Single-Piece Homogenous Bushing for Spring Brake Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bushing assemblies in vehicle air braking systems face challenges in providing a robust seal and guiding axial movement while restricting articulation of the push rod, which can lead to inefficiencies in braking performance and seal consistency.
Innovation Solution
A bushing assembly with a single-piece, non-metallic bushing member featuring circumferentially offset concave-shaped stiffening ribs and O-ring grooves, which supports axial movement and restricts articulation, ensuring a consistent seal between the pressurized and non-pressurized chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional multi-component bushing assembly is used, then assembly flexibility is improved, but seal consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (bushing body, seal, retaining clips, ribs) into a single integrated bushing member with homogenous material composition. This monolithic structure eliminates interfaces between components, ensuring consistent sealing performance while maintaining manufacturing capability through single-piece fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a homogenous material throughout the entire bushing member that provides both sealing and structural functions. This composite approach uses material properties (such as elastomeric or polymer materials) to simultaneously achieve seal consistency and structural integrity without requiring multiple material interfaces.
2Reliability
If a single-piece homogenous bushing member is used, then seal consistency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates internal rib structures (first and second ribs) within the single-piece bushing member to provide structural reinforcement and functional features. These segmented internal elements are integrated into the monolithic structure, adding necessary structural complexity only where needed while maintaining overall seal consistency through the homogenous material composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different local features (such as varying rib configurations, groove locations, and structural densities) at specific regions of the bushing member to address local functional requirements. This allows the single-piece structure to have varied local properties for sealing, support, and articulation restriction without compromising overall seal consistency.
3Reliability
If stiffening ribs are added to the bushing member, then articulation restriction is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates stiffening ribs and structural features directly into the mold or forming process during single-piece fabrication. By preliminary establishing the rib structures within the homogenous material during manufacturing, the design achieves effective articulation restriction without requiring post-manufacturing assembly or complex multi-step fabrication processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bushing assembly effectively guides the push rod for axial movement, restricts articulation, and provides a robust, flexible seal, enhancing braking performance and maintaining a consistent seal between chambers, thus improving the overall efficiency of the vehicle air braking system.
Implementation Method 1
When the pressure in the pressurized chamber portion of the parking brake housing drops, a compression spring in a non-pressurized chamber portion of the parking brake housing presses against a first diaphragm at one end of the adapter push rod
Implementation Method 2
The bushing assembly also provides a pressure seal between the pressurized chamber portion of the parking brake housing and the non-pressurized chamber of the service brake housing
Implementation Method 3
The bushing assembly supports the adapter push rod for axial movement through an adapter plate that separates and lies between the parking brake housing and the service brake housing
Data Source
AI summary
A bushing assembly is provided for a spring brake actuator of a vehicle air braking system. The bushing assembly comprises a single-piece bushing member made of a material that is homogenous throughout the bushing member. The bushing member includes a first rib structure that faces one axial direction of the bushing member and a second rib structure that faces an opposite axial direction of the bushing member.