Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a brake assembly of a vehicle and more particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a brake assembly configured to dampen vibration and noise while application of a break in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A brake assembly is most important component in an automobile, as a user relies on the brake assembly not only to deaccelerate a vehicle, but also to prevent any potential accident or collision by stopping the vehicle on urgent basis. The automobile industry has progressed significantly in terms of technology, which has introduced two sophisticated brake assemblies, i.e., a drum brake assembly, and a disc brake assembly. The drum brake assembly and disk brake assembly are most ubiquitous types of brake assemblies which are used in almost all kind of automobiles.
[0003] The drum brake assembly has been used for a long time because of its reliability and its cost-effectiveness. Typically, the drum brake assembly is used in vehicles with low-speed applications for example, in two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles, which run at low speeds. The drum brake assembly comprises a rotating member that is en-casted with a wheel hub of a wheel, and at least one braking member(s) provided with a frictional liner that engages with the rotating member. Either mechanical or hydraulic mechanism is used for actuating the brake for making the frictional liner of the at least one braking member(s) to come in contact with the rotating member. Upon actuation of a brake lever, the frictional liners of the at least one braking member(s) comes in contact with the rotating member, and a frictional contact between the at least one braking member and the rotating member reduces the rotational speed of the wheel. The drum brake assembly is highly preferred as they are durable because of high friction contact area between the at least one braking member(s) and the rotating member, requires less braking force, and has a better corrosion resistance, as drum brake assembly is inside of a housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The present invention is described with reference to a brake assembly for an exemplary embodiment along with the accompanying drawings. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to similar features and components.
[0005] Fig 1. exemplarily illustrates a perspective exploded view of a conventional wheel assembly of a vehicle.
[0006] Fig 2. exemplarily illustrates a perspective exploded view of the wheel assembly of the vehicle as per an embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] Fig 3. exemplarily illustrates a side view of the wheel assembly and the dampening member of the vehicle as per an embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Fig 4 (a) to Fig 4(f) exemplarily illustrates graphical representation of vibration in the wheel assembly in plurality of directions as per an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Generally, in vehicles, a brake system is used either to slow down or to stop a moving vehicle. In two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles, a drum brake assembly is used as at least one of the braking systems. The drum brake assembly is installed on either a front wheel or a rear wheel or on all the wheels of the vehicle. Conventionally, the rear wheel is installed with a drum brake assembly and the users are habituated to actuate the rear wheel brake. This makes the rear wheel brake an essential active safety feature of the vehicle.
[00010] Further typically, the drum brake assembly includes a rotating member having an inner wall that surrounds at least one braking member(s). The inner wall is an inner circumferential wall of the rotating member. When the brake is actuated, a frictional liner of the at least one braking member(s) comes in contact with the inner wall of the rotating member. Frictional forces acting between the at least one braking member(s) and the rotating member surface slows down the rotation of the wheel and eventually bring the wheel to a stop. Generally, the at least one braking member(s) are provided with the frictional material that provides balance of friction characteristics and brake noise control.
[00011] However, at times a user encounters a squeaking or squealing noise while application of the brake lever. The noise is created due to vibration between a contact portion of the rotating member and at least one braking member(s). One of the substantial reasons for the generation of vibration is due to uneven application of brake force on a brake lever by the user while the vehicle is in running condition. The uneven brake force application causes a stick and slip phenomenon between the at least one braking member(s) and the rotating member. Due to frequent intermittent braking, and application of uneven brake force by the user on the brake lever, causes the at least one braking member(s) to contract and expand very frequently. The frequent expansion and contraction of the at least one braking member(s) causes frequent intermittent contact with the rotating member, which creates vibration due to uneven friction contact between the at least one braking member(s) and the rotating member, thus eventually the vibration produces the squeaking or squealing noise while application of brakes.
[00012] Further, there are additional reasons for a wet noise generation and a dry noise generation. When the vehicle is driven in dusty or muddy terrains there are high chances of debris or dust being accumulated in the surface of the rotating member and the at least one braking member(s), which causes poor frictional contact between the rotating member and the at least one braking member(s), hence generating unpleasant noise from the brake assembly. Moreover, the sound aggravates when wet noise in the brake is generated. The wet noise is mostly generated by entry of moisture in the brake assembly which causes rusting of the rotating member which eventually produces the squeaking or squealing noise. For example, when the vehicle sits outside overnight, moisture from rain, snow or dew can enter one or more region of the rotating member, that creates a layer of rust on the rotating member.
[00013] As per known state of art, the noise from the brake assembly is dampened by increasing the stiffness by addition of more metal mass to a crankcase to which the at least one braking member(s) is mounted or a wheel of the vehicle, or the rotating member. However, increasing the stiffness causes increased weight thereby affecting handling and drivability of the vehicle; and increased prime cost of the vehicle which reduces the economic significance of the entire vehicle. Further, such a mechanism of dampening noise from the brake assembly is not feasible in the already manufactured vehicles because it is not possible to add extra metals to the brake assembly of such vehicles.
[00014] Thus, keeping in mind the above challenges it is an objective of the present invention to provide a brake assembly for a vehicle which effectively, and efficiently dampens the squeaking or squealing noise from the brake assembly, while also restricting entry of foreign particles such as moisture, or dust inside the brake assembly, thus enhancing the durability of the brake assembly, effective brake application, and user experience of driving.
[00015] It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a brake assembly for a vehicle which effectively dampens the squeaking or squealing noise from the brake assembly without addition of extra weight, thus providing increased drivability, reduced complexity of manufacturing, reduced man-hour while manufacturing, enhanced ease of serviceability, and which is economical.
[00016] It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a brake assembly for a vehicle which can be implemented in already manufactured vehicles for effective dampening the squeaking or squealing noise from the brake assembly.
[00017] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the brake assembly for the vehicle comprises a rotating member, at least one braking member(s), and a dampening member. The rotating member is configured to rotate along with a wheel of the vehicle. The at least one braking member(s) is configured to generate a braking force against the rotating member on application of a brake lever by a user of the vehicle. The dampening member is disposed on at least a portion of an outer periphery of a wheel hub of the wheel.
[00018] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the rotating member is a brake drum, and rotating member is disposed in an inner periphery of the wheel hub.
[00019] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the outer periphery of the wheel hub comprises an outer region and at least one groove , wherein the outer region being a region disposed in between a plurality of wheel spokes and the at least one groove.
[00020] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the dampening member being disposed on the outer region.
[00021] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one groove is disposed between a crankcase of the brake assembly and the wheel hub.
[00022] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one braking member is one or more brake shoes having an arc shape, the at least one braking member is configured to have a brake lining, where the at least one braking member is configured to press against the rotating member for generating braking force, where one or more brake shoes being mounted to the crankcase.
[00023] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the dampening member being configured to have elastic properties.
[00024] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the dampening member being configured to have a closed geometric profile, wherein a diameter of the dampening member being smaller than a diameter of the inner periphery of the wheel hub, wherein a difference between a diameter of an inner periphery of the wheel hub and the dampening member being in the range of 40% to 60% of the diameter of the inner periphery of the wheel hub.
[00025] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the dampening member is stretched by friction clamping around the outer periphery of the wheel hub.
[00026] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the dampening member is configured to have a thickness in the range of 2 millimetre to 5 millimetre, wherein the thickness of the dampening member is configured to cover a gap between a crankcase and a wheel hub.

[00027] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00028] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible considering the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[00029] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[00030] Fig 1. Exemplarily illustrates a perspective exploded view of a conventional wheel assembly (100) of a vehicle. The conventional wheel assembly (100) includes, a wheel (101) having a plurality of wheel spokes (114), and a brake assembly (102). The brake assembly (102) comprises a rotating member (104), at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b), a crankcase (108). In an embodiment, the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) are braking shoes and the rotating member (104) being a brake drum. In an embodiment, the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) are arc shaped and each of the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) are provided with a frictional liner (not shown). One end of the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) is mounted on a pin (not shown) that is rigidly connected to a back plate (112) of the brake assembly (102). The other end of the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) is connected to an expander (not shown) that is rotatably supported by the back plate (112) and rigidly connected to a lever (no shown) in order to secure angular movement thereof. Further, the rotating member (104) is en-casted or affixed to an inner periphery (105) of a wheel hub (110) of the wheel (101). The back plate (112) is a stationary part, while the rotating member (104) rotates along with the wheel (101). The rotating member (104) comprises a circumferential wall that is capable of enclosing the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) in a circumferential direction. The at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) are connected to each other through a one or more springs (118), that enables restoration to a normal state. In the normal state, free ends of the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) are in contact with a flat portion of the expander. The one or more springs (118) holds the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) in normal state. Actuation of brake enables rotation of the lever that will rotate the expander, that eventually pushes the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) apart from each other thereby moving the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) towards the inner circumferential surface of the rotating member (104). Further, the frictional liners provided on the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) comes in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the rotating member (104). This creates a friction between the friction liner and the rotating member (104), resulting in reducing the speed of rotation of the wheel (101). When the brake actuation lever is released, the one or more springs (118) will retract the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) to the normal state. The at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) are disposed in a vertical radial direction (VR) of the wheel hub (110). Thus, in case of vibration, the noise is maximum in the vertical radial direction (VR) of the wheel hub (104).
[00031] Fig 2. exemplarily illustrates a perspective exploded view of the wheel assembly (100) of the vehicle as per an embodiment of the present invention. The wheel hub (110) comprises the inner periphery (105), and an outer periphery (204). The outer periphery (204) of the wheel hub (110) comprises an outer region (302, shown in fig. 3) and at least one groove (206). The at least one groove (206) acts as a guiding or a flow path which enables escaping of the water droplets which enters the brake assembly (102). The outer region (302) is the region disposed in between the plurality of wheel spokes (114) and the at least one groove (206).
[00032] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the brake assembly (102) comprises a dampening member (202). The dampening member (202) is disposed on the outer region (302) of the outer periphery (204) of the wheel hub (110). The dampening member (202) being made up of a material which is stretchable such as a rubber. The dampening member (202) disposed on the outer periphery (204) of the wheel hub (110) assist in arresting the circumferential vibration generated at the inner periphery (105) of the wheel hub (110) due to uneven friction contact between the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) and the rotating member (104).
[00033] Fig 3. exemplarily illustrates a side view of the wheel assembly (101) and the dampening member (202) of the vehicle as per an embodiment of the present invention. The dampening member (202) is made of a rubber material having elastic properties, thus the dampening member (202) is stretchable around the outer periphery (204) of the wheel hub (110), to cover the outer region (302), to dampen the transmission of vibration outside the rotating member (104). The stretching of the dampening member (202) clamps the dampening member (202) by friction between the dampening member (202) and the outer region (302). Since, the dampening member (202) is circumferentially disposed around the outer region (302), the dampening member (202) effectively dampens vibration and noise in all the directions of the wheel hub (110). For example the vibration and noise in the lateral radial direction (LT) of the wheel hub (110), a vertical radial direction (VR) of the wheel hub (110), and a longitudinal radial (LD) direction of the wheel hub (110) is effectively dampened by the dampening member (202) because the dampening member (202) is disposed in a manner to cover all the direction around the wheel hub (110). The dampening member (202) could be of any geometrical shape that is capable of being stretched around the outer region (302). The dampening member (202) is configured to have a diameter (D1) smaller than a diameter (D2) of the inner periphery (105) of the wheel hub (110). As per an embodiment of the present invention, the dimeter (D1) of the dampening member (202) is around 40%-60% smaller than the diameter (D2) of the inner periphery (105) of the wheel hub (110). This provides accurate fit and finish of the dampening member (202) around the outer region (302), because if the dampening member (202) had equal or bigger diameter than the diameter (D2) of the inner periphery (105) of the wheel hub (110), the dampening member (202) would have a loose fitting around the outer region (302) which would eventually fail to meet the objective of dampening the vibration. Further, if the dampening member (202) had a smaller diameter (D1) than the specified range, the dampening member (202) will not be stretchable enough to provide proper fit and finish around the outer region (302). Further, as per an embodiment of the present invention the dampening member (202) has a thickness in the range of 2 millimetre to 5 millimetre. The thickness of the dampening member (202) plays a significant role in stretchability and strength of the dampening member (202).
[00034] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the dampening member (202) circumferentially covers a gap between the outer periphery (204) and the brake assembly (102), which advantageously prevents the entry of water, dust, or any foreign material inside the brake assembly (102). Thus, the dampening member (202) assists in enhancing the durability of the brake assembly (102) by preventing cause of rust, uneven frictional contact between the rotating member (104) and the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b). Therefore, the reasons for wet noise and dry noise from the brake assembly (102) is considerably eliminated by the dampening member (202).
[00035] Fig 4 (a) to Fig 4(f) exemplarily illustrates graphical representation of vibration in the wheel assembly (100) in plurality of directions, where the X axis denotes the frequency, and the Y axis denotes the gravitational constant value. Fig 4 (a) and Fig 4 (b) exemplarily illustrates efficiency of the dampening effects by the dampening member (202) in lateral radial direction (LT) of the wheel hub (110), as per an embodiment of the present invention. The Fig 4 (a) shows the vibration in the wheel assembly (100) where the brake assembly (102) comprises the dampening member (202), and the Fig 4 (b) shows the vibration in the wheel assembly (100) wherein the brake assembly (102) does not include the dampening member (202). The Fig 4 (c) and Fig 4 (d) exemplarily illustrates efficiency of the dampening effects by the dampening member (202) in vertical radial direction (VR) of the wheel hub (110), as per an embodiment of the present invention. The Fig 4 (c) shows that the vibration is dampened significantly by using the dampening member (202), as compared to Fig 4 (d) wherein the brake assembly (102) does not include the dampening member (202). Similarly, the Fig 4 (e) and Fig 4 (f) exemplarily illustrates the vibration is dampened to a large extent in longitudinal radial direction (LD) of the wheel hub (110), by using the dampening member (202), as compared to Fig 4 (f) wherein the brake assembly (102) does not include the dampening member (202).
[00036] Thus, advantageously the brake assembly (102) as per the present invention enable effective and efficient dampening of the vibration and noise in the wheel assembly (100), while the brakes are actuated by the user. More precisely, the dampening member (202) significantly eliminates the vibration in the vertical radial direction (VR) which produces maximum vibration and noise as the at least one braking member(s) (106a,106b) being disposed in vertical radial direction of the inner periphery (105) of the wheel hub (110). Further, the present invention prevents entry of any foreign particles, such as dust, water, or debris inside the brake assembly (102) thus enhancing the durability of the brake assembly (102). Moreover, the dampening member (202) is made such that it can be used in already manufactured vehicles as well without need to discard the entire vehicle or brake assembly (102). Thus, this helps the user economically, and reducing significant carbon footprints.
[0001] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in light of the above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

List of Reference numerals
101: Wheel
102: Brake assembly
104: Rotating member
105: Inner periphery
106a, 106b: At least one braking member(s)
108: Crankcase
110: Wheel hub
114: Wheel spokes
202: Dampening member
204: Outer periphery
302: Outer region

, Claims:I/We claim:
1. A brake assembly (102) for a vehicle, the brake assembly (102) comprising:
a rotating member (104), the rotating member (104) being configured to rotate along with a wheel (101) of the vehicle; and
at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b), the at least one braking member(s) (106a, 106b) being configured to generate a braking force against the rotating member (104) on application of a brake lever by a user of the vehicle;
wherein a dampening member (202), being disposed on at least a portion of an outer periphery (204) of a wheel hub (110) of the wheel (101).

2. The brake assembly (102) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotating member (104) being a brake drum, and the rotating member (104) being disposed in an inner periphery (105) of the wheel hub (110).
3. The brake assembly (102) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer periphery (204) of the wheel hub (110) comprises an outer region (302) and at least one groove (206), wherein the outer region (302) being a region disposed in between a plurality of wheel spokes (114) and the at least one groove (206).
4. The brake assembly (102) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein a dampening member (202) being disposed on the outer region (302).
5. The brake assembly (102) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one groove (206) being disposed between a crankcase (108) of the brake assembly (102) and the wheel hub (110).
6. The brake assembly (102) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one braking member (106a, 106b) being one or more brake shoes having an arc shape, the at least one braking member (106a, 106b) being configured to have a frictional lining, wherein the at least one braking member (106a, 106b) being configured to press against the rotating member (104) for generating braking force, wherein one or more brake shoes being mounted to the crankcase (108).
7. The brake assembly (102) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dampening member (202) being configured with elastic properties.
8. The brake assembly (102) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the dampening member (202) being configured to have a closed geometric profile, wherein a diameter (D1) of the dampening member (202) being smaller than a diameter (D2) of the inner periphery (105) of the wheel hub (110);
wherein a difference between the diameter (D2) of the inner periphery (105) of the wheel hub (110) and the dampening member (202) being in the range of 40% to 60% of the diameter of the inner periphery (105) of the wheel hub (110).
9. The brake assembly (102) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dampening member (202) being stretched around the outer periphery (204) of the wheel hub (110).
10. The brake assembly (102) for the vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dampening member (202) being configured to have a thickness in a range of 2 millimetre to 5 millimetre, wherein the thickness of the dampening member (202) being configured to cover a gap between the crankcase (108) and a wheel hub (110).