Description:MAGNETIC DEBRIS COLLECTION APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This invention generally relates to a field of vehicle safety and maintenance systems, and in particular, relates to a magnetic debris collection device integrated into low ground clearance vehicles for protecting tires from punctures by capturing metallic road debris.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
[0003] In urban environments, public transport vehicles, particularly low ground clearance buses, are frequently exposed to road surfaces contaminated with sharp metallic objects such as nails, screws, and other construction debris. These objects often originate from ongoing infrastructure development, road maintenance, and improper disposal of materials.
[0004] Due to their low ground clearance, low ground clearance buses are more vulnerable to tire punctures caused by such metallic debris. Tire punctures not only compromise passenger safety but also contribute significantly to vehicle downtime, increased maintenance costs, and disruption of fleet schedules.
[0005] Conventional solutions such as reinforced tires or rubber flaps may offer some level of protection but do not actively prevent or remove metallic debris from the path of the tire. Additionally, these methods often lack ease of maintenance, adaptability to different bus models, or long-term cost effectiveness
[0006] According to a patent application “CN206704140U” titled as “A kind of trap for automobile inhales spike devices” disclosed as the invention relates to a utility model. The utility model is related to a kind of trap for automobile and inhale spike devices, which solving existing trap for automobile suction spike devices can only be when being stopped, could be by the collected technical problem of the metal fragments such as the iron nail picked up, provided with adsorbent equipment, adsorbent equipment is provided with external rotor electric machine, roller, containing box are provided with below external rotor electric machine, external rotor electric machine, roller are connected with installing plate by transmitting band connection, external rotor electric machine, roller and containing box Roller is provided with ferromagnetism roller. The utility model extensively should be in running car field.
[0007] According to another patent application “US20220157502A1” titled as “Magnetic vehicle tire protection system” disclosed as the invention relates to an attachable tire protection system. The system attaches to a vehicle. The system has an adjustable mounting arm having a proximal and a distal end. The proximal end is attached to the vehicle steering system and the distal end is attached to a faceplate. A magnet is housed within the faceplate.
[0008] However, the disclosed inventions do not disclose about that the magnetic collector arrangement is in front of wheel hump. The disclosed inventions also do not disclose about that NdFeB material, easy accessibility during routine maintenance checking, quick inspections and serviceable of the magnetic collector. Therefore, there exists a need for a reliable, low-maintenance, and effective system that can proactively collect ferrous debris from the road before it contacts the tires, particularly in low ground clearance buses used in congested urban areas.
 
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The objective of present invention is to provide a magnetic shield system for low ground clearance buses that effectively collects ferrous road debris, such as nails and sharp metallic objects, to prevent tire punctures and enhance vehicle safety.
[0010] Further, the objective of the present invention is to extend the service life of vehicle tires by minimizing direct contact with metallic debris, thereby reducing the frequency of punctures and related maintenance requirements.
[0011] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to improve overall road safety for passengers and other road users by reducing the risk of tire blowouts and loss of vehicle control caused by sudden punctures.
[0012] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to reduce vehicle downtime and improve operational efficiency of public transport fleets by minimizing unexpected tire failures and related service interruptions.
[0013] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to offer a system that is easily accessible and serviceable, allowing for quick inspection, cleaning, or replacement without the need for specialized tools or technical expertise.
[0014] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a customizable magnetic shield assembly that can be adapted for various bus models and chassis configurations, ensuring broad compatibility and integration.
[0015] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to support environmental sustainability by reducing tire waste and the environmental impact of tire manufacturing and disposal, through improved tire preservation.

 
SUMMARY
[0017] According to an aspect, the present embodiments discloses an apparatus in a vehicle for protecting a tire from one or more debris. The apparatus comprises a magnetic case comprising a neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) permanent magnet housed within a protective enclosure. The magnetic case is oriented in such a way that only a bottom face of the magnetic case is magnetically exposed to generate a downward-directed magnetic field. The apparatus further comprises a support tube positioned beneath a chassis frame of the vehicle and is configured to support the magnetic case, and maintain alignment of the magnetic case in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a road surface. The apparatus further comprises one or more mounting brackets operationally coupled to the support tube and is configured to secure the magnetic case and the support tube to the chassis frame. The one or more mounting brackets allow both structural stability and ease of detachment. The apparatus further comprises a fastening mechanism comprising a nut-and-bolt arrangement, configured to provide detachable and serviceable mounting of the magnetic case within the support tube.
[0018] In some embodiments, all faces, except the bottom face of the magnetic case are covered with a ferromagnetic shielding material to prevent undesired magnetic dispersion.
[0019] In some embodiments, the magnetic case is positioned in front of a wheel hump of the vehicle to maximize a collection of the one or more road debris before the one or more road debris contacts the tire.
[0020] In some embodiments, the magnetic case is configured for manual cleaning by sliding a hand or using a rigid wiper across the magnetically exposed bottom face of the magnetic case.
[0021] In some embodiments, the NdFeB permanent magnet is hot-pressed to improve corrosion resistance.
[0022] In some embodiments, the magnetic case is detachable from the one or more mounting brackets without requiring specialized tools.
[0023] In some embodiments, the magnetic field strength of the magnetic case is sufficient to retain the one or more debris during operation of the vehicle on rough or uneven surfaces.
[0024] In some embodiments, the one or more debris corresponds to ferrous debris.
[0025] In some embodiments, the magnetic case is configured to be customized in one or more shapes and one or more sizes to accommodate different models of the vehicle and chassis configurations.
[0026] In some embodiments, a method is disclosed. The method comprises steps of housing a magnetic case within a protective enclosure. The magnetic case is oriented in such a way that only a bottom face of the magnetic case is magnetically exposed to generate a downward-directed magnetic field. The method further comprises steps of supporting, via a support tube, the magnetic case. The method further comprises steps of maintaining, via the support tube, alignment of the magnetic case in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a road surface. The method further comprises steps of securing, via one or more mounting brackets, the magnetic case and the support tube to the chassis frame. The one or more mounting brackets allow both structural stability and ease of detachment. The method further comprises steps of providing, via a fastening mechanism comprising a nut-and-bolt arrangement, detachable and serviceable mounting of the magnetic case within the support tube.
 
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems, methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus positioned in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of the apparatus, in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 3A and 3B illustrates a support tube assembly of a chassis frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 3C illustrates assembly of one or more mounting brackets within the classis frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 3D illustrates placement of a magnetic case, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 3E illustrates bolting of the magnetic case, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart showing a method protecting a tire of the vehicle from one or more debris, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0037] Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the preferred, systems and methods are now described. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus (100) positioned in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the apparatus (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of the apparatus (100), in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A and 3B illustrates a support tube assembly of a chassis frame (202), according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3C illustrates assembly of one or more mounting brackets (208) within the classis frame (202), according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3D illustrates placement of a magnetic case (204), according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3E illustrates bolting of the magnetic case (204), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] In some embodiments, the apparatus (100) corresponds to a smart solution configured to prevent punctures of the tire of the vehicle caused by the one or more debris. The one or more debris corresponds to ferrous debris. The one or more debris further corresponds to sharp metal objects. The one or more debris comprises at least one of nails or screws commonly found on roads, especially in urban areas. The apparatus (100) quietly attracts and collects the one or more debris from the road surface before it reaches the tire. The apparatus (100) offers a proactive way to avoid damage.
[0040] In some embodiments, the apparatus (100) is particularly useful for low ground clearance buses that operate in cities where road maintenance, construction, and traffic contribute to the accumulation of the one or more debris. By reducing the chances of flat tires, the apparatus (100) enhances road safety, lowers maintenance costs, improves vehicle uptime, and supports more reliable public transportation. Additionally, the apparatus (100) helps extend the lifespan of the tire and reduces environmental impact by minimizing the need for frequent tire replacements.
[0041] In some embodiments, the apparatus (100) comprises a magnetic case (204) comprising a neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) permanent magnet housed within a protective enclosure. The NdFeB permanent magnet is selected due to its superior magnetic properties, which allow it to generate a strong magnetic field in a compact form factor. The magnetic case (204) is oriented in such a way that only a bottom face of the magnetic case (204) is magnetically exposed to generate a downward-directed magnetic field. The magnetic field is concentrated downward, effectively attracting the one or more debris present on the road surface directly beneath the vehicle during operation. The NdFeB permanent magnet is hot-pressed to improve corrosion resistance.
[0042] In some embodiments, all faces, except the bottom face of the magnetic case (204) are covered with a ferromagnetic shielding material to prevent undesired magnetic dispersion. To ensure that the magnetic field generated by the NdFeB permanent magnet is directed only toward the road and not in unintended directions, all faces of the magnetic case (204) except for the bottom face are covered with the shielding material made of a ferromagnetic metal. The shielding acts as a magnetic barrier, confining the magnetic field and preventing its interference with nearby mechanical or electrical vehicle components. The use of the magnetic shielding also enhances the safety and effectiveness of the apparatus (100) by focusing the magnetic force downward, thereby improving the efficiency of collection of the one or more debris.
[0043] In some embodiments, the magnetic case (204) is positioned in front of a wheel hump of the vehicle to maximize a collection of the one or more road debris before the one or more road debris contacts the tire. The positioning is strategic. The positioning ensures that the magnetic field covers the portion of the road the tire is about to contact. As the vehicle moves forward, the proactive placement allows the magnetic case (204) to collect the one or more debris before the tire can roll over them. The location is chosen with due consideration of the vehicle’s approach angle and ground clearance, ensuring that the apparatus (100) does not interfere with regular road operation while maximizing interception of the one or more debris.
[0044] In some embodiments, the apparatus (100) further comprises a support tube (206) positioned beneath the chassis frame (202) of the vehicle. The support tube (206) is configured to support the magnetic case (204). The support tube (206) is further configured to maintain alignment of the magnetic case (204) in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a road surface.
[0045] In some embodiments, the apparatus (100) further comprises one or more mounting brackets (208) operationally coupled to the support tube (206) and is configured to secure the magnetic case (204) and the support tube (206) to the chassis frame (202). The one or more mounting brackets (208) allow both structural stability and ease of detachment. The one or more mounting brackets (208) are located in a way that balances the structure and prevents any movement or misalignment of the magnetic case (204) during vehicle motion, including under vibration or impact loads from road irregularities. Their configuration supports both durability and serviceability, which is important for maintenance-heavy commercial vehicles like buses.
[0046] In some embodiments, the apparatus (100) further comprises a fastening mechanism (210) comprising a nut-and-bolt arrangement, configured to provide detachable and serviceable mounting of the magnetic case (204) within the support tube (206). The magnetic case (204) is detachable from the one or more mounting brackets (208) without requiring specialized tools. The fastening mechanism (210) is user-friendly, and does not require special tools, and enables routine inspections or replacements. The detachable design ensures that the magnetic case (204) can be removed quickly during maintenance procedures, reducing downtime and making the system more practical for daily use in transit fleets.
[0047] In some embodiments, the magnetic field strength of the magnetic case (204) is sufficient to retain the one or more debris during operation of the vehicle on rough or uneven surfaces. The magnetic case (204) is configured to be customized in one or more shapes and one or more sizes to accommodate different models of the vehicle and chassis configurations. The holding strength ensures that the collected one or more debris remains securely attached to the magnetic surface until intentionally removed during maintenance. Furthermore, the magnetic case (204) can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes, making the apparatus (100) adaptable to a wide range of vehicle models and chassis layouts. The modularity ensures compatibility across different designs of the vehicle and simplifies integration into new or retrofitted platforms.
[0048] In some embodiments, the magnetic case (204) is configured for manual cleaning by sliding a hand or using a rigid wiper across the magnetically exposed bottom face of the magnetic case (204). To facilitate easy maintenance, the apparatus (100) allows for manual cleaning of the magnetically exposed bottom face of the magnetic case. The one or more debris adhered to the magnetic case (204) can be removed simply by sliding a hand across the face or using a rigid cleaning tool such as a reinforced wiper or scraper. The manual cleaning upkeep and reduce the labour and time required for routine maintenance operations.
[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart showing a method protecting a tire of the vehicle from one or more debris, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] At operation 402, a magnetic case (204) comprising a neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) permanent magnet is housed within a protective enclosure. The NdFeB permanent magnet is selected due to its superior magnetic properties, which allow it to generate a strong magnetic field in a compact form factor. The magnetic case (204) is oriented in such a way that only a bottom face of the magnetic case (204) is magnetically exposed to generate a downward-directed magnetic field. The magnetic field is concentrated downward, effectively attracting the one or more debris present on the road surface directly beneath the vehicle during operation. The NdFeB permanent magnet is hot-pressed to improve corrosion resistance.
[0051] At operation 404, the support tube (206) is configured to support the magnetic case (204). The support tube (206) is mounted beneath the chassis frame (202) of the vehicle and is engineered to bear the load of the magnetic case (204) while withstanding various stresses encountered during vehicle movement, such as vibrations, bumps, and centrifugal forces during turns. The support tube (206) ensures that the magnetic case (204) remains securely suspended under the vehicle even under dynamic conditions.
[0052] At operation 406, the support tube (206) is further configured to maintain alignment of the magnetic case (204) in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a road surface. The horizontal alignment is essential for the effectiveness of the magnetic field. A level orientation ensures that the downward-directed magnetic field uniformly covers the area beneath the vehicle where metallic debris is likely to be present. Misalignment such as tilting or angling could reduce the efficiency of attraction of the one or more debris or cause uneven wear or interference.
[0053] At operation 408, one or more mounting brackets (208) is configured to secure the magnetic case (204) and the support tube (206) to the chassis frame (202). The one or more mounting brackets (208) allow both structural stability and ease of detachment. The one or more mounting brackets (208) are located in a way that balances the structure and prevents any movement or misalignment of the magnetic case (204) during vehicle motion, including under vibration or impact loads from road irregularities. Their configuration supports both durability and serviceability, which is important for maintenance-heavy commercial vehicles like buses.
[0054] At operation 410, a fastening mechanism (210) comprising a nut-and-bolt arrangement, is configured to provide detachable and serviceable mounting of the magnetic case (204) within the support tube (206). The magnetic case (204) is detachable from the one or more mounting brackets (208) without requiring specialized tools. The fastening mechanism (210) is user-friendly, and does not require special tools, and enables routine inspections or replacements. The detachable design ensures that the magnetic case (204) can be removed quickly during maintenance procedures, reducing downtime and making the system more practical for daily use in transit fleets.
[0055] It should be noted that the apparatus (100) in the vehicle in any case could undergo numerous modifications and variants, all of which are covered by the same innovative concept; moreover, all of the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the components used, as well as the numbers, shapes, and sizes of the components can be of any kind according to the technical requirements. The scope of protection of the invention is therefore defined by the attached claims.
, C , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An apparatus (100) in a vehicle for protecting a tire from one or more debris comprising:
a magnetic case (204) comprising a neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) permanent magnet housed within a protective enclosure, wherein the magnetic case (204) is oriented in such a way that only a bottom face of the magnetic case (204) is magnetically exposed to generate a downward-directed magnetic field;
a support tube (206) positioned beneath a chassis frame (202) of the vehicle and is configured to:
support the magnetic case (204); and
maintain alignment of the magnetic case (204) in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a road surface;
one or more mounting brackets (208) operationally coupled to the support tube (206) and is configured to secure the magnetic case (204) and the support tube (206) to the chassis frame (202), wherein the one or more mounting brackets (208) allow both structural stability and ease of detachment; and
a fastening mechanism (210) comprising a nut-and-bolt arrangement, configured to provide detachable and serviceable mounting of the magnetic case (204) within the support tube (206).

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein all faces, except the bottom face of the magnetic case (204) are covered with a ferromagnetic shielding material to prevent undesired magnetic dispersion.

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnetic case (204) is positioned in front of a wheel hump of the vehicle to maximize a collection of the one or more road debris before the one or more road debris contacts the tire.

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnetic case (204) is configured for manual cleaning by sliding a hand or using a rigid wiper across the magnetically exposed bottom face of the magnetic case (204).

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the NdFeB permanent magnet is hot-pressed to improve corrosion resistance.

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnetic case (204) is detachable from the one or more mounting brackets (208) without requiring specialized tools.

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnetic field strength of the magnetic case (204) is sufficient to retain the one or more debris during operation of the vehicle on rough or uneven surfaces.

8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more debris corresponds to ferrous debris.

9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnetic case (204) is configured to be customized in one or more shapes and one or more sizes to accommodate different models of the vehicle and chassis configurations.

10. A method comprising:
housing a magnetic case (204) within a protective enclosure, wherein the magnetic case (204) is oriented in such a way that only a bottom face of the magnetic case is magnetically exposed to generate a downward-directed magnetic field;
supporting, via a support tube (206), the magnetic case;
maintaining, via the support tube (206), alignment of the magnetic case (204) in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a road surface;
securing, via one or more mounting brackets (208), the magnetic case (204) and the support tube (206) to the chassis frame (202), wherein the one or more mounting brackets (208) allow both structural stability and ease of detachment; and
providing, via a fastening mechanism (210) comprising a nut-and-bolt arrangement, detachable and serviceable mounting of the magnetic case (204) within the support tube (206).