FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; rule 13]
TITLE: “A COOLING SYSTEM FOR A RETARDER BRAKE OF A VEHICLE”
Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED of 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India.
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Present disclosure relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a retarder brake of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a cooling system for the retarder brake of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002] Generally, vehicles are equipped with braking system (also referred as “main brake” interchangeably) comprising at least one disc brake or at least one drum brake or the combination thereof. The braking system is associated with wheels of the vehicle and upon actuation of a brake lever the braking system is configured to safely decelerate the vehicle to the required speed or to stop the vehicle. However, upon prolonged usage of the main brake for continuous periods, and/or due to application of main brake while descending a gradient or under hard braking, the disc/drum brake may wear extensively. Hence, the disc/drum brakes require frequent servicing and replacement, to retain its performance and to effectively stop the vehicle, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle.
[003] With advent of technology, and to address such extensive wear of the main brakes, some efforts have been made to reduce wear of the main brake. One such modification is to provide an auxiliary brake namely a retarder brake mounted to a propeller shaft of the vehicle. The retarder brake may comprises at least one retarder disc and at least one brake calipers rubbing against the corresponding retarder disc. Retarder brake is configured to help vehicles slow down or keep a steady pace when descending a slope, as well as to aid avoid inadvertent or uncontrollably accelerating when driving on the slope or in an uneven road surface. Also, these retarder brake enhances the service life of the main brake.
[004] During the operation of the retarder brake, friction of the caliper against the retarder disc generates heat and thereby increasing temperature within the retarder brake. The elevated temperature combined with the high rotational speed of the propeller shaft quickly wears away the retarder brake, causing poor braking due to wear of the retarder disc and brake caliper. To overcome such problem, the retarder brake is provided with a cooling system. Such cooling system generally includes an auxiliary air intake system comprising a plurality of conduits to circulate the air to the retarder brake. Further, such cooling system may include an auxiliary compressor to compress the air received from the auxiliary air intake system and supply compressed air to the retarder brake. However, such cooling system increases the manufacturing cost of the vehicle and due to increase in number of components (the auxiliary

air intake system and the auxiliary compressor), servicing cost also increases. Moreover, such cooling system increases the weight of the vehicle, which in turn increases the fuel consumption of the vehicle.
[005] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the aspect of the cooling system for the retarder brake of the vehicle.
[006] The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purpose and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[007] One or more shortcomings of the conventional cooling system are overcome by a cooling system for a retarder brake of a vehicle, as described. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[008] In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure a cooling system for a retarder brake of a vehicle is disclosed. The retarder brake is mounted on a propeller shaft of the vehicle. The retarder brake comprises a housing, at least one brake caliper coupled to the housing, and at least one disc concentrically fixed on the propeller shaft. The cooling system comprises a first conduit adapted to supply a compressed air from a turbocharger to an engine of the vehicle. Further, the cooling system comprises at least one second conduit connected between the first conduit and the housing. The at least one second conduit comprises a valve. Furthermore, the cooling system comprises at least one sensor disposed within the housing. In addition, the cooling system comprises a control unit, communicatively connected to the at least one sensor and the valve. The control unit is configured to receive the temperature data of the retarder brake from the at least one sensor, and compare the temperature of the retarder brake with the first predetermined threshold temperature. Moreover, the control unit is configured to operate the valve to an open condition, to allow flow of the compressed air from the first conduit to the

retarder brake through the at least one second conduit, when the temperature of the retarder brake is higher than the first predetermined threshold temperature.
[009] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to stop the operation of the retarder brake when the temperature of the retarder brake is higher than the first predetermined threshold temperature.
[0010] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to operate the valve to a closed condition, when the temperature of the retarder brake is lower than a second predetermined threshold temperature.
[0011] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to resume the operation of the retarder brake when the temperature of the retarder brake is less than the second predetermined threshold temperature.
[0012] In an embodiment, the first predetermined threshold temperature ranges between 300℃ and 700℃.
[0013] In an embodiment, the second predetermined threshold temperature ranges between 100℃ and 290℃.
[0014] In an embodiment, the valve is a solenoid valve.
[0015] In an embodiment, the cooling system comprises a second actuator disposed proximal to a driver of the vehicle, wherein upon actuation of the second actuator, the control unit is configured to stop the operation of the retarder brake and operate the valve to the open condition.
[0016] In an embodiment, upon actuation of the second actuator, the control unit is configured to operate the valve to the open condition until the temperature of the retarder brake drops lower than the second predetermined threshold temperature.
[0017] In an embodiment, upon actuation of the second actuator, the control unit is configured to operate the valve to the open condition for a predefined time.
[0018] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0019] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of fluid connection between a turbocharger and a retarder brake of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of a cooling system for the retarder brake of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] Figures 3 illustrates a flow chart of the cooling system for the retarder brake of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the cooling system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by the way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0025] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the cooling system of the retarder brake, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the cooling system of the retarder brake of the present disclosure may be employed in any kind of vehicles including commercial vehicles, passenger

vehicles, electric vehicles (EV), hybrid vehicles, off/road/highway vehicles, mining machinery, earth moving machinery, and among others.
[0026] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, and method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system/assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system.
[0027] In the present disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0028] Unless the context of the disclosure describes or indicates a different interpretation, any reference to an object in the specification that is preceded by a definite or indefinite article, such as 'the', 'a', or 'an', should be understood to encompass both the singular and the plural forms of the object. Accordingly, “a” means “at least one/one or more”. The phrase “a/an X” may be construed as “at least one/one or more X”.
[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a cooling system for a retarder brake of a vehicle. The retarder brake is mounted on a propeller shaft of the vehicle. The retarder brake comprises a housing, at least one brake caliper coupled to the housing, and at least one disc concentrically fixed on the propeller shaft. The cooling system comprises a first conduit adapted to supply a compressed air from a turbocharger to an engine of the vehicle. Further, the cooling system comprises at least one second conduit connected between the first conduit and the housing. The at least one second conduit comprises a valve. Furthermore, the cooling system comprises at least one sensor disposed within the housing. In addition, the cooling system comprises a control unit, communicatively connected to the at least one sensor and the valve. The control unit is configured to receive the temperature data of the retarder brake from the at least one sensor, and compare the temperature of the retarder brake with the first predetermined threshold temperature. Moreover, the control unit is configured to operate the valve to an open condition, to allow flow of the compressed air from the first conduit to the

retarder brake through the at least one second conduit, when the temperature of the retarder brake is higher than the first predetermined threshold temperature.
[0030] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 3. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. With general reference to the drawings, the retarder brake is illustrated and generally identified with reference numeral (20). Further, the cooling system is operatively associated with the retarder brake of the vehicle [not shown] is identified with reference numeral (100). It will be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular vehicle and may be employed in a myriad of category of vehicles including, but not limited to, commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, electric vehicles (EV), hybrid vehicles, and among others.
[0031] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the fluid connection between a turbocharger (10) and the retarder brake (20) of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The turbocharger (10) comprises an inlet (13) and an outlet (11). The inlet (13) of the turbocharger (10) receives air from the surroundings/atmosphere (5). The air is compressed and supplied to an engine (12) through a first conduit (18), for increasing the engine performance. The compressed air is utilized by the engine (12) to combust with fuel and to generate energy. Once the fuel and compressed air are combusted, gases are generated. The generated gases (also referred as “exhaust gases” interchangeably) are redirected to the atmosphere (5) through the outlet (11) of the turbocharger (10). The outlet (11) of the turbocharger (10) receives the exhaust gases from the engine (12) through a third conduit (14). The energy generated from the engine (12) is transmitted to wheels (19) of the vehicle through a transmission (17) and a propeller shaft (16).
[0032] The retarder brake (20) is mounted on the propeller shaft (16). At least one second conduit (15) is provided between the first conduit (18) and the retarder brake (20) to divert at least a portion of the compressed air from the first conduit (18) to the retarder brake (20). Such process of diverting a portion of the compressed air from the first conduit (18) to the retarder brake (20) is termed as “tapping” and the diverted compressed air is called “tapped air”. In other words, the compressed air is tapped from the first conduit (18) and supplied to the retarder brake (20) through the at least one second conduit (15). The compressed air upon entering the retarder brake (20) is then drained to the atmosphere (5). Such draining may be by means of natural convection or forced convection.

[0033] As illustrates in Figure 2, the retarder brake (20) comprises a housing (22), at least one brake caliper (24) coupled to the housing, and at least one disc (26) concentrically fixed on the propeller shaft (16). The retarder brake (20) further comprises a first actuator (28) disposed proximal to a driver of the vehicle. Upon actuation of the first actuator (28) by the driver, the at least one brake caliper (24) rubs against the at least one disc (26), so as to reduce the rotational speed of the propeller shaft (16). Rubbing of the at least one brake caliper (24) against the at least one disc (26) generates heat and thereby increasing temperature of the retarder brake (20). Therefore, the cooling system (100) is provided to the retarder brake (20) to reduce the temperature of the retarder brake (20).
[0034] The cooling system (100) as illustrated by means of block diagram in Figure 2 comprises the first conduit (18) adapted to supply the compressed air from the turbocharger (10) to the engine (12) of the vehicle. Further, the cooling system (100) comprises the at least one second conduit (15) connected between the first conduit (18) and the housing (22). The at least one second conduit (15) comprises a valve (30). Furthermore, the cooling system (100) comprises at least one sensor (40) disposed within the housing (22). In addition, the cooling system (100) comprises a control unit (50), communicatively connected to the at least one sensor (40) and the valve (30). The control unit (50) is configured to receive the temperature data of the retarder brake (20) from the at least one sensor (40), and compare the temperature of the retarder brake (20) with the first predetermined threshold temperature.
[0035] Moreover, as illustrated in Figure 2 and 3, the control unit (50) is configured to operate the valve (30) to an open condition, to allow flow of the compressed air from the first conduit (18) to the retarder brake (20) through the at least one second conduit (15), when the temperature of the retarder brake (20) is higher than the first predetermined threshold temperature. In an alternative embodiment, the valve (30) is maintained in the open condition, by the control unit, for a predefined time. The first predetermined threshold temperature ranges between 300℃ and 700℃. The control unit (50) is configured to stop the operation of the retarder brake (20) when the temperature of the retarder brake (20) is higher than the first predetermined threshold temperature. Further, the control unit (50) is configured to operate the valve (30) to a closed condition, when the temperature of the retarder brake (20) is lower than a second predetermined threshold temperature. The second predetermined threshold temperature ranges between 100℃ and 290℃. In addition, the control unit (50) is configured to resume the operation of the retarder brake (20) when the temperature of the retarder brake (20) is less than the second predetermined threshold temperature.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, the cooling system may be actuated manually by an operator. The cooling system (100) may comprise a second actuator (60) disposed proximal to the driver or the operator of the vehicle, and communicatively coupled to the control unit (50). The driver of the vehicle may actuate the second actuator (60) whenever the driver feels it is necessary to cool down the retarder brake (20). Upon actuation of the second actuator (60), the control unit (50) is configured to stop the operation of the retarder brake (20) and operate the valve (30) to the open condition. Furthermore, upon actuation of the second actuator (60), the control unit (50) is configured to operate the valve (30) to the open condition for a predefined time or until the driver retracts such actuation so as to stop cooling the retarder brake (20). In an alternative embodiment, the cooling system may include a display unit (not shown). The control unit (50) may receive temperature data from the retarder brake (20) by the at least one sensor (40) and provide input to the display unit to display the temperature of the retarder brake (20). Based on the displayed temperature data, the driver may decide to actuate the second actuator (60) and to retract such actuation of the second actuator (60). The second actuator (60) may be a switch, a knob, a pedal, a lever, and among others.
[0037] An exemplary embodiment of the cooling system (100) is illustrated in Figure 3. The first predetermined threshold temperature is 350℃ and the second predetermined threshold temperature is 200℃. Further, the valve (30) is a solenoid valve. The control unit (50) is configured to continuously receive the temperature data of the retarder brake (20) from the at least one sensor (40). The control unit (50) is further configured to compare the temperature of the retarder brake (20) with the first predetermined threshold temperature, i.e., 350℃. When the retarder brake (20) is applied through the first actuator (28), temperature of the retarder brake (20) starts increasing. Once the temperature of the retarder brake (20) reaches or increases beyond 350℃, the control unit (50) is configured to stop the operation of the retarder brake (20) and operates the valve (30) to the open condition, to allow flow of the compressed air from the first conduit (18) to the retarder brake (20) through the at least one second conduit (15). That is, the compressed air cools both the at least one brake caliper (24) and the at least one disc (26) of the retarder brake (20). Further, when the retarder brake (20) cools down due to supply of the compressed air and the temperature of the retarder brake (20) falls below 200℃, the control unit (50) is configured to operate the valve (30) to the closed condition and allow operation of the retarder brake (20).
[0038] The cooling system (100) for the retarder brake (20) of the present disclosure mitigates the requirement of the auxiliary air intake system and the auxiliary compressor to cool the

retarder brake (20) of the vehicle. Due to this, the cooling system (100) of the present disclosure is simple with no moving or rotary parts. Consequently, the manufacturing cost and servicing cost of the vehicle is reduced. Moreover, the cooling system (100) does not significantly contribute to the weight of the vehicle, which in turn does not affect the fuel consumption of the vehicle. Moreover, the cooling system (100) of the present disclosure reduces wear of the retarder brake (20), thereby enhancing brake force and service life of the retarder brake (20).
[0039] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a cooling system (100) of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.
EQUIVALENTS
[0040] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[0041] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[0042] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[0043] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain

usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a cooling system (100)) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to the system that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a cooling system (100) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to system that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERICALS

Numerical Particulars
5 Atmosphere
10 Turbocharger
11 Exhaust of the turbocharger
12 Engine
13 Inlet of the turbocharger
14 Third conduit
15 At least one second conduit
16 Propeller shaft
17 Wheels
18 First conduit
20 Retarder brake
22 Housing
24 At least one brake caliper
26 At least one disc
28 First actuator
30 Valve
40 At least one sensor
50 Control unit
60 Second actuator
100 Cooling system

We claim:
1. A cooling system (100) for a retarder brake (20) of a vehicle, comprising:
the retarder brake (20) mounted on a propeller shaft (16) of the vehicle, the retarder brake (20) comprises:
a housing (22);
at least one brake caliper (24) coupled to the housing; and
at least one disc (26) concentrically fixed on the propeller shaft (16); a first conduit (18) adapted to supply a compressed air from a turbocharger (10) to an engine (12) of the vehicle;
at least one second conduit (15) connected between the first conduit (18) and the housing (22), wherein the at least one second conduit (15) comprises a valve (30); at least one sensor (40) disposed within the housing (22); and
a control unit (50), communicatively connected to the at least one sensor (40) and the valve (30), the control unit (50) is configured to:
receive the temperature data of the retarder brake (20) from the at least one sensor (40);
compare the temperature of the retarder brake (20) with the first predetermined threshold temperature; and
operate the valve (30) to an open condition, to allow flow of the compressed air from the first conduit (18) to the retarder brake (20) through the at least one second conduit (15), when the temperature of the retarder brake (20) is higher than the first predetermined threshold temperature.
2. The cooling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (50) is configured to stop the operation of the retarder brake (20) when the temperature of the retarder brake (20) is higher than the first predetermined threshold temperature.
3. The cooling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (50) is configured to operate the valve (30) to a closed condition, when the temperature of the retarder brake (20) is lower than a second predetermined threshold temperature.
4. The cooling system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (50) is configured to resume the operation of the retarder brake (20) when the temperature of the retarder brake (20) is less than the second predetermined threshold temperature.

5. The cooling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first predetermined threshold temperature ranges between 300℃ and 700℃.
6. The cooling system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second predetermined threshold temperature ranges between 100℃ and 290℃.
7. The cooling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve (30) is a solenoid valve.
8. The cooling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a second actuator (60) disposed proximal to a driver of the vehicle, wherein upon actuation of the second actuator (60), the control unit (50) is configured to stop the operation of the retarder brake (20) and operate the valve (30) to the open condition.
9. The cooling system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein upon actuation of the second actuator (60), the control unit (50) is configured to operate the valve (30) to the open condition until the temperature of the retarder brake (20) drops lower than the second predetermined threshold temperature.
10. The cooling system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the upon actuation of the second
actuator (60), the control unit is configured to operate the valve (30) to the open condition for
a predefined time.