Rotor device and method of making same
OwnerEdward W. Kitchellinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A rotor and a method of making same are provided. The rotor can include a substantially annular segment having a thickness defined between a first side surface and a second side surface, as well as an inner end edge surface and an outer end edge surface. At least one expansion groove can be formed in the substantially annular segment, and can include a substantially straight portion and a substantially curved portion. The substantially curved portion of the at least one expansion groove can form an arc of at least about 90 degrees. The rotor can also include at least one flange extending from an inner end edge surface of the substantially annular segment at an angle not parallel to a radial of the substantially annular segment.
Claims38
A brake or clutch rotor, comprising:
- a substantially annular segment having a thickness defined between a first side surface and a second side surface, the substantially annular segment including an inner end edge surface and an outer end edge surface;
- and
- at least one expansion groove formed in the substantially annular segment and extending from the outer end edge surface, the at least one expansion groove having a question-mark shape including a substantially straight portion and a substantially curved portion;
- wherein the substantially curved portion of the at least one expansion groove forms an arc of at least about 90 degrees;
- wherein the substantially straight portion and the substantially curved portion of the expansion groove are configured to close as the brake or clutch rotor heats up during braking;
- and
- wherein the at least one expansion groove extends at least partially through the thickness of the substantially annular segment.
A brake or clutch rotor, comprising:
- a substantially annular segment having a thickness defined between a first side surface and a second side surface, the substantially annular segment including an inner end edge surface and an outer end edge surface;
- wherein the substantially annular segment includes at least one expansion groove having a question-mark shape including a substantially straight portion and a substantially curved portion extending through the thickness of the substantially annular segment;
- and
- wherein a width of a channel defined by the at least one question-mark-shaped expansion groove is substantially constant throughout a length of the substantially straight portion and the substantially curved portion of the at least one question-mark-shaped expansion groove.
A brake or clutch rotor, comprising:
- a substantially annular segment having a thickness defined between a first side surface and a second side surface, the substantially annular segment including an inner end edge surface and an outer end edge surface;
- wherein the substantially annular segment includes at least one question-mark-shaped expansion groove extending at least partially through the thickness of the substantially annular segment;
- and
- wherein the at least one question-mark-shaped expansion groove is configured to close as the brake or clutch rotor heats up during braking.
A method of making a brake or clutch rotor, comprising:
- providing a substantially annular segment having a thickness defined between a first side surface and a second side surface, the substantially annular segment including an inner end edge surface and an outer end edge surface;
- and
- forming at least one expansion groove having a question-mark shape in the substantially annular segment and extending from the outer end edge surface, the at least one expansion groove including a substantially straight portion and a substantially curved portion and each portion being configured to close as the brake or clutch rotor heats up during braking, the substantially curved portion forming an arc of at least about 90 degrees.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.