Method and apparatus for facilitating performance of vehicle braking systems
AssigneeDonelson Brake Systems, LLC
InventorsDamian Paul Kubick, Terrence Christopher Donelson, Michael James Donelson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of assembling a vehicle braking system retrofit package includes assembling a braking mechanism having a first bias. The method also includes assembling at least one automatic hydraulic brake adjuster (AHBA) having a second bias and a third bias. The method further includes coupling the at least one AHBA in flow communication with the braking mechanism such that the second bias and the third bias cooperate with the first bias to facilitate modulating the braking mechanism to predetermined positions.
Claims20
A method of assembling a vehicle braking system retrofit package comprising:
- assembling a braking mechanism;
- assembling at least one automatic hydraulic brake adjuster (AHBA) comprising:
- forming a valve body that defines a cavity therein;
- inserting a valve in the cavity;
- and
- coupling at least one biasing device to the valve;
- coupling the at least one AHBA in flow communication with the braking mechanism;
- and
- adjusting the at least one biasing device such that the valve and the at least one biasing device cooperate to:
- channel two-way fluid flow through the valve when the valve is in an open position to facilitate dynamic modulation of the braking mechanism to induce braking action therefrom;
- and
- facilitate maintenance of a predetermined fluid pressure downstream of the valve at least partially as a result of the two-way fluid flow when the valve is in a closed position.
An automatic hydraulic brake adjuster (AHBA), wherein said AHBA is coupled in flow communication with a braking mechanism including at least one brake shoe and a brake drum circumferentially extending about the at least one brake shoe, said AHBA comprises:
- a valve;
- and
- at least one biasing device coupled to said valve, wherein said valve and said at least one biasing device cooperate to:
- channel two-way fluid flow through said valve when said valve is in an open position to facilitate dynamic modulation of the braking mechanism and braking action therefrom;
- and
- facilitate maintenance of a predetermined fluid pressure downstream of said valve at least partially as a result of the two-way fluid flow when said valve is in a closed position.
A vehicle braking system comprising:
- at least one brake shoe comprising a radially outer surface;
- a brake drum comprising a radially inner surface circumferentially extending about at least a portion of said at least one brake shoe radially outer surface;
- at least one brake actuating device coupled to said at least one brake shoe;
- and
- at least one automatic hydraulic brake adjuster (AHBA), wherein said AHBA is coupled in flow communication with said at least one brake actuating device, said at least one AHBA comprising:
- a valve;
- and
- at least one biasing device coupled to said valve, wherein said valve and said at least one biasing device cooperate to:
- channel two-way fluid flow through said valve when said valve is in an open position to facilitate dynamic modulation of a radial position of said at least one brake shoe radially outer surface with respect to said at least one brake drum radially inner surface and braking action therefrom;
- and
- facilitate maintenance of a predetermined fluid pressure downstream of said valve at least partially as a result of the two-way fluid flow when said valve is in a closed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.