Rotor Drive Key Trough Assembly for Heat-Resistant Wheel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotor drive key systems in vehicle wheel brake systems face challenges with securing the rotor drive key against relative motion in radial, tangential, and axial directions, particularly due to the loosening of radially oriented bolts under heat cycling and vibration, which can lead to reduced system reliability and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
The rotor drive key system incorporates a drive key body with a trough configuration that dovetails with wheel bosses to secure against radial motion and a tab with an axial fastener to prevent axial motion, eliminating the need for radially oriented bolts and enhancing stability through conforming structures and fastener engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radially oriented bolts are used to secure the rotor drive key, then the rotor drive key can be fixed in position, but the bolts loosen under heat cycling and vibration, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional radial securing approach by using axially oriented fasteners instead. The rotor drive key is secured to the wheel through axial fasteners that engage with the wheel boss from the axial direction, rather than using radial bolts. This inversion of the securing direction eliminates the loosening problem associated with radial bolts under heat cycling and vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the fastening mechanism from radial to axial. By altering the direction in which the fastening force is applied (from radial to axial), the system achieves more reliable securing that is resistant to loosening under thermal and vibrational conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a conforming structure is used to secure the rotor drive key, then stability against relative motion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the securing function into two independent components: a conforming structure that prevents radial and tangential motion, and axial fasteners that prevent axial motion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conforming structure serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for the axial fasteners, prevents radial motion through its geometry, and prevents tangential motion through its engagement with the wheel boss. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotor drive key configured to be positioned over a wheel boss defined by a wheel. A drive key body (78) defines a trough (82) configured to receive the wheel boss (71-74). An inner surface (88) of the drive key body is configured to establish a conforming contact with an outer profile of the wheel boss and oppose relative motion of the rotor drive key in a radial direction of the wheel. The rotor drive key includes a tab (80) having a tab aperture (110) configured to receive a fastener (108) extending in an axial direction of the wheel and engaging the wheel boss.