Sheet Metal Retainer Anchor for Floating Shoe Drum Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drum brake systems with floating shoe designs are costly due to the complexity and number of parts, particularly the need for an anchor block and separate retainer, which complicates assembly and increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified retainer design that functions as both an anchor and a mechanical brake cable clamp, using a sheet metal combination retainer with cantilevered tabs and reinforced rivets, eliminates the need for an anchor block and allows the scrap steel center of the backing plate to be used, reducing material waste and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate anchor block and retainer are used in floating shoe drum brakes, then the brake shoes are securely retained and anchored, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retainer and anchor block functions into a single integrated retainer component that performs both functions. The retainer includes a body portion that anchors to the backing plate and retention ears that hold the brake shoes, eliminating the need for a separate anchor block and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure brake shoe retention
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as both the retention mechanism for brake shoes and the anchor block for mounting to the backing plate. This universal component replaces multiple separate parts, reducing device complexity while maintaining all necessary functions
2Reliability
If multiple separate components (anchor block, retainer, rivets) are used, then secure assembly is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the retainer and anchor block into a single stamped metal component, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This integration maintains assembly security through the same rivet mounting method while significantly reducing production costs through fewer parts and simplified manufacturing
3Strength
If a reinforced retainer design with rivet heads engaging lugs is used, then the retainer strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer incorporates localized reinforcement features (thicker sections, ribbed structures, and strategically placed lug elements) only where strength is needed to engage the rivet heads, while other portions remain thin and lightweight. This local quality approach provides necessary strength without requiring overall structural complexity throughout the entire component
Data Source
AI summary
A one-piece sheet metal combination retainer and anchor for use in a non-servo floating shoe drum brake assembly (10) having a pair of laterally extending ears (62, 64,94, 96) for axially retaining respective ends (22, 24) of a pair of brake shoes (12, 14), and a pair of rivet head reinforceable axially extending portions (58, 60, 82, 84) for anchoring the brake shoe ends during brake application. A base portion (50, 88) has one or more rivet (54, 56, 86, 90) or shaft (92) receiving apertures with the each of the axially extending portions abutted by a rivet head flat surface (70). The base portion has a transversely extending central region (76, 98) to provide, in conjunction with a brake assembly backing plate (52), a parking brake cable (80) retaining clamp.