FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and Rule 13] TITLE: “A WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE AND A VEHCILE THEREOF”
NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE APPLICANT:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay house, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.
NATIONALITY: Indian.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to a wheel hub assembly. Further, embodiments of the disclosure discloses the wheel hub assembly for a vehicle that allows easy access and replacement of a brake disc.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
In general, vehicles such as cars, passenger vehicles, and light and heavy-duty trucks include a wheel hub assembly. The wheel hub assembly is connectable to a steering system and is configured to support wheels of the vehicle to allow the wheels to turn during steering of the vehicle. The wheel hub assembly comprises a hub that is rotatably mounted on stub axle via at least one bearing. The wheel hub assembly further comprises a disc brake assembly integrally mounted inboard of the hub. The brake disc assembly includes at least one disc secured within a calliper such that, the at least one disc is disposed between brake pads provided within the calliper to exert a braking force.
Conventionally, to access and replace a worn brake disc mounted inboard of the hub, removal of the hub, bearing is required. As the bearing and the hub are press fitted to the stub axle at precision, it is challenging to precisely put back the removed hub and bearing. Moreover, an alignment of a replaced disc brake may be altered. This misalignment of the disc brake may result in catastrophic damage to the brake disc assembly and effect operation of the wheel hub assembly. Therefore, serviceability of the conventional wheel hub assembly is time consuming, labour intensive, disassembly and re-assembly procedure is further complicated due to high precision requirement.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more above limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of system of the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a wheel hub assembly of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a stub axle and a hub rotatably mounted to the stub axle. The hub is defined with a radial flange and the radial flange is defined with a plurality of first mounting provisions. Further, a brake disc is removably coupled to the hub. The brake disc is defined with a wheel mounting flange integrally formed and extending away from the brake disc for mounting a wheel around the brake disc. The wheel mounting flange includes a plurality of apertures coaxial with the plurality of first mounting provisions.
In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a bearing interposed between the hub and the stub axle.
In an embodiment, the brake disc includes a barrel portion to mount over the hub. The barrel portion is defined with a plurality of second mounting provisions to engage with the first mounting provisions of the hub.
In an embodiment, the assembly comprises at least one brake calliper mounted to a portion of the stub axle. The at least one brake calliper comprises at least one brake pad to exert a braking force on the brake disc.
In an embodiment, the wheel mounting flange comprises a plurality of bores.
In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a plurality of studs press fitted to the plurality of bores to mount the wheel over the brake disc.
In an embodiment, the brake disc is removably coupled to the hub by a plurality of fasteners receivable within the plurality of first and second mounting provisions.
The present disclosure further comprises a vehicle comprising a steering control arm and a tie rod coupled to the steering arm. Further, at least one lower control arm is configured to receive a wheel hub assembly of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a stub axle and a hub rotatably mounted to the stub axle. The hub is defined with a radial flange and the radial flange is defined with a plurality of first mounting provisions. Further, a brake disc is removably coupled to the hub. The brake disc is defined with a wheel mounting flange integrally formed and extending away from the brake disc for mounting a wheel around the brake disc. The wheel mounting flange includes a plurality of apertures coaxial with the plurality of first mounting provisions.

In an embodiment, the steering control arm and the tie rod is connectable to a portion of the wheel assembly for steering control.
In an embodiment, a king pin coupled to the lower control arm and configured to receive the wheel hub assembly.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a sectional view of a wheel hub assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a perceptive view of a hub of the wheel hub assembly of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a brake disc connected to the hub of the wheel hub assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4 illustrates a perceptive view of a wheel mounted on the wheel hub assembly of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the wheel hub assembly connected to a portion of vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other mechanism for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
In the present disclosure, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a setup, device, or process that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or process. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
Generally, vehicles includes a wheel hub assembly to securely support wheels. The wheel hub assembly comprises a hub that is rotatably mounted on stub axle via at least one bearing. The wheel hub assembly further comprises a disc brake assembly integrally mounted inboard of the hub. Typically, to access and replace a worn brake disc mounted inboard of the hub, removal of the hub, and bearing is required which is time consuming and labour intensive. As the bearing and the hub are press fit to stub axle at with precise alignment and tolerances and, it is challenging to precisely assemble a removed hub and bearing. This also results in misalignment of the disc brake, thereby resulting in catastrophic damage to the brake disc assembly and effecting operation of the wheel hub assembly. Moreover, serviceability of the conventional wheel hub assembly is time consuming, labour intensive, and complicated due to high precision requirement. Accordingly, a wheel hub assembly of the present disclosure is configured to overcome the problems associated with the existing wheel hub assembly. The assembly of the present disclosure comprises a stub axle and a hub is rotatably mounted to the stub axle. The hub is defined with a radial flange having a plurality of first mounting provisions. Further, a brake disc is removably coupled to the hub. The brake disc is defined with a wheel mounting flange which is integrally formed and extends away from the brake disc for mounting a wheel around the brake disc. The wheel mounting flange includes a plurality of apertures coaxial with the plurality of first mounting provisions to allow

accessibility and replacement of the brake disc without altering an arrangement of the hub with the stub axle. Another object of present disclosure is to provide the removal access to the brake disc without removing the hub and bearing.
Referring to Figures 1 to 5 which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating a wheel hub assembly (100) of a vehicle [interchangeably referred as “assembly (100)”].
The assembly (100) comprises a stub axle (10) and a hub (20). The hub (20) is rotatably mounted on the stub axle (10). The stub axle (10) may be defined with an elongated body have one end pivotably coupled to a steering control arm (102) [shown in fig 5] of the vehicle and other end is configured to rotatably support a wheel (70). The stub axle (10) is connected to the steering control arm (102) via a tie rod (104). Further, a portion of the stub axle (10) at one end is connected and supported by at least one lower control arm (106) of the vehicle. In an embodiment the stub axle (10) is defined with at least one provision to accommodate a king pin (108) to connect with the lower steering arm (106). This configuration of the stub axle (10) facilities angular movement of the wheel (70) for steering of the vehicle. Further, the sub axle (10) is connected with an axle beam of vehicle, lower control arm (106) and steering control arm (102) to transfer a steering wheel input to the wheel (70) for turning the vehicle.
The hub (20) is supported by another end of the stub axle (10). Further, at least one bearing (50) is interposed between the hub (20) and the stub axle (10) to allow rotational movement of the hub (20) along an axis of the stub axle (10). Referring to Figure 2, the hub (20) comprises a body (22) defined with a hollow structure to allow mounting of at least one bearing (50). The hub (20) is further defined with a radial flange (24) extending outwardly from the body (22). In an embodiment, the hub (20) may comprise a first end (20a) and a second end (20b), such that the radial flange (24) is defined at first end (20a) of the hub (20). The radial flange (24) is further defined with a plurality of first mounting provision (26). In an embodiment, a diameter of the radial flange (24) is larger than a diameter of the hub (20).
The assembly (100) further comprises a brake disc (30) removably coupled to the hub (20). The brake disc (30) is configured to rotate along with the hub (20). Further, the brake disc (30) is defined with a wheel mounting flange (38) that is integrally formed and extends away from the brake disc (30) for mounting the wheel (70) around the brake disc (30). The brake disc (30)

comprises a first surface to abut with the radial flange (24) of the hub (20) in an assembled condition. The brake disc (30) comprises a body portion (32) is configured to integrally extend from a second surface of the brake disc (30) such that one end of the body portion (32) is integrally connected to with brake disc (30) and the other end is define with wheel mounting flange (38). The body portion (32) extends from a central portion of the brake disc (30) and the central portion is defined with a plurality of second mounting provisions (34) to engage with the first mounting provisions (26) defined on the radial flange (24) of the hub (20). Further, the body portion (32) is defined with a hollow opening to mount over the hub (20). In an assembled condition, the first mounting provisions (26) and the plurality of second mounting provisions (34) are co- axially aligned. Each of the first mounting provisions (26) and the plurality of second mounting provisions (34) are configured to receive a plurality of fasteners (25) to removably couple the brake disc (30) with the hub (20). In an embodiment, the plurality of first mounting provisions (26) and second mounting provision (34) may be at least one of a threaded hole, an aperture, a slot and the like to receive each of the plurality of fastener (25). In yet another embodiment, the plurality of fasteners (25) may include at least one of nut and bolts, screw, stud, rivets, anchors and the like to removably couple the brake disc (30) to the radial flange (24) of the hub (20). The brake disc (30) further comprises at least one brake calliper (60) mounted to a portion of the stub axle (10). The at least one brake calliper (60) comprises at least one brake pad (62) to exert a braking force on the brake disc (30). In an embodiment, the brake disc (30) is secured within the at least one calliper (60) and disposed between a pair of brake pads (62). The at least one calliper (60) is configured to selectively actuate the brake pads (62) against the brake disc (30) to selectively exert braking force, during operation of the vehicle.
Referring to Figure 3, the wheel mounting flange (38) extending radially outward from other end of the body portion (32). The wheel mounting flange (38) are defined with a plurality of apertures (40) coaxial with the plurality of first mounting provisions (26). These apertures (40) allow access to each of the plurality of second mounting provisions (34). Whereby, a user can access and mount the brake disc (30) to the hub (20) using the plurality of fasteners (25). Further, the apertures (40) enables the user to insert any tool such as ratchet- spanner, wrench, screw driver, keys etc., to assemble or disassemble each of the plurality of fasteners that are accommodated within each of the plurality of first mounting provisions (26) and second mounting provision (34). The apertures (40) are provided radially along a central portion of the wheel mounting flange (38). Further, a

plurality of bores (42) is defined radially along a periphery of the wheel mounting flange (38). Each of the plurality of bores (42) are configured to accommodate a plurality of studs (44). The plurality of studs (44) is press fitted into the plurality of bores (42), to mount the wheel (70) as shown in Figure 4 over the brake disc (30). The present disclosure further discloses a vehicle comprising a steering control arm (102) and a tie rod (104) coupled to the steering control arm (102). Further, at least one lower control arm (106) is configured to receive the wheel hub assembly (100) of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the steering control arm (102) and the tie rod is connectable to a portion of the wheel hub assembly (100) for steering control.
In an embodiment, the device (100) according to present disclosure provides a cost-effective solution for improving serviceability of the brake disc (30) without altering an alignment of the bearing (50) and the hub (20) mounted over the stub axle (10).
In an embodiment, the assembly (100) of the present disclosure facilities assembly and disassembly of the brake disc (30) with integrated wheel mounting flange (38), as a single unit. This aids in precise alignment and mounting of the wheel and the brake disc (30) to stub axle (10). Also, time required for assembly and disassembly is reduced.
Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory

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

REFERRAL NUMERALS

Reference Number Description
100 Assembly
10 Stub axle
20 Hub
22 Body
24 Radial flange
20a First end
20b Second end
25 Plurality of fasteners
26 Plurality of first mounting provision
30 Brake disc
32 Body portion
34 Plurality of second mounting provisions
40 Plurality of apertures
42 Plurality of bores
44 Plurality of studs
50 Bearing
60 Brake calliper
62 Brake pads
70 Wheel
102 Steering control arm
104 Tie rod
106 At least one lower control arm
108 King pin

WE CLAIM
1. A wheel hub assembly (100) of a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
a stub axle (10);
a hub (20) rotatably mounted to the stub axle (10), wherein the hub (20) comprises a radial flange (24) defined with a plurality of first mounting provisions (26);
a brake disc (30) removably coupled to the hub (20), the brake disc (30) is defined with a wheel mounting flange (38) integrally formed and extending away from the brake disc (30) for mounting a wheel (70) around the brake disc (30), wherein the wheel mounting flange (38) includes a plurality of apertures (40) coaxial with the plurality of first mounting provisions (26).
2. The wheel hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one bearing (50) interposed between the hub (20) and the stub axle (20).
3. The wheel hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brake disc (30) includes a body portion (32) to mount over the hub (20), wherein the body portion (32) is defined with a plurality of second mounting provisions (34) to engage with the first mounting provisions (26) of the hub (20);
4. The wheel hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one brake caliper (60) mounted to a portion of the stub axle (10), wherein the at least one brake caliper (60) comprising at least one brake pad () to exert a braking force on the brake disc (30).
5. The wheel hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wheel mounting flange (38) comprises a plurality of bores (42).
6. The wheel hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, comprises a plurality of studs (44) press fitted to the plurality of bores (42), to mount the wheel (70) over the brake disc (30).
7. The wheel hub assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brake disc (30) is removably coupled to the hub (20), by a plurality of fasteners (25) receivable within the plurality of first and second mounting provisions (26,34).
8. A vehicle comprising:
a steering control arm (102);

a tie rod (104) coupled to the steering arm (102);
at least one lower control arm (106), wherein the lower control arm (106) is configured to receive a wheel hub assembly (100), the wheel hub assembly comprising:
a stub axle (10);
a hub (20) rotatably mounted to the stub axle (10), wherein the hub (20) is defined with a radial flange (24) defined with a plurality of first mounting provisions (26); and
a brake disc (30) removably coupled to the hub (20), the brake disc (30) defined with a wheel mounting flange (38) integrally formed and extending away from the brake disc (30) for mounting a wheel (70) around the brake disc (30), wherein the wheel mounting flange (38) includes a plurality of apertures (40) coaxial with the plurality of first mounting provisions (26).
9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the steering control arm (102) and the tie rod
(104) is connectable to a portion of the wheel assembly (100) for steering control.
10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, comprises a king pin (108) coupled to the lower control
arm (106) and configured to receive the wheel hub assembly (100).