Description:MODULAR LOW ABUTMENT CLIP FOR BRAKING SYSTEM OF A
VEHICLE AND A METHOD THEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a clip for braking system. More particularly, the
5 present invention relates to a modular low abutment clip (MLAC) for braking
system, particularly, in disc brakes of a vehicle which ensures the brake pads are
properly aligned and secured, thus optimizing braking performance and reducing
noise. Advantageously, the present invention reduces the risk of premature wear
by preventing brake pad movement and vibration and provides a more consistent
10 and stable braking feel, thus reduce the clearance between the brake pad and the
rotor, thereby allowing for better heat dissipation and reduced vibration
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Braking system is a critical component of a vehicle's safety features, responsible
for slowing down or stopping the vehicle. The braking system consists of several
15 components that work together to convert kinetic energy into heat energy,
bringing the vehicle to a safe and controlled stop. Disc brakes are a type of brake
system which consists of a brake rotor, which is attached to a wheel and rotates
with it. The assembly also includes a caliper unit that slides along pins secured to
an anchor bracket. The anchor bracket is attached to a non-rotating component of
20 the vehicle, such as the axle flange or steering knuckle, which is connected to the
frame. The caliper unit features two brake pads, one on each side of the brake
rotor. These pads are adjacent to one or more pistons that can be hydraulically or
pneumatically actuated to move between a non-braking position and a braking
position. In this position, the pads engage with the opposing surfaces of the brake
25 rotor, slowing or stopping the wheel's rotation.
When an operator presses the brake pedal, the piston moves the brake pads from
their non-braking position to their braking position, where they make contact with
the brake rotor's surfaces. Conversely, when the disc brake assembly is not in use,
the brake pads are normally spaced apart from the rotor's sides. Since they are not
3
positively engaged with the rotor, the pads are free to move relative to other brake
and vehicle components during operation. However, this can cause unwanted
vibrations and rattling noises between the pads and other components. To mitigate
this issue, a brake clip is often used between the anchor bracket and the brake pad
5 to prevent movement and associated noise. The disc brake system is widely used
in modern vehicles due to its reliability, effectiveness, and ease of maintenance.
Some of the prior arts are:
US20180223928B2 discloses clip for use in a disc brake assembly and disc brake
assembly including such a clip comprising a U-shaped section having a base leg
10 with opposing first and second legs extending from the base leg. An abutment leg
extends from at least one of the first and second legs of the U-shaped section. An
extension leg extends from the abutment leg. The abutment leg is in contact with
an anchor bracket of the disc brake assembly and the extension leg is in contact
with a brake pad of the disc brake assembly when the brake clip is disposed
15 therebetween.
US20190249731A1 discloses an abutment clip for disk brakes comprising a Ushaped body; a clip channel; and a return spring, wherein the clip channel is
defined by: a clip base comprising a stop tab; a pad tensioner; and the channel side
tab; wherein, the clip base is connected to the pad tensioner and the channel side
20 tab to form a channel; the return spring is connected to the clip channel at a rotor
side edge of the clip channel and extends over the clip base; the clip channel is
configured to fit into a channel on the brake pad carrier and to receive a brake
pad; and the stop tab extends into the clip channel and is configured to press on a
brake pad backing plate when a portion of the brake pad backing plate is located
25 in the clip channel.
However, the conventional design abutment clip as discussed in the prior art often
compromises on the pad area, which can lead to decreased braking performance
and increased wear on the pads. Previously, a bigger sliding pin pitch is used
which typically results in a heavier casting, which can adversely affect the
4
vehicle's overall weight and fuel efficiency. The larger casting required for bigger
sliding pin pitches which increases production costs, impacting the overall
affordability of the brake system. The conventional design limits the ability to
optimize packaging within the brake assembly, potentially complicating
5 installation or maintenance. A smaller pad area can lead to less effective heat
dissipation, which may result in brake fade during prolonged use. Overall braking
performance is compromised, particularly in high-stress scenarios or when rapid
deceleration is required. Reduced pad area and design complexity leads to more
frequent maintenance needs, impacting vehicle uptime.
10 Accordingly, there is a need for an improved modular low abutment clip (MLAC)
for a braking system of a vehicle which reduces the stress on the brake pad,
leading to a longer lifespan, allows the brake pad to move closer to the brake
rotor, thus reducing drag and improving braking performance, allows for more
efficient packaging of components, reducing overall size and weight, reduce
15 rattling or vibration by allowing the brake pad to move freely and allows for a
larger pad area, providing improved braking performance.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present invention is to provide a Modular Low
Abutment Clip (MLAC) for a braking system of a vehicle.
20 Another object of the invention is to provide a Modular Low Abutment Clip
(MLAC) which is used for variable or different disc diameter sizes & thicknesses
and different caliper sizes.
Another object of the invention is to provide a Modular Low Abutment Clip
(MLAC) which allows for universal compatibility, making it easier to swap out or
25 upgrade components.
Another object of this invention is to provide a Modular Low Abutment Clip
(MLAC) which reduces the amount of dust that accumulates on the brake pad,
making it easier to clean and maintain.
5
Another object of this invention is to provide a Modular Low Abutment Clip
(MLAC) which provides reduced exposure corrosion, thus reduces the risk of
damage to the brake pad.
Another object of this invention is to provide a Modular Low Abutment Clip
5 (MLAC) which maintains the proper spacing between the brake pad and the disc
rotor, thus ensuring optimal braking performance and safety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary aspect of the present invention to provide a modular low abutment
clip (MLAC) (100) for a braking system of a vehicle, comprising: a pad lifting
10 tongue portion (1) configured to lift and hold a brake pad in position when the
brake is released; a retraction portion (2) configured to retract the brake pad back
when the brake is released;a loading acting zone portion (3) configured to load the
brake pad onto the holding carrier (5) during braking, and a fixing arm (4)
configured to anchor the MLAC to the holding carrier (5) of the caliper assembly,
15 hold it in position and ensure the MLAC not to shift or move during braking.
The modular low abutment clip (MLAC) (100) for a braking system of a vehicle
works on two conditions:
(i) when the brake pedal is pressed, the hydraulic pressure or mechanical force
configured to apply to the loading acting zone portion (3) and move the pad lifting
20 tongue portion (1) against the brake pad, and press the brake pad against the rotor,
which generates friction and slows the vehicle, and
(ii) when the brake pedal is released, the retraction portion (2) configured to
activate and pull the brake pad back from the rotor, the pad lifting tongue portion
(1) configured to assist in lifting the brake pad away from the rotor, thus
25 minimizing drag and wear and ensuring that the brake pad returns to its original
position, ready for the next braking event.
6
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of working of a
modular low abutment clip (MLAC) (100) for a braking system of a vehicle as
claimed in claim 1, said method comprises steps of:
a. applying hydraulic pressure or mechanical force to the loading
5 acting zone portion (3) when the brake pedal is pressed, which acts
on the pad lifting tongue portion (1) and causes the brake pad to
press against the rotor, thus generating friction that slows the
vehicle, and
b. activating the retraction portion (2) to pull the brake pad back from
10 the rotor when the brake pedal is released and assist the pad lifting
tongue portion (1) in lifting the brake pad away from the rotor, thus
minimizing drag and wear and ensuring the brake pad returns to its
original position, ready for the next braking event.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
15 Figure 1 is a view of a modular low abutment clip (MLAC) with caliper assembly
of a disc brake according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is a view of a modular low abutment clip (MLAC) for a braking system
of a vehicle according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
20 The present invention as embodied by a “modular low abutment clip (MLAC)
(100) for a braking system of a vehicle and method thereof” succinctly fulfills the
above-mentioned need[s] in the art. The present invention has objective[s] arising
because of the above-mentioned need[s], said objective[s] having been
enumerated herein above.
25 The following description is directed to modular low abutment clip (MLAC)
(100) for a braking system of a vehicle and a method thereof as much as the
objective(s) of the present invention are enumerated, it will be obvious to a person
skilled in the art that, the enumerated objective(s) are not exhaustive of the present
7
invention in its entirety and are enclosed solely for the purpose of illustration.
Further, the present invention encloses within its scope and purview, any
structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) even though, such
structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) are not mentioned
5 explicitly herein or elsewhere, in the present disclosure. The present invention
therefore encompasses also, any improvisation[s]/modification[s] applied to the
structural alternative[s]/functional alternative[s] within its scope and purview. The
present invention may be embodied in other specific form[s] without departing
from the essential attributes thereof.
10 Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but
rather are to provide an understandable description. Throughout this specification,
the use of the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and
"comprising" may imply the inclusion of an element or elements not specifically
recited.
15 The conventional abutment clip compromises on the pad area, which can lead to
decreased braking performance and increased wear on the pads. Previously, a
bigger sliding pin pitch was used which typically results in a heavier casting,
which can adversely affect the vehicle's overall weight and fuel efficiency. The
larger casting required for bigger sliding pin pitches which increased production
20 costs, impacting the overall affordability of the brake system. The conventional
design limits the ability to optimize packaging within the brake assembly,
potentially complicating installation or maintenance. A smaller pad area can lead
to less effective heat dissipation, which may result in brake fade during prolonged
use. Overall braking performance is compromised, particularly in high-stress
25 scenarios or when rapid deceleration is required. Reduced pad area and design
complexity leads to more frequent maintenance needs, impacting vehicle uptime.
In the case of the present invention, the improved modular low abutment clip
(MLAC) (100) reduces the stress on the brake pad, leading to a longer lifespan,
allows the brake pad to move closer to the caliper, thus reducing drag and
30 improving braking performance, allows for more efficient packaging of
8
components, reducing overall size and weight, reduce rattling or vibration by
allowing the brake pad to move freely, and allows for a larger pad area, providing
improved braking performance.
Referring to Figure 1, in an embodiment of the present invention, is provided a
5 modular low abutment clip (MLAC) (100) for a braking system of a vehicle,
comprising: a pad lifting tongue portion (1) configured to lift and hold a brake pad
in position when the brake is released; a retraction portion (2) configured to retract
the brake pad back when the brake is released; a loading acting zone portion (3)
configured to load the brake pad onto the holding carrier (5) during braking, and a
10 fixing arm (4) configured to anchor the MLAC to the holding carrier (5) of the
caliper assembly, hold it in position and ensure the MLAC does not shift or move
during braking.
The modular low abutment clip (MLAC) (100) for a braking system of a vehicle
works on two conditions: (i) when the brake pedal is pressed, the hydraulic
15 pressure or mechanical force configured to apply to the loading acting zone
portion (3) and also press the brake pad against the rotor, which generates friction
and slows the vehicle, and (ii) when the brake pedal is released, the retraction
portion (2) configured to activate and pull the brake pad back from the rotor, the
pad lifting tongue portion (1) configured to assist in lifting the brake pad away
20 from the rotor, thus minimizing drag and wear and ensuring that the brake pad
returns to its original position, ready for the next braking event.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the loading acting zone
portion (3) configured to distribute the load evenly across the brake pad, ensuring
proper braking performance and minimizing wear on the rotor and pad.
25 In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pad lifting tongue
portion (1) is a spring-loaded or pivoting mechanism.
Another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method of working a
modular low abutment clip (MLAC) (100) for a braking system of a vehicle, said
method comprises steps of:
9
a. applying hydraulic pressure or mechanical force to the loading
acting zone portion (3) when the brake pedal is pressed, which acts
on the pad lifting tongue portion (1) and causes the brake pad to
press against the rotor, thus generating friction that slows the
5 vehicle.
b. activating the retraction portion (2) to pull the brake pad back from
the rotor when the brake pedal is released and assist the pad lifting
tongue portion (1) in lifting the brake pad away from the rotor, thus
minimizing drag and wear and ensuring the brake pad returns to its
10 original position, ready for the next braking event.
WORKING EXAMPLE
An exemplary embodiment discloses a modular low abutment clip (MLAC) (100)
for a braking system of a vehicle comprising: a pad lifting tongue portion (1)
15 configured to lift and hold a brake pad in position when the brake is released; a
retraction portion (2) configured to retract the brake pad back when the brake is
released; a loading acting zone portion (3) configured to load the brake pad onto
the holding carrier (5) during braking, and a fixing arm (4) configured to anchor
the MLAC to the holding carrier (5) of the caliper assembly, hold it in position
20 and ensure the MLAC not to shift or move during braking.
The modular low abutment clip (MLAC) (100) for a braking system of a vehicle
works on two conditions:
(i) when the brake pedal is pressed, the hydraulic pressure or mechanical force
configured to apply to the loading acting zone portion (3) and move the pad lifting
25 tongue portion (1) against the brake pad, and press the brake pad against the rotor,
which generates friction and slows the vehicle.
(ii) when the brake pedal is released, the retraction portion (2) configured to
activate and pull the brake pad back from the rotor, the pad lifting tongue portion
(1) configured to assist in lifting the brake pad away from the rotor, thus
10
minimizing drag and wear and ensuring that the brake pad returns to its original
position, ready for the next braking event.
ADVANTAGE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates to a modular low abutment clip (MLAC) for a
5 braking system of a vehicle which ensures consistent noise and vibration levels,
providing a smoother driving experience.
The present invention relates to a modular low abutment clip (MLAC) which
provides reduced distance between the brake pad and caliper thus reduces the
rattling or vibration.
10 The present invention relates to a modular low abutment clip (MLAC) which
provides reduced clearance between the brake pad and caliper thus minimizes
drag, improving braking performance.
The present invention relates to a modular low abutment clip (MLAC) which
provides reduced exposure to moisture and corrosion thus reduces the risk of
15 damage to the brake pad.
The present invention relates to a modular low abutment clip (MLAC) which
allows for more efficient packaging of components, reducing overall size and
weight.
The present invention relates to a modular low abutment clip (MLAC) which
20 reduces the resistance felt when sliding the brake pad into position.
The present invention relates to a modular low abutment clip (MLAC) which
reduces overall size and weight, allowing for more efficient packaging.
It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the above description is for
illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. Various
25 modifications, additions, alterations, and improvements without deviating from
the spirit and the scope of the invention may be made by a person skilled in the
art.
11
LIST OF NUMERALS:
(1). Pad lifting tongue portion
(2). Retraction portion
(3). Loading acting zone portion
5 (4). Fixing arm
(5). Holding Carrier
(100). Modular low abutment clip (MLAC)
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A modular low abutment clip (MLAC) (100) for a braking system of a
vehicle, comprising:
a. a pad lifting tongue portion (1) configured to lift and hold a brake
5 pad in position when the brake is released;
b. a retraction portion (2) configured to retract the brake pad back
when the brake is released;
c. a loading acting zone portion (3) configured to load the brake pad
onto the holding carrier (5) during braking, and
10 d. a fixing arm (4) configured to anchor the MLAC to the holding
carrier (5) of the caliper assembly, hold it in position and ensure the
MLAC not to shift or move during braking,
wherein the modular low abutment clip (MLAC) (100) for a
braking system of a vehicle works on two conditions:
15 (i) when the brake pedal is pressed, the hydraulic pressure or
mechanical force configured to apply to the loading acting zone
portion (3) and move the pad lifting tongue portion (1) against the
brake pad, and press the brake pad against the rotor, which
generates friction and slows the vehicle, and
20 (ii) when the brake pedal is released, the retraction portion (2)
configured to activate and pull the brake pad back from the rotor,
the pad lifting tongue portion (1) configured to assist in lifting the
brake pad away from the rotor, thus minimizing drag and wear and
ensuring that the brake pad returns to its original position, ready for
25 the next braking event.
2. The MLAC (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein loading acting zone
portion (3) configured to distribute the load evenly across the brake pad,
ensuring proper braking performance and minimizing wear on the rotor
30 and pad.
13
3. The MLAC (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pad lifting tongue
portion (1) is a spring-loaded or pivoting mechanism.
4. A method of working of a modular low abutment clip (MLAC) (100) for a
5 braking system of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, said method comprises
steps of:
a. applying hydraulic pressure or mechanical force to the loading
acting zone portion (3) when the brake pedal is pressed, which acts
10 on the pad lifting tongue portion (1) and causes the brake pad to
press against the rotor, thus generating friction that slows the
vehicle, and
b. activating the retraction portion (2) to pull the brake pad back from
the rotor when the brake pedal is released and assist the pad lifting
15 tongue portion (1) in lifting the brake pad away from the rotor, thus
minimizing drag and wear and ensuring the brake pad returns to its
original position, ready for the next braking event.
20
Dated this 20th day of January 2025 Kalyanchand Jhabakh (IN/PA-830)
Agent for applicant
25