Frangible Retainer for Parking Brake Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of parking brake actuators in vehicles is challenging due to the free movement and rotation of mounting brackets, which can lead to damage and increased assembly time, and existing solutions like using glue are messy and difficult to remove.
Innovation Solution
A retainer with a frangible connection is used to temporarily hold the mounting bracket and input lever in place during installation, allowing them to break when a threshold force is applied, enabling smooth pivotal movement for brake application and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mounting bracket is made free to move during handling, then ease of installation is improved, but the bracket can easily fall off and be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is pre-installed on the pivot member before the mounting bracket is attached, creating a preliminary mechanical constraint that prevents the bracket from falling off during handling and installation. This preliminary action ensures the bracket remains secure throughout the installation process while still allowing necessary movements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If materials like glue are used to hold the mounting bracket, then movement is limited, but the process becomes messy and difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer acts as an intermediary mechanical component between the pivot member and mounting bracket, providing a clean, removable alternative to adhesives. It temporarily holds the bracket in position during installation through mechanical engagement, then can be easily removed without leaving residue or requiring complex removal procedures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the retainer prevents movement during assembly, then damage risk is reduced, but the brake actuator cannot function until installed
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to be rigid during installation (preventing damage) but become non-restrictive after installation. Once the mounting bracket is securely attached to the vehicle, the retainer no longer constrains the pivot member, allowing full operational movement for brake application and release functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a retainer for assisting in installation of a parking brake actuator for use in a vehicle by limiting relative movement of an input lever and a mounting bracket. The retainer has a first part and a second part connected via frangible connection(s). The first part of the retainer is fixed relative to a mounting bracket and the second part is fixed relative to the input lever (via a pivot member). After installation, the lever is moved from its first, installation position to a second, in-use position. The application of force and movement of the lever rotates the pivot member, which rotates the second part of the retainer relative to the first part thereby breaking the frangible connection(s). The input lever of the brake actuator is then ready for use to apply or release brakes of the vehicle.