Disc pad assembly without backing plate

Abstract

A disc brake assembly includes a brake pad support member including a wall forming an aperture. A pad is at least partially disposed in the aperture. The pad is constructed from a friction material defining a front friction face and a back face opposite the front face. A perimeter is arranged between the faces. An insert is embedded the pad between the faces and preferably extends to the perimeter adjacent to the wall with the insert receiving the lateral load during braking. Preferably, the insert extends to the back face with a terminal portion of the insert flush with the back face for receiving a brake actuation load. The insert includes a protrusion that locates the insert relative to the friction material during the disc pad forming process. The brake actuator is supported by the brake pad support member for exerting a brake actuation load on the back face of the brake pad, preferably on the insert. If desired, a load plate may be arranged between the brake and the actuator, or the disc brake assembly and pad may be designed such that a piston engages the pad where the brake actuation load may be exerted on the insert.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.