Description:

Technical Field of Invention

[0001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle, more specifically the present subject matter is related to a braking system disposed in the vehicle.
5
Background
[0002] Humans use various kinds of vehicles to get from one place to another. Vehicles which travel on land usually have two or more wheels, at least one of which is driven by an engine. Additionally, most aircrafts, which are not capable of
10 vertical take off or landing, and use a runway also have three or more wheels, which are generally not driven. Any vehicle, when moving on wheels, has to be stopped once the vehicle reaches its designated stoppage point. In case of road vehicles, such as trucks, cars, and motorcycles, a braking system involving a drum brake or a disc brake is used. The choice of a disc or a drum brake on a vehicle would depend
15 on the intended use of the vehicle, the terrain, and the preference of the user of the vehicle. A truck, for example, may use a drum brake with a hydraulic actuation mechanism, where the hydraulic fluid is pressurized air. Smaller vehicles may use drum brakes with either mechanical actuation system, electronic actuation, or hydraulic actuation systems where the fluid is oil based. Disc brakes are generally
20 considered as more efficient than a drum brake. The disc may be a metallic component, as is available in most commercial vehicles, or may be made of composite non metallic components as found in high performance or racing vehicles.
[0003] A disc brake, as the term suggests, consists of a disc which rotates with the
25 wheel of the vehicle. In order to stop the vehicle from rotating so that the vehicle may be stopped, pressure is applied on the disc, which stops the wheel from rotating due to frictional forces. Brake pads are configured to apply frictional force on the disc. The brake pads are in turn actuated by hydraulic pistons. This entire

arrangement of brake pads, pistons, and hydraulic lines are usually fit into a casing, which is mounted so that pressure can be applied on the disc rotating co-axially with the wheel in the most efficient manner. These are known as calliper covers or calliper casings. Two sets of brake pads are used on either side of the flat faces of
5 the disc. The number of discs on the vehicles also affects the stopping efficiency of the vehicle. Vehicles with a more powerful power unit may have more than one disc per wheel, whereas vehicles with a less powerful power unit may not have a disc brake at all, and may prefer to use a drum brake.
[0004] In smaller road vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, the calliper casing is
10 mounted on the suspension system, on which the wheel is mounted. A wheel of a vehicle is generally mounted on the wheel hub, which is mounted on the suspension system. The disc is mounted coaxially with the wheel, so that a stopping force applied on the disc is directly transferred to the wheel. The calliper casing is generally mounted on the suspension assembly, so that it moves vertically with the
15 wheel when the vehicle is in motion. Regardless of the type of vehicle, the calliper casings are mounted using special mounting attachments. Generally, manufacturers may choose to design the suspension assembly with the mounting attachments built in for the brake calliper casings. In two wheeled vehicles, a disc brake may be provided on one or both wheels. Generally, one or more disc brake may be provided
20 on the front wheel of a two wheeled vehicle. When combined with an Antilock Braking System (ABS), this is one of the most common and safest braking systems on two wheelers.
[0005] The most common configuration is a single disc brake on the front wheel of the two wheeled vehicle. In this configuration, a disc is provided on only one side
25 of the front wheel, and hence, the callipers have to be mounted on that side. Since two wheeler vehicles have a fork type front suspension assembly, one of the forks has to be capable of mounting the calliper casing. Since conventionally it is considered easy to manufacture the bracket on the suspension, the same is done with motorcycle front forks. As a result, a left-hand side fork is different in
30 construction than a right-hand side fork. There is no commonization of the parts among the left hand and the right-hand side forks, which if not for the disc brake

system, may have been made identical to each other. This would allow for commonization of parts across various vehicles with and without disc brake systems, and make the manufacturing of the fork as well as the assembly of the vehicle easier and time saving.
5[0006] In view of the above, there is a need for a front suspension system of a two wheeled vehicle with at least one front disc brake system, where the left-hand side and the right-hand side front forks of the suspension system can be communized.

Summary of the Invention

10[0007] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described below, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0008] In an aspect, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a suspension
15 system mounted to a frame of the vehicle at a first part, and capable of rotatably mounting a wheel through an axle rod at a second part. A braking system provided at the second part of the suspension system. The braking system comprises: a braking disc, said braking disc being coaxial to the axle, and fixedly attached to the wheel; one or more callipers capable of exerting a stopping force on the braking
20 disc, the one or more callipers are mounted on the second part with a mounting bracket for the braking system. The mounting bracket has an attachment slot and a first mounting hole. The attachment slot is capable of attachably mounting to a protrusion of the second part, and the first mounting hole is capable of being coaxially mounting with the wheel using the axle rod, mounting the bracket with
25 the second part of the suspension system.
[0009] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket has a main portion. The main portion subtended by one or more extending portions, the one or more extending portions being the attachment slot, the first mounting hole, a second mounting hole, a first fastening hole, and a second fastening hole.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first mounting hole being configured to act as a spacer between the suspension system and the wheel.
[0011] In an embodiment, the first mounting hole and the first fastening hole are extending opposite to each other from the main portion in a width wise direction of
5 the mounting bracket. The first mounting hole and the first fastening hole are forming a linear orientation at a predetermined angle to the main portion, the first mounting hole and the first fastening hole proximal to the second end of the suspension system.
[0012] In an embodiment, the second fastening hole is at a predefined distance from
10 the first fastening hole along a lengthwise direction of the main portion, the second fastening hole being proximal to the first end of the suspension system, the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole are extending away from the suspension system in a vehicle lengthwise direction.
[0013] In an embodiment, the attachment slot comprises of two linear extensions
15 from the main portion of the mounting bracket towards the suspension system in a vehicle lengthwise direction, a gap between the two linear extensions being configured to match a width of the protrusion on the suspension system.
[0014] In an embodiment, the second mounting hole extending towards the second end of the suspension system along a length of the main portion of the suspension
20 system, and being proximal to the first mounting hole, the second mounting hole is configured to mount one or more sensors.
[0015] In an embodiment, the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole are capable of fixedly mounting the one or more callipers of the brake system, the braking disc rotating within a space defined by the one or more callipers.
25[0016] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket is aligned rearwards of the suspension system in a vehicle front rear direction.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of
30 which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be

illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
[0018] Figures 1 – 4 are exemplary illustrations of various parts and features of the
5 prior art as described in the background section.
[0019] Figure 5 is an exemplary illustration of a side view of the front suspension assembly of the vehicle in a vehicle front rear direction.
[0020] Figure 6 is an exemplary illustration of an isometric view of the front suspension assembly of the vehicle in a vehicle front rear direction.
10[0021] Figure 7(a) – 7(c) are exemplary illustrations of the shock absorber of the suspension system of the vehicle.
[0022] Figure 8 is an exemplary illustration of the mounting bracket for the brake system of the vehicle.
[0023] Figure 9 is an exemplary illustration of the mounting bracket with the
15 callipers attached to it.
[0024] Figure 10 is an exemplary illustration of the assembly of the front fork with the mounting bracket.

Detailed Description

20[0025] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following description thereof, set out hereunder.
[0026] Figures 1 – 4 are exemplary illustrations of various parts and features of the prior art as described in the background section. Figure 1 shows the front suspension assembly 100 of a typical two wheeled vehicle. The vehicle generally has a frame,
25 which consists of a headtube, main frame members, and rear frame members. A steering column 102 is attached with the frame through the headtube, by mounting means 101, 105. The steering column 102 further supports left and right front forks 103, 112, by a lower bracket 104. In the side view visible in figure 1, only the right hand side of the front forks 103, 112 is visible. The forks 103, 112 consist of a first

part 103 and a second part 112. Whereas the first part 103 is at the frame end, the second part 112 is at the wheel end. The front forks 103, 112 mount the front wheel 106, 107, 108 through a second part 112. The wheel 106, 107, 108 is mounted by an axle between the left hand side and the right hand side suspension, and covered
5 with a mud guard 118, attached to the second part 112 by fasteners 111. The axle is passed through an axle hole 115, which is configured in the suspension system. In a vehicle which has a disc brake system for the front wheel of the vehicle, mounting the brake system requires structural mounting means 117 added to the front suspension system, on the second part 112. Two-wheeler vehicles by their very
10 nature are smaller, low powered and low cost means of transportation, which can ensure safety of the rider with a disc brake system mounted on a single side of the wheel. However, mounting a disc brake system on a single side of the wheel requires structural mounting means 117 on only one of the two sides of the front suspension system. A further mounting bracket 113 is mounted on the structural
15 mounting means 117 to mount the brake callipers 113. According to the exemplary prior art, the callipers 113 are hydraulically actuated. The disc is fixed to the hub 108 of the wheel 106, 107, 108 with a plurality of fasteners 109. The structural mounting means 117 further provides a wheel speed sensor mounting location 116. The wheel speed sensor is vital for optimum function of an antilock braking system
20 in the vehicle, which increases the safety of the user of the vehicle when the brakes are applied. However, since the brake system in only on one side of the wheel, these attachments and mountings are only required on one side. This is further shown in figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 exemplarily shows the right hand side second part 112, while figure 3 exemplarily shows the left hand side second part 112-A, in three
25 different views of the second part 112, 112-A. The difference in the construction of the two are clearly visible. While the right hand side second part 112 has the structural mounting means 117 (marked in figure 1), comprising two fastening holes 122, 124 for the bracket 120, and the wheel speed sensor mounting location 116, the left hand side second part 112-A does not require any of these extra
30 features. Figure 4 further shows the bracket 120 and the callipers 113 assembly, which is attached to the structural mounting means 117 of the front suspension

system. The fastening holes 122 and 124 are provided to mount the bracket to the structural mounting means 117, while the fastening hole 126 is used to fasten the callipers 113 to the bracket 120. The prior art as described above, and as illustrated in the figures 1-4, give rise to the inherent technical problem that the two second
5 parts 112, 112-A are structurally different, and therefore common parts cannot be used.
[0027] Figure 5 exemplarily illustrates a side view of the front suspension assembly 200 of the vehicle in a vehicle front rear direction according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is an exemplary illustration of the
10 isometric view of the front suspension assembly of the vehicle as shown in figure
5. For brevity, the following description is with reference to both the figures 5 and
6. Similar to the prior art, the first part 203 of the forks are attached to the frame of the vehicle through the steering rod 202 in the headtube of the vehicle. The first part 203 of the forks are attached to the second part 212 to constitute the suspension
15 system of the vehicle. The wheel is attached to the suspension system through an axle rod, which is passed through the axle hole 215 on the second part 212. The brake disc 210 is attached to the wheel hub using one or more fasteners 209. However, the structural mounting means 117 has been replaced by a mounting bracket 220, which is detachably attached to the suspension system 212, 203. The
20 mounting bracket 220 as per the present exemplary embodiment provides a wheel speed sensor mounting location 216, and one or more fastening holes 224, 226 for mounting the brake callipers 213. The present system provides the advantage over the prior art that separate shock absorbers need not be manufactured for the left hand side and the right hand side front suspension systems. A further advantage is
25 that the same suspension system may be used for a vehicle without a disc brake system, in which case the mounting bracket 220 need not be attached to the second part 212. Again, in a two wheeled vehicle with a dual disc brake system in the front wheel, the mounting bracket 220 may be attached to both the left hand and right hand side second parts 212. This leads to commonization of parts, ease of assembly,
30 and overall lesser manufacturing time. These advantages of the present invention are further explained below with enabling illustrated in the following figures 7-10.

[0028] Figures 7(a), 7(b) and 7(c) are exemplary illustrations of the second part 212 of the suspension system of the vehicle. The present illustrative embodiment shows a telescopic fork suspension system, which is one of the most commonly used two wheeler suspension systems in the world. The first part 203 of the forks are
5 connected to the frame of the vehicle with a triple tree clamp, which joins the steering rod 202 with the two first parts 203 of the front forks 203, 212. At least one of the first part 203 and the second part 212 is a shock absorber, and is capable to accommodate the other moving into it, constituting the suspension system. According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second part
10 212 as shown in figures 7(a), 7(b) and 7(c), are configured to externally comprise one or more fastening holes 211 for attaching a mud guard of the front wheel, an extending protrusion 230, and the axle hole 215. The extending protrusion 230 is capable securedly attaching the bracket 220 to the second part 212. As per the exemplary embodiment, the extending protrusion 230 is faced towards the wheel.
15 This maintains the aesthetic qualities of the vehicle, wherein the extending protrusion 230 is not visible. Also, this enables the brake system to be attached on both sides of the wheel.
[0029] Figure 8 exemplary illustrates the mounting bracket 212 for the brake system of the vehicle. The mounting bracket 212 has a main portion 220-M. The
20 main portion 220-M is subtended by one or more extending portions of the mounting bracket 220. The one or more extending portions are an attachment slot 229, a first mounting hole 215, a second mounting hole 216, a first fastening hole 226, and a second fastening hole 224. The first mounting hole 215 is capable of being coaxially mounted with the wheel using the axle rod, mounting the bracket
25 220 at with the second part 212. The first mounting hole 215 is also configured to act as a spacer between the second part 212 and the wheel. The first mounting hole 226 and the first fastening hole 215 are extending opposite to each other from the main portion 220-M of the mounting bracket 220. The first mounting hole 226 and the first fastening hole 215 are forming a linear orientation at a predetermined angle
30 to the main portion 220-M. The second fastening hole 224 is at a predefined distance from the first fastening hole 226 along a lengthwise direction of the main

portion 220-M. The first fastening hole 226 and the second fastening hole 224 are extending away from the suspension system 212 in a vehicle lengthwise direction. The attachment slot 229 comprises of two linear extensions from the main portion 220-M of the mounting bracket 220 towards the second part 212 in a vehicle
5 lengthwise direction. A gap between the two linear extensions 229 is configured to match the width of the protrusion 230 on the second part 212. The second mounting hole 216 extends along the main portion 220-M, and is proximal to the first mounting hole 215. The second mounting hole 216 is configured to securedly mount a wheel speed sensor, which is a critical part of the antilock braking system
10 of the vehicle.
[0030] Figure 9 exemplarily illustrates the mounting bracket 220 with the callipers 213 attached to it. The first fastening hole 226 and the second fastening hole 224 are capable of fixedly mounting the callipers 213 of the brake system. The brake disc 210 rotating within a space defined by the callipers 213. As per the present
15 embodiment, the second fastening hole 224 is at the leading end of the rotating brake disc 210. The mounting bracket 220 is aligned rearwards of the second part 212 in a vehicle front rear direction. Thus, when the brake is applied, the attachment slot 229 is further pushed into the extending protrusion 230.
[0031] Figure 10 exemplarily illustrates the assembly of the second part 212 with
20 the mounting bracket 220. As stated above, the callipers 213 are mounted on the bracket 220 using the first fastening hole 226 and the second fastening hole 224. The first mounting hole 215 of the bracket 220 is extended widthwise from the plane of the main portion 220-M of the mounting bracket 220, which enables the first mounting hole 215 of the bracket 220 to function as a spacer when attached to
25 the second part 212 by the axle. The axle passes through the axle hole 215 on the second part, the first mounting hole 215 on the mounting bracket 220, the wheel, and the suspension system on the opposite side. As stated above, the second fastening hole 224 corresponding to the leading end of the rotating brake disc 210. When the brake is applied, the inertial motion of the disc 210 will pull the calliper
30 213 forwards, which in turn pushes the bracket 220 forwards, thus pushing the slot 229 into the protrusion 230.

[0032] Thus, the bracket enables efficient working of the brake system of the vehicle. Also, since the bracket 220 is fixedly mounted with the second part 212 of the suspension at only one location, that is through the axle rod passing through the first mounting hole 215, less number fasteners are required in the assembly of the
5 vehicle. Further, since the extending protrusion 230 is configured to face the wheel, the second part 212 can be commonized for both sides of the front forks. Also, since both sides of the forks will have the extended protrusion 230, a disc brake can be mounted on both sides of the front wheel of the vehicle, without requiring the second part 212 to be redesigned. The mounting bracket 220 can also be used on
10 the opposite side, with only widthwise reconfiguration required.
[0033] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the above-mentioned solutions to the existing problems in conventional
15 technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the system itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.

List of reference signs:

201 – mounting means for steering rod with headtube 202 – steering rod
203 – first part of front fork

5 204, 205 – triple clamp / lower bracket

209 – one or more fasteners for brake disc 210 – brake disc
211 – fastening holes for attaching mud guard 212 – second part of front fork
10 213 – brake callipers

215 – hole for axle rod /

216 – second mounting hole (for wheel speed sensor) 220 – mounting bracket
220-M – main portion of the mounting bracket

15 224 – second fastening hole of the mounting bracket

226 – first fastening hole of the mounting bracket 229 – attachment slot
230 – extending protrusion on the second part of the front fork
, Claims:We claim:

1. A vehicle comprising,
a suspension system (200) mounted to a frame of the vehicle at a first part (203), and capable of rotatably mounting a wheel through an axle rod
5 at a second part (212),

a braking system provided at the second part (212) of the suspension system (200), the braking system comprises:

a braking disc (210), said braking disc (210) being coaxial to the axle, and fixedly attached to the wheel,

10 one or more callipers (213) capable of exerting a stopping force on the braking disc (210), the one or more callipers (213) are mounted on the second part (212) with a mounting bracket (220) for the braking system,

wherein the mounting bracket (220) having an attachment slot (229) and a first mounting hole (215), the attachment slot (229) is capable of
15 attachably mounting to a protrusion (230) of the second part (212), and the first mounting hole (215) is capable of being coaxially mounting with the wheel using the axle rod, mounting the bracket (220) with the second part
(212) of the suspension system (200).

2. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (220)
20 having a main portion (220-M), the main portion (220-M) is subtended by one or more extending portions, the one or more extending portions being the attachment slot (229), the first mounting hole (215), a second mounting hole (216), a first fastening hole (226), and a second fastening hole (224).

25 3. The vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first mounting hole (215) being configured to act as a spacer between the suspension system (200) and the wheel.

4. The vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first mounting hole (215) and the first fastening hole (226) are extending opposite to each other from the main portion (220-M) in a widthwise direction of the mounting bracket (220), the first mounting hole (215) and the first fastening hole (226) are
5 forming a linear orientation at a predetermined angle to the main portion (220-M), the first mounting hole (215) and the first fastening hole (226) proximal to lower end of the suspension system (200).

5. The vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second fastening hole (224)
10 is at a predefined distance from the first fastening hole (226) along a lengthwise direction of the main portion (220-M), the second fastening hole
(224) being proximal to an upper end of the suspension system (200), the first fastening hole (226) and the second fastening hole (224) are extending away from the suspension system (200) in a vehicle lengthwise direction.
15
6. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment slot (229) comprises of two linear extensions from the main portion (220-M) of the mounting bracket (220) towards the suspension system (200) in a vehicle lengthwise direction, a gap between the two linear extensions (229) being
20 configured to match a width of the protrusion (230) on the second part (212) of the suspension system (200).

7. The vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second mounting hole (216) extending towards the lower end of the suspension system (200) along a
25 length of the main portion (220-M) of the suspension system (200), and being proximal to the first mounting hole (226), the second mounting hole
(216) is configured to mount one or more sensors.

8. The vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first fastening hole (226) and
30 the second fastening hole (224) are capable of fixedly mounting the one or

more callipers (213) of the brake system, the braking disc (210) rotating within a space defined by the one or more callipers (213).

9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (220) is
5 aligned rearwards of the suspension system (200) in a vehicle front rear direction.