Spring Brake Actuator Indicator Pin Guide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake release mechanisms for spring brake actuators require significant installation space and suffer from durability issues due to snap-fit connections between the indicator pin and actuator, making them costly and difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A pin actuator design with a limiting element extending substantially perpendicularly to the indicator pin, using a transverse guide opening in the release bolt to accommodate the limiting element, which reduces installation space, improves durability, and simplifies assembly by allowing controlled motion of the indicator pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a snap-fit connection is used to attach the indicator pin to the actuator, then the assembly is easier and cost is reduced, but the durability suffers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the indicator pin and actuator into a single integrated component rather than using separate parts connected by snap-fit. This merging eliminates the connection interface that caused durability issues while maintaining ease of manufacture through monolithic construction or permanent bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator pin is nested within the actuator housing with its limiting element moving through a guide opening in the release bolt. This nesting arrangement provides structural support and guidance without requiring external snap-fit connections, improving durability while keeping the assembly compact.
2Ease of manufacture
If the indicator pin and actuator are connected by snap-fit, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the indicator pin and actuator into an integrated unit, the patent eliminates wear interfaces that would require maintenance. The integrated design reduces maintenance needs while keeping manufacturing cost low through simplified part counts and assembly processes.
3Loss of information
If conventional indicator device design is used, then the release state can be indicated, but the installation space required is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator pin is nested within the release bolt structure, with its limiting element moving through a guide opening in the bolt. This nested arrangement provides clear state indication through the indicator pin's position while minimizing the space required, as the indication mechanism is integrated into the existing brake release mechanism footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator pin moves along the longitudinal axis of the release bolt, utilizing the axial dimension for indication rather than requiring lateral space. This dimensional approach allows state indication within the compact axial space of the brake release mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a brake release mechanism (24) for a spring brake actuator (2), in particular a parking or emergency spring brake actuator (2) for use in a commercial vehicle, said release mechanism (24) comprising a brake release bolt (30, 130) having a threaded portion (34, 134) and a running nut (12, 112) engaging the threaded portion (34, 134), and an indicator device (22, 122) comprising an indicator pin (26, 126) and a pin actuator (38, 138). According to the invention the pin actuator (38, 138) comprises a limiting element (40, 140) that is connected to the indicator pin (26, 126), wherein the limiting element (40, 140) extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (28, 128) of the indicator pin (26, 126) and in that a transverse guide opening (42, 142) is arranged in the release bolt (30, 130), the transverse guide opening (42, 142) being configured to movably accommodate the limiting element (40, 140) and to define a motion distance (d) of the indicator pin (26, 126) along the longitudinal axis (28, 128) along which the limiting element moves inside the transverse guide opening.