Friction Puck Positioning Frame Without Back Plate Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional friction brake and clutch assemblies require costly and time-consuming methods such as bonding, riveting, and integral molding to attach friction elements to back plates, increasing production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A friction element capturing and positioning assembly that uses a positioning frame with capturing slots and frame friction surfaces to securely hold friction pucks, eliminating the need for back plates and associated assembly methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bonding, riveting, or integral molding methods are used to attach friction elements to back plates, then the friction elements are securely fixed, but the production cost, processing time, and assembly complexity significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the friction element from the traditional back plate structure and secures it directly to the positioning frame using capturing slots. This eliminates the separate back plate component and the complex joining methods (bonding, riveting, integral molding) that were previously required to attach friction elements to back plates, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the back plate and the friction element mounting structure into a single integrated positioning frame with capturing slots. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate joining operations between back plates and friction elements, reducing both processing steps and assembly complexity while maintaining the structural integrity and secure fixation of the friction elements.
2Reliability
If bonding, riveting, or integral molding methods are used to attach friction elements to back plates, then the friction elements are securely fixed, but the production time and processing steps significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the friction element directly into the capturing slots of the positioning frame, the patent eliminates multiple processing steps (bonding, riveting, or integral molding operations) that were previously required. This streamlining of the attachment process significantly reduces production time and increases assembly speed while maintaining secure fixation of the friction elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The capturing slots are pre-formed in the positioning frame during its manufacturing process, preparing the mounting structure in advance. This preliminary action allows friction elements to be quickly inserted and secured without requiring complex secondary processing steps, thereby reducing production time and improving assembly productivity.
3Reliability
If back plates are used to support friction elements, then the friction elements are properly positioned, but the overall weight and cost of the assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the friction element mounting function from the heavy back plate structure and implements it through capturing slots integrated into the positioning frame. This eliminates the need for separate heavy back plates while maintaining proper positioning and support of the friction elements, thereby reducing the overall weight of the stationary component.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, positions the friction elements accurately through capturing slots, and eliminates the need for separate back plates. This multi-functionality reduces the overall material requirements and weight while maintaining positioning accuracy and structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A friction element capturing and positioning assembly that includes a positioning frame with a base portion having a periphery and defining a plurality of frame friction surfaces defining at least one capturing slot. At least one friction puck is received by the at least one capturing slot and fixed to the positioning frame at the frame friction surfaces.