. The frame 2200 can have a thickness 2300 that is equal to the difference 2302 between (a) the depth distance of the cavity 2006 and (b) the height distance of the internal support protrusion 2010. The thickness can be the same as, or substantially the same as (e.g., within manufacturing tolerances), this difference.

[0205] Figure 57 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of the friction assembly 2000 along J1-J1, including a frame 2200 located within the cavity 2006 of the friction assembly 2000. The frame 2200 can be placed into the cavity 2006 and rest on top of the internal support protrusion 2010 or a support. As shown, the dimensions of the frame 2200 can be designed to cover the cavity 2006, leaving an annular gap 2400 between the cavity 2006 and the frame 2200. The frame 2200 can be welded to or otherwise joined to the body 2002 of the friction assembly 2000. Since the thickness of the frame 2200 is equal to or substantially equal to (e.g., within the manufacturing tolerance range) the difference between the depth of the cavity 2006 and the height of the internal support protrusion 2010, the top surface of the frame 2200 can be coextensive or coplanar with the top surface of the wear surface 2004.

[0206] Figure 59 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 56Cross-sectional view of the friction assembly 2000 along J1-J1, including the wear-resistant liner 2500 in the first state. The wear-resistant liner 2500 can be formed to extend into the cavity 2006 located between the frame 2200 and the connection surface 2008 and fill the voids in the cavity. The wear-resistant liner 2500 can be formed of a flowable composite material that cures or solidifies around the frame 2200. As shown, the wear-resistant liner 2500 can fill the voids in the cavity 2006 located between the frame 2200 and the connection surface 2008 and can extend through and around the gap 2206 in the frame 2200. The wear-resistant liner 2500 can also extend above the frame 2200. The portion of the wear-resistant liner 2500 that extends above the frame 2200 can be the working portion 2502 of the wear-resistant liner 2500. The working portion 2502 can contact another component, such as a wheel or other moving component, during operation to utilize the friction between the working portion 2502 of the wear-resistant liner 2500 and the other component to slow down or stop the movement of the other component. The wear-resistant liner 2500 can completely cover the frame 2200 such that no part of the frame 2200 is visible. Alternatively, one or more portions of the frame 2200 can be visible (e.g., along the outer edge of the frame 2200).

[0207] Figure 60 is according to at least one example of the present disclosure Figure 56 Cross-sectional view of the friction assembly 2000 along J1-J1, including the wear-resistant liner 2500 in the second state. During the service life of the friction assembly 2000, the working portion 2502 of the wear-resistant liner 2500 may wear and be removed. The working portion 2502 of the wear-resistant liner 2500 may eventually be worn down to the indicated surface or scrap limit 2600 of the friction assembly 2000. The scrap limit 2600 can be a surface of the friction assembly 2000 that, when visible, indicates that the wear-resistant liner 2500 needs to be replaced or the friction assembly 2000 needs to be replaced so that the vehicle or component using the friction assembly 2000 can continue to operate safely. In the illustrated example, the scrap limit 2600 is the surface of the frame 2200 and the upper portion of the wear surface 2004 - they extend together or are coplanar with each other.

[0208] Continuing to refer to Figure 59 and 60 , the wear-resistant liner 2500 in the first state can include the wear-resistant liner 2500 in an initial state, brand-new state, unworn state, unused state, etc., while the wear-resistant liner 2500 in the second state can include the wear-resistant liner 2500 in a subsequent state, old state, worn state, used state, etc.

[0209] This document further describes a framework for a friction assembly. The framework can help support a wear-resistant liner to prevent or reduce the likelihood of partial breakage of the wear-resistant liner, while internal support protrusions can help support the framework. Without the internal support protrusions, the pressure applied to the wear-resistant liner may bend or otherwise change the shape of the framework. This in turn can cause cracking or other damage to the wear-resistant liner, leading to premature failure of the friction assembly.

[0210] As described above, the frameworks and / or friction assemblies disclosed herein can be made of various materials, including 3D printed metals or materials. Processes suitable for 3D printing can include, for example, laser powder bed fusion, electron beam powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition (DED), and binder jetting. Laser powder bed fusion involves depositing a layer of powder on a build plate and fusing selective portions of the powder using a ytterbium fiber laser that scans a CAD pattern. Laser powder bed fusion can include selective laser melting or sintering. At least a portion of the framework can be printed using DED, which has a very high printing speed. For example, the outer shell of the framework can be printed using DED and then directly fused to the friction assembly. Binder jetting can create parts by injecting metal powder and a polymer binder that binds the particles and layers together without using laser heating. The material of the framework can be selected at least in part based on the proposed additive manufacturing method. For example, a binder jetting material containing a binder and a metal (or ceramic or cermet) can be made into a green body (e.g., the shape before sintering). The green body may be the final shape, or it can be shaped so that the sintered shape becomes the final shape.

[0211] The various frameworks disclosed herein can be formed from at least one plastic, ceramic, and / or metal material. Plastic materials can include or represent epoxy resins, vinyl esters, polyester thermosetting polymers (such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), polypropylene, etc. Ceramic materials can include or represent silica, alumina, silicon nitride, etc. Metal materials can include or represent aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, stainless steels, nickel alloys, etc. The core can be a composite material that includes a mixture of multiple materials - for example, a mixture of plastic and ceramic, ceramic and metal (referred to as a cermet composite material), and / or plastic and metal - optionally, the framework can represent a reinforced composite material, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic. Fiber-reinforced plastics can include fibers embedded within a plastic matrix layer. The fibers can be carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers (e.g., ) Basalt fibers, naturally occurring biological fibers (such as bamboo), etc. In other embodiments, the reinforced composite material can be reinforced with materials in other shapes (such as powders or strips) other than fibers. The reinforcing material can be embedded in any of the above-mentioned plastics. The cermet composite material can be composed of any of the above-mentioned ceramics and metals. For additive printing processes, the material can be provided in particulate form (such as powder), and the printing system selectively fuses the particles together to form each layer of the solid build part.

[0212] The additive manufacturing system and / or post-printing instrument can be controlled to provide a specific surface finish to the frame disclosed herein, and this surface finish can affect the interaction between the frame and the working surface. For example, compared to a smoother surface finish, a rougher surface finish may increase friction, increase heat transfer, and / or increase material transfer through the sidewalls. Optionally, the surface finish can be varied along the frame to selectively control the friction and / or transfer state of the entire frame.

[0213] In one embodiment, a friction assembly is provided that includes a metal frame and a wear-resistant liner. The metal frame can define an array having gaps. The metal frame can have a first wear surface disposed around the gaps and can engage the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner can be connected to the metal frame within the gaps of the metal frame and define a second wear surface to engage the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner can cover the first wear surface of the metal frame such that the second wear surface of the wear-resistant liner can initially engage the working surface of the vehicle, but the first wear surface does not. The wear-resistant liner can wear over time by frictional engagement with the working surface until the second wear surface is coplanar with the first wear surface to engage the working surface of the vehicle. The first wear surface and the second wear surface are coplanar and positioned to engage the working surface of the vehicle together.

[0214] In one example, the metal frame can be coupled to a friction wedge of the vehicle, a constant contact side bearing, a bowl liner, a roller bearing adapter, a coupler bracket wear plate, a roller bearing adapter liner, or a side bearing wall. The wear-resistant liner can be made of a composite material. The metal frame can be made of cast iron, cast steel, or sintered metal.

[0215] The surface area of the first wear surface can be less than or equal to the surface area of the second wear surface. The surface area of the first wear surface can be greater than or equal to the surface area of the second wear surface.

[0216] The metal frame may include an attachment side opposite the first wear surface. At least a portion of the wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the attachment side. The metal frame may include at least three first cross members having a first common orientation and at least three second cross members having a second common orientation. The at least three second cross members may be interconnected and integral with the at least three first cross members to define an array and gaps. Each gap may be surrounded by at least two of the at least three first cross members and two of the at least three second cross members. Each of the first cross members and the second cross members may have respective facing side surfaces that may be coplanar with all of the facing side surfaces of the other first cross members and second cross members to jointly define the first wear surface.

[0217] In one embodiment, a friction component is provided that includes a metal frame and a wear-resistant liner. The metal frame may define a grid array having gaps. The metal frame may have a first friction surface disposed around the gaps and may engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the metal frame at the gaps of the metal frame and may define a second friction surface to engage the working surface. The wear-resistant liner may extend over and cover the first friction surface of the metal frame such that the second friction surface of the wear-resistant liner initially engages the working surface of the vehicle, but the first friction surface does not engage. The wear-resistant liner may wear over time by frictional engagement with the working surface of the vehicle until the second friction surface is coplanar with the first friction surface to jointly engage the working surface of the vehicle. The first friction surface and the second friction surface may be coplanar and positioned to engage the working surface of the vehicle.

[0218] In one example, the metal frame may be coupled to a friction wedge, a constant contact side bearing, a bowl liner, a roller bearing adapter, a coupler bracket wear plate, a roller bearing adapter liner, or a side bearing wall of a vehicle. The metal frame may include an attachment side opposite the first friction side. At least a portion of the wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the attachment side. The gaps of the grid array may provide a mechanical interlock between the wear-resistant liner and the metal frame.

[0219] The surface area of the first friction surface may be greater than or equal to the surface area of the second friction surface. The surface area of the first friction surface may be less than or equal to the surface area of the second friction surface. The metal frame may be formed of cast iron, cast steel, or sintered metal. The wear-resistant liner may be formed of a composite material.

[0220] In one example, the metal frame may include at least three first cross members having a first common orientation and at least three second cross members having a second common orientation. The at least three second cross members may be interconnected and integral with the at least three first cross members to define a grid array and gaps. Each gap may be surrounded by at least two of the at least three first cross members and two of the at least three second cross members.

[0221] In one embodiment, a friction assembly is provided that includes a body and a wear-resistant liner. The body may include a support frame having a gap. The support frame may have a first friction surface disposed around the gap and may engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled within the gap of the support frame and may define a second friction surface that may engage the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the support frame such that at least a portion of the wear-resistant liner is positioned between the support frame and the body. The wear-resistant liner may extend across and cover the first friction surface of the support frame such that the second friction surface of the wear-resistant liner initially engages the working surface of the vehicle while the first friction surface does not. Through frictional engagement with the working surface of the vehicle, the wear-resistant liner may wear over time until the second friction surface is within the gap and coplanar with the first friction surface to engage the working surface of the vehicle together. The wear-resistant liner may define the second friction surface that is within the gap of the support frame, and the first friction surface and the second friction surface may be coplanar and positioned to engage the working surface of the vehicle together.

[0222] In one example, the support frame may be formed of cast iron, cast steel, or sintered metal. The surface area of the first friction surface may be less than or equal to the surface area of the second friction surface. The surface area of the first friction surface may be greater than or equal to the surface area of the second friction surface. The gap in the support frame may provide a mechanical interlock between the wear-resistant liner and the support frame.

[0223] The support frame may include at least three first cross members having a first common orientation and at least three second cross members having a second common orientation. The at least three second cross members may be interconnected and integral with the at least three first cross members to define the gap. Each gap may be enclosed by at least two corresponding ones of the at least three first cross members and two of the at least three second cross members.

[0224] In one embodiment, a friction assembly is provided that includes a body, a frame, and a wear-resistant liner. The body includes a first connection side that may have a cavity with one or more protrusions. The frame may be coupled to the one or more protrusions. The frame may include a first wear surface to engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the first connection side of the body and the frame. The wear-resistant liner may have a second wear surface to engage the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the frame such that at least a portion of the wear-resistant liner is positioned between the frame and the body.

[0225] In one example, the frame may be coupled to a friction wedge, a constant contact side bearing, a bowl liner, a roller bearing adapter, a coupler yoke wear plate, a roller bearing adapter liner, or a side bearing wall of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be made of a composite material. The metal frame may be made of cast iron, cast steel, aluminum, 3D printed metal, or sintered metal.

[0226] The thickness of the wear-resistant liner can be greater than 5 millimeters. The surface area of the first wear surface can be less than or equal to the surface area of the second wear surface. The surface area of the first wear surface can be greater than or equal to the surface area of the second wear surface. The wear-resistant liner can be coupled to at least a portion of the cavity.

[0227] According to one example or aspect, a friction assembly is provided that includes a metal frame and a wear-resistant liner. The metal frame can define an array having gaps. The metal frame can have a first wear surface disposed around the gaps and can engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner can be coupled within the gaps of the metal frame and can define a second wear surface to engage the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner can cover the first wear surface of the metal frame such that the second wear surface of the wear-resistant liner can initially engage the working surface of the vehicle, but the first wear surface does not engage. Over time, the wear-resistant liner can wear by frictional engagement with the working surface until the second wear surface is coplanar with the first wear surface to engage the working surface of the vehicle together. The first wear surface and the second wear surface are coplanar and positioned to engage the working surface of the vehicle together.

[0228] According to one example or aspect, a friction component is provided that includes a metal frame and a wear-resistant liner. The metal frame can define a grid array having gaps. The metal frame can have a first friction surface disposed around the gaps and can engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner can be coupled to the metal frame at the gaps and can define a second friction surface to engage the working surface. The wear-resistant liner can extend across and cover the first friction surface of the metal frame such that the second friction surface of the wear-resistant liner can initially engage the working surface of the vehicle, but the first wear surface does not engage. Over time, the wear-resistant liner can wear by frictional engagement with the working surface of the vehicle until the second friction surface is coplanar with the first friction surface to engage the working surface of the vehicle together. The first friction surface and the second friction surface can be coplanar and positioned to engage the working surface of the vehicle together.

[0229] In one embodiment, a friction assembly is provided that includes a body and a wear-resistant liner. The body can include a cavity and a support frame, the cavity having one or more protrusions, and the support frame having gaps. The support frame can have a first friction surface disposed around the gaps to engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner can be coupled to the support frame and can define a second friction surface to engage the working surface. The wear-resistant liner can be coupled to the support frame such that at least a portion of the wear-resistant liner can be positioned between the support frame and the body.

[0230] In one example, the frame may be coupled to a friction wedge of a vehicle, a constant contact side bearing, a bowl liner, a roller bearing adapter, a coupler yoke wear plate, a roller bearing adapter liner, or a side bearing wall. The gaps of the grid array may provide a mechanical interlock between the wear-resistant liner and the metal frame.

[0231] The thickness of the wear-resistant liner may be greater than 5 millimeters. The surface area of the first friction surface may be greater than or equal to the surface area of the second friction surface. The surface area of the first friction surface may be less than or equal to the surface area of the second friction surface. The metal frame may be made of cast iron, cast steel, aluminum, 3D printing material, or sintered metal. The wear-resistant liner may be made of a composite material.

[0232] In one embodiment, a friction assembly is provided that includes a body and a wear-resistant liner. The body may include a support frame having a gap. The support frame may have a first friction surface disposed around the gap and may engage a working surface of a vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled within the gap of the support frame and may define a second friction surface that may engage the working surface of the vehicle. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to the support frame such that at least a portion of the wear-resistant liner is located between the support frame and the body.

[0233] In one example, the support frame may be formed of cast iron, cast steel, aluminum, 3D printing material, or sintered metal. The surface area of the first friction surface may be less than or equal to the surface area of the second friction surface. The surface area of the first friction surface may be greater than or equal to the surface area of the second friction surface. The thickness of the wear-resistant liner may be greater than 5 millimeters. The gap of the support frame may provide a mechanical interlock between the wear-resistant liner and the support frame. The wear-resistant liner may be coupled to at least a portion of the cavity.

[0234] Embodiments may be described in connection with a vehicle, which may be a rail vehicle system, such as a locomotive or a switching locomotive, or other types of vehicle systems, such as an automobile, a truck (with or without a trailer), a bus, a ship, an aircraft, an unmanned aerial vehicle (e.g., a drone), a mining vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, or other off-highway vehicles. The vehicle systems described herein (rail vehicle systems or other vehicle systems that do not travel on rails) may be formed by a single vehicle or multiple vehicles. For a multi-vehicle system, the vehicles may be mechanically coupled to each other (e.g., via a coupler), or may be virtually or logically coupled but not mechanically coupled. For example, when separate vehicles communicate with each other to coordinate the movement of the vehicles with respect to each other such that the vehicles travel together (e.g., as a convoy, group, formation, platoon), the vehicles may be logically coupled but not mechanically coupled. Computations and operations (e.g., navigation processes) may be performed on or outside of the vehicle system and then communicated to the vehicle system. Whether on-board or off-board, a vehicle control system may operate the vehicle system and receive and process sensor inputs, operator inputs, operating parameters, vehicle parameters, and route parameters, etc.

[0235] The terms "process", "operation", "compute", or "determine" refer to operations performed by a control circuit, which may include a computing system or an electronic device that manipulates data represented as a physical (electronic) quantity in a memory or a register. One or more components may be described as "configured to", "configurable to", "operable / operatively to", "adapted / adaptable to", or similar terms. Unless explicitly stated, these terms encompass components in both active and inactive states. Unless otherwise stated, terms such as "comprising" or "having" should be interpreted as open-ended (i.e., "including but not limited to"). Numerical claim recitations generally mean "at least" the recited amount, and disjunctive terms such as "A or B" should be interpreted as including one or both of them unless explicitly stated otherwise. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, operations in any claim may generally be performed in any order. "At least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted as any combination of A, B, and C, such as A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together. "At least one of A, B, or C" should be interpreted as including A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together.

[0236] This written description may disclose embodiments of the subject matter, including the best mode, and may also enable one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice embodiments of the subject matter, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. The scope of the subject matter for which patentability may be obtained is defined by the claims, and may include other instances that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. If such other embodiments may have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they may include equivalent structural elements that do not differ materially from the literal language of the claims, then such other embodiments may be intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A friction assembly, comprising: A main body, which includes a mating surface; A frame, which is fixed to the mating surface; And A gasket, which is fixed to the frame, wherein the gasket is composed of a material different from that of the frame.

2. The friction assembly according to claim 1, wherein, At least a part of the gasket is located between the main body and the frame.

3. The friction assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The frame is embedded in the gasket.

4. The friction assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The main body is selected from the group consisting of a friction wedge of a vehicle, a constant contact side bearing, a bowl gasket, a roller bearing adapter, a wear-resistant plate of a coupling bracket, a roller bearing adapter gasket, and a side bearing wall.

5. The friction assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The gasket is formed of a composite material.

6. The friction assembly according to claim 1, wherein The frame is formed of a metal selected from the group consisting of cast iron, cast steel, aluminum, 3D printed metal, or sintered metal.

7. The friction assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the gasket is greater than 5 mm.

8. The friction assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The frame includes a gap to provide a mechanical interlock between the frame and the gasket.

9. The friction assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The gasket is configured to be coupled to the frame within the gap of the frame.

10. The friction assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The frame defines a grid array, and the grid array includes gaps, and the gaps are configured to provide a mechanical interlock between the frame and the gasket.

11. The friction assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The frame includes a first wear surface configured to engage a working surface of a vehicle, and wherein the gasket includes a second wear surface configured to engage the working surface of the vehicle.

12. The friction assembly according to claim 11, wherein, When the gasket is in an initial state, the first wear surface is spaced apart from the working surface, and the second wear surface is positioned to engage the working surface.

13. The friction assembly according to claim 11, wherein, When the gasket is in a worn state, the first wear surface and the second wear surface are coplanar, wherein the first wear surface is configured to engage a first part of the working surface, and the second wear surface is configured to simultaneously engage a second part of the working surface.

14. The friction assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The mating surface includes a cavity, wherein the cavity includes a protrusion, and wherein the frame is coupled to the protrusion.

15. A friction assembly, comprising: A main body, which includes a support frame having a gap defined therein, the support frame including a first friction surface disposed around the gap and configured to engage a working surface of a vehicle; And A wear-resistant gasket, which is configured to be coupled to the support frame within the gap of the support frame and includes a second friction surface configured to engage the working surface of the vehicle; Wherein, one of the following is true: The wear-resistant gasket extends beyond and covers the first friction surface of the support frame, so that the second friction surface of the wear-resistant gasket initially engages the working surface of the vehicle, but the first friction surface does not engage, and the wear-resistant gasket is configured to wear over time by frictional engagement with the working surface of the vehicle until the second friction surface is located within the gap and coplanar with the first friction surface to jointly engage the working surface of the vehicle; or The wear-resistant gasket defines a second friction surface within the gap of the support frame, and the first friction surface and the second friction surface are coplanar and positioned to jointly engage the working surface of the vehicle.

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