Spring Brake Actuator Bonded Bolt Joint Without Locking Pins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake release mechanisms for spring brake actuators face durability issues due to the use of small locking pins that are prone to destruction under high operational forces, and require complex drilling and alignment processes for connection components.

Innovation Solution

A substance-to-substance bond, such as welding or gluing, is used to connect the brake release bolt and boss element, eliminating the need for locking pins and allowing for a stronger, more reliable connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If smaller locking pins are used to reduce overall dimensions, then the dimensions of the spring brake actuator are reduced, but the locking pins become prone to destruction under high operational forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall dimensions of spring brake actuatorVSAvoiddurability of locking pin
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the locking pin from the system by using a substance-to-substance bond (welding or gluing) to connect the brake release bolt and boss element directly, thereby removing the component that was failing under operational forces while maintaining the reduced dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical connection system using locking pins is replaced with a chemical/thermal bonding system (substance-to-substance bond through welding or gluing), which provides a more reliable connection that can withstand high operational forces without the dimensional constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If locking pins are used to secure the interface nut, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the manufacturing process becomes complex requiring drilling and alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strength of interface nutVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the locking pin component and the associated drilling and alignment operations from the manufacturing process, replacing them with a direct substance-to-substance bond that eliminates complex manufacturing steps while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The substance-to-substance bond creates a self-aligning connection between the brake release bolt and boss element that does not require precise drilling and alignment operations, allowing the components to bond in their natural positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enhances durability and simplifies manufacturing by ensuring a robust connection without the need for drilling and alignment, while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

A substance-to-substance bond, such as welding or gluing, is used to connect the brake release bolt and boss element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

A substance-to-substance bond, such as welding or gluing, is used to connect the brake release bolt and boss element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4650235A1Spring brake actuator for a pneumatic braking system of a vehicle, in particular utility vehicle, pneumatic braking system, vehicle and method
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 ZF CV SYST EURO BV
  • EP4650235A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4650235A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4650235A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Spring brake actuator (250) for a pneumatic braking system (210) of a vehicle (200a), in particular utility vehicle (200b), wherein the spring brake actuator (250) comprises: - a housing (50) having a circumferential portion (52) and a housing base (51) with an opening (53); a brake release bolt (111), wherein the brake release bolt (111) projects through the opening (53); and a boss element (113a) for cooperating with the brake release bolt (111); wherein the brake release bolt (111) and the boss element (113a) are bonded to each other by a substance-to-substance bond (120) at at least one bonding section (121).