Brake actuator and method of manufacture

摘要

A method and apparatus is disclosed for securely attaching existing conventional central adaptors for air brake actuators to service brake housings, emergency brake housings, or both, that are made from a metal that is dissimilar to that of the adaptor without major modification to either the housing or the adaptor. An annular shoulder with an elongated annular flange above it is provided on the steel part, and the aluminum part is provided with a small outwardly extending annular lip. A flexible diaphragm is first placed directly on the shoulder of the selected steel part. The aluminum part is then placed on top of the diaphragm such that the annular lip of the aluminum part fits inside the annular flange of the steel part. A slightly deformable annular steel piece is placed around the aluminum part so that it comes to rest against the annular aluminum lip while also touching the annular steel flange of the steel part. One or more breaks may be provided in the annular steel piece in order to allow it to be opened sufficiently to fit around the aluminum part. A weld is then applied to connect the annular steel piece(s) to the annular flange, thereby holding the aluminum or steel adaptor and diaphragm securely in place.