Modular zero backlash default to lock brake/locking apparatus

Apparatus for controlling rotation as comprising, in combination:

• a bottom housing including a disk extending radially and terminating in a cylindrical portion integrally extending axially therefrom, with the cylindrical portion including a radially outward cylindrical friction surface and a radially inward internal diameter, with circumferentially spaced slits extending radially between the friction surface and the radially inward internal diameter of the cylindrical portion and extending radially into the disk;
• an annular member including an internal friction facing with the annular member being rotatable relative to the bottom housing;
• a wedge abutting the radially inward internal diameter of the cylindrical portion and movable from a first position with the cylindrical portion radially spaced from the annular member and a second position deflecting the cylindrical portion and engaging the friction surface and the friction facing together, with the disk and the cylindrical portion formed as a single fixed component from a same material having sufficient material strength and yield to allow deflection to engage the friction surface with the friction facing to hold the annular member from rotation relative to the bottom housing when the wedge is in the second position and to return the cylindrical portion to disengage from the annular member when the wedge is in the first position;
• a top housing connected to the bottom housing, with the wedge located intermediate the top and bottom housings;
• a stationary element secured to the bottom housing;
• and a bearing having a first race sandwiched between the stationary element and the disk radially inward of the cylindrical portion and having a second race connected to the annular member.

Apparatus for controlling rotation comprising, in combination:

• a bottom housing including a disk extending radially and terminating in a cylindrical portion integrally extending axially therefrom, with the cylindrical portion including a radially outward cylindrical friction surface and a radially inward internal diameter, with circumferentially spaced slits extending radially between the friction surface and the radially inward internal diameter of the cylindrical portion and extending radially into the disk;
• an annular member including an internal friction facing with the annular member being rotatable relative to the bottom housing;
• a wedge abutting the radially inward internal diameter of the cylindrical portion and movable from a first position with the cylindrical portion radially spaced from the annular member and a second position deflecting the cylindrical portion and engaging the friction surface and the friction facing together, with the disk and the cylindrical portion formed as a single fixed component from a same material having sufficient material strength and yield to allow deflection to engage the friction surface with the friction facing to hold the annular member from rotation relative to the bottom housing when the wedge is in the second position and to return the cylindrical portion to disengage from the annular member when the wedge is in the first position;
• a top housing connected to the bottom housing, with the wedge located intermediate the top and bottom housings;
• and a rotary seal extending between the top housing and the annular member.

Apparatus for controlling rotation comprising, in combination:

• a bottom housing including a disk extending radially and terminating in a cylindrical portion integrally extending axially therefrom, with the cylindrical portion including a radially outward cylindrical friction surface and a radially inward internal diameter, with circumferentially spaced slits extending radially between the friction surface and the radially inward internal diameter of the cylindrical portion and extending radially into the disk;
• an annular member including an internal friction facing with the annular member being rotatable relative to the bottom housing;
• a wedge abutting the radially inward internal diameter of the cylindrical portion and movable from a first position with the cylindrical portion radially spaced from the annular member and a second position deflecting the cylindrical portion and engaging the friction surface and the friction facing together, with the disk and the cylindrical portion formed as a single fixed component from a same material having sufficient material strength and yield to allow deflection to engage the friction surface with the friction facing to hold the annular member from rotation relative to the bottom housing when the wedge is in the second position and to return the cylindrical portion to disengage from the annular member when the wedge is in the first position;
• a top housing connected to the bottom housing, with the wedge located intermediate the top and bottom housings;
• and an actuator movable in an axial direction relative to the bottom housing and the wedge, with the actuator having an actuation surface which is not parallel to the axial direction, wherein an end of the wedge opposite to the cylindrical portion includes an angled surface which is not parallel to the axial direction, with the angled surface interfacing with the actuation surface for radially moving the wedge with axial movement of the actuator.