BRAKE DUST PROTECTION DESIGN FOR ROBUSTNESS OF THE BRAKE DUST PROTECTION

Abstract

A brake dust shield may be provided for a wheel assembly for a vehicle. A brake dust shield may include a central body portion that may be radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis, and a peripheral body portion that may be positioned radially outwardly from the central body portion, disposed at least partially in a second plane spaced from the first plane along the wheel axis. The central body portion may be operatively coupled to the wheel assembly via a steering knuckle of the wheel assembly, and the peripheral body portion may include a positive axial offset surface that may be axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake rotor.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] Example embodiments generally relate to wheel assembly components and more specifically to a brake dust shield design for increased brake dust shield robustness. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Some vehicles utilize brake dust shields in a wheel assembly designed to help protect the wheel assembly and suspension assembly components. Brake dust shields are designed to help limit the exposure of the wheel assembly and suspension assembly components to the heat generated by the brake assembly during braking. The brake dust shields also serve to protect the brake assembly components, such as the brake rotor, brake pads, and brake calipers, from dust, dirt, and other environmental factors that can affect the durability of the brake assembly.

[0003] Brake dust guards can often become bent during the manufacturing process, resulting in a section of the brake dust guard contacting a brake rotor upon installation on a vehicle. This contact between the bent brake dust guard and the brake rotor can cause undesirable noise for a vehicle operator. While bending of brake dust guards does occur in reality due to their design limitations and the heavy machinery involved, it may be achievable to prevent contact with the brake rotor to limit undesirable noise. Therefore, there is a need for a brake dust guard with increased robustness that prevents contact between a brake dust guard, either bent or unbent, and a brake rotor within a wheel assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0004] According to an exemplary embodiment, a brake dust shield may be provided for a wheel assembly for a vehicle. The brake dust shield may include a central body portion that may be radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis, and a peripheral body portion that may be positioned radially outwardly from the central body portion, disposed at least partially in a second plane spaced from the first plane along the wheel axis. The central body portion may be operatively coupled to the wheel assembly via a steering knuckle of the wheel assembly, and the peripheral body portion may include a positive axial offset surface that may be axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake rotor.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, a wheel assembly for a vehicle of an exemplary embodiment may be provided. The wheel assembly of the vehicle may include a steering knuckle for operatively coupling the wheel assembly and a suspension assembly of the vehicle, a brake rotor for decelerating the vehicle, a wheel bearing that may be operatively coupled to the steering knuckle and the brake rotor, and a brake dust shield that may be disposed proximate the brake rotor. The brake dust shield may include a central body portion that may be radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis, and a peripheral body portion that may be positioned radially outward from the central body portion, at least partially disposed in a second plane spaced from the first plane along the wheel axis.The central body portion may be operatively coupled to the wheel assembly via a steering knuckle of the wheel assembly and the peripheral body portion may include a positive axial offset surface that may be axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake disc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE MULTIPLE VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0006] Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a wheel assembly for a vehicle wheel system according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a wheel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a wheel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the wheel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of the wheel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a wheel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 7 illustrates a separated view of a wheel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 8 illustrates a top view of a brake dust guard according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a brake dust guard according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, of the exemplary embodiments are illustrated. Indeed, the examples described and illustrated in this specification should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, the term "or," as used in this specification, should be interpreted as a logical operator that evaluates to true when one or more of its operands are true.As used in this document, active coupling is understood to mean a direct or indirect connection which in any case enables a functional connection of components which are actively coupled to one another.

[0008] Some exemplary embodiments described herein may address the problems described above. In this regard, for example, some embodiments may provide a brake dust shield with a built-in axial offset away from the brake rotor to prevent distortion of the brake dust shield into contact with the brake rotor, thereby increasing operator comfort and satisfaction by limiting unwanted noise. Some embodiments may provide for the brake dust shield to be mounted in a plane with other wheel assembly components. As a result, installation of the wheel assembly may require less effort, fewer components, and less time, and may thus be more efficient.

[0009] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a wheel assembly 100 for a wheel system of a vehicle 10 according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a wheel assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment and Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a wheel assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1-3, in some embodiments, the wheel assembly 100 may include a wheel 30, a steering knuckle 110, a wheel bearing 120, a brake rotor 130, and a brake dust shield 200. A suspension assembly 40 of the vehicle 10 may be operatively coupled to a body 20 and the wheel assembly 100. In some cases, the vehicle 10 may include a chassis or frame. The chassis or frame may support and form the basic structure of the vehicle 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the chassis and frame may be formed from one or more cast subframes, and the suspension assembly 40 may be operatively coupled to the chassis or frame.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the steering knuckle 110 may operatively couple the suspension assembly 40 and the wheel assembly 100. The steering knuckle 110 may additionally be operatively coupled to the brake dust shield 200 via a first steering knuckle coupler 111 of the steering knuckle 110. The first steering knuckle coupler 111 may also be referred to as a first steering knuckle hub or first steering knuckle connector. The steering knuckle 110 may include a first steering knuckle body portion 115 and a second steering knuckle body portion 116. The first steering knuckle body portion 115 may operatively couple the suspension assembly 40 and the wheel assembly 100, and the second steering knuckle body portion 116 may operatively couple the wheel assembly 100 component to the steering knuckle 110. The second knuckle body portion 116 may include the first knuckle coupler 111.In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may be operatively coupled to the first knuckle coupler 111 via a first knuckle attachment member 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the first knuckle attachment member 112 may be a variety of operative coupling means, such as a nut and bolt, a screw, or any other operative coupling means that can secure the brake dust shield 200 to the first knuckle coupler 111. In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may include a first opening 201 for operatively coupling the brake dust shield 200 and the first knuckle coupler 111.The first opening 201 and the first knuckle coupler 111 may not be limited to a single opening or a single coupler, but may include a plurality of first openings 201 and a plurality of first knuckle couplers 111, such that in some cases the brake dust shield 200 may include a plurality of first openings 201 to operatively couple the brake dust shield 200 to a plurality of first knuckle couplers 111 to properly secure the brake dust shield 200.

[0011] In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may be disposed between the first knuckle body portion 115 and the brake rotor 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the brake rotor 130 may be disposed closer to the wheel 30 than the brake dust shield 200. The placement of the brake dust shield 200 may enable the shielding of heat from the brake rotor 130 to components of the suspension assembly 40. For example, the brake dust shield 200 may prevent melting of a rubber boot in the ball joint elements of the suspension assembly 40 that are operatively coupled to the first knuckle body portion 115 by acting as a thermal barrier disposed between the brake rotor 130 and the first knuckle body portion 115.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the brake rotor 130 may include a brake rotor head 131. The brake rotor head 131 may be a depression or concavity in the center of the brake rotor 130. The brake rotor head 131 may house various components or portions of components of the wheel assembly. In some cases, the brake rotor head 131 may include a portion of the brake dust shield 200, the wheel bearing 120, and the second knuckle body portion 116. In some cases, the brake rotor 130 may include a brake rotor friction ring 132. The brake rotor friction ring 132 may be disposed radially outward from the brake rotor head 131. In some cases, the brake rotor friction ring 132 may extend completely around the wheel axle 35 and may completely surround a recess of the brake rotor head 131. The brake disc friction ring 132 can be arranged near the brake dust cover 200 without touching it.

[0013] In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may include a central body portion 210 and a peripheral body portion 220. The central body portion 210 may be centered along a wheel axis 35. The central body portion 210 may be substantially plate-shaped and disposed in a first plane 211. The first plane 211 may be substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis 35. The central body portion 210 may be disposed in additional planes besides the first plane 211. In some cases, the first plane 211 of the central body portion 210 may be disposed within the brake rotor head 131. In an exemplary embodiment, the first plane 211 may be disposed above, not within, the brake rotor head 131 along the wheel axis 35.The first plane 211 and the central body portion 210 may not overlap with the brake rotor friction ring 132 and may only overlap with a brake rotor head 131. In an exemplary embodiment, while the brake dust shield 200 may be disposed proximate the brake rotor 130, the brake dust shield 200 may be operatively coupled only to the steering knuckle 110 and may not contact any component or element within the vehicle 10 other than the steering knuckle 110. In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may be spaced apart from the brake rotor 130 along the entirety of the brake dust shield 200.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the peripheral body portion 220 may be positioned radially outward from the central body portion 210 with respect to the wheel axis 35. In some cases, the peripheral body portion 220 may be at least partially disposed within a second plane 221. The second plane 221 may be spaced apart from the first plane 211 along the wheel axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the second plane 221 and the first plane 211 may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0015] In some cases, the peripheral body portion 220 may include a positive axial offset surface 225. The positive axial offset surface 225 may be axially offset from the first plane 211 of the central body portion 210 in a direction extending away from the brake rotor 130 to then create a positive axial offset 300. The positive axial offset surface 225 may assist in distorting the brake dust shield 200 away from the brake rotor 130 when a radial load 310 may be applied to the brake dust shield 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the positive axial offset surface 225 may be located in the second plane 221.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, a geometry of the brake dust shield 200 may be such that, when subjected to the radial load 310 on an outer diameter of the brake dust shield 200 in the radial direction toward the wheel axle 35, the brake dust shield 200 may flex away from the brake rotor 130, thereby preventing contact and unwanted noise. In some cases, the radial load 310 acting on the brake dust shield 200 may cause the brake dust shield 200 to twist, as illustrated by the twisted brake dust shield 400, as shown in Fig. 2. The positive axial offset 300 can ensure that the moment induced by the radial load 310 on the outer diameter of the brake dust shield 200 causes the brake dust shield 200 to bend away from the brake rotor 130. In an exemplary embodiment, this positive axial offset 300 between the first plane 211 of the brake dust shield 200 and the positive axial offset surface 225 containing the outer diameter of the brake dust shield 200 can enable the brake dust shield 200 to bend away from the brake rotor 130.

[0017] In some cases, the positive axial offset surface 225 may have a positive axial offset 300 along the entirety of the peripheral body portion 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the peripheral body portion 220 may be located entirely within the second plane 221, and the positive axial offset 300 may be relatively constant along the entire peripheral body portion (as in Fig. 2). In some cases, the positive axial offset surface 225 may include only a portion of the peripheral body portion 220. The portion of the peripheral body portion 220 excluding the positive axial offset surface 225 may be considered a remaining portion. A portion of the peripheral body portion 220 disposed in a second plane 221 may be axially offset from the first plane 211 and the central body portion 210 in a direction extending toward the brake rotor 130, and a positive axial offset surface 225 of the peripheral body portion 220 may be disposed in a portion of the peripheral body portion 220 extending at an acute angle 226 away from the second plane 221 at an outer edge of the peripheral body portion 220.The positive axial offset surface 225, which may be disposed in a portion of the peripheral body portion 220 extending at an acute angle 226 from the second plane 221 at an outer edge of the peripheral body portion 220, may then comprise the positive axial offset 300 of the peripheral body portion 220 from the first plane 211, as shown in FIG. Fig. 3. The brake dust guard 200, and thus the central body portion 210 and the peripheral body portion 220, may be arranged in any number of planes in addition to the first plane 211 and the second plane 221, which may ensure that the positive axial offset 300 can occur between the first plane 211 and the peripheral body portion 220.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the positive axial offset 300 of the positive axial offset surface 225 may be a minimum of 5 millimeters. The positive axial offset 300 may be any distance that allows the brake dust shield 200 to warp away from the brake rotor 130 when flexed and can prevent the brake dust shield 200 from contacting any other component of the wheel assembly 100 other than the steering knuckle 110. The positive axial offset 300 may allow the brake dust shield 200 to be preloaded to deflect away from the brake rotor 130 when the brake dust shield 200 is subjected to radial loads.

[0019] In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may be operatively coupled to the steering knuckle 110 in a first plane 211, which may cause the first plane 211 to be considered a first mounting plane 113 of the steering knuckle 110. The first mounting plane 113 may then be disposed between the first steering knuckle body portion 115 and the brake rotor 130. In some cases, the wheel bearing 120 may be operatively coupled to the steering knuckle 110 via the second steering knuckle body portion 116 in the first mounting plane 113. In an exemplary embodiment, both the wheel bearing 120 and the brake dust shield 200 may be operatively coupled to the steering knuckle 110 in the first mounting plane 113. While the wheel bearing 120 and the brake dust guard 200 may be operatively coupled to one another in the first mounting plane 113, the brake dust guard 200 may still only touch the steering knuckle 110.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the brake dust shield 200 may include a connecting body portion 230. The connecting body portion 230 may operatively couple the central body portion 210 and the peripheral body portion 220 together. In some cases, the connecting body portion 230 may be angled between 1 degree and 179 degrees with respect to the first plane 211. The connecting body portion 230 may be disposed almost entirely within the brake rotor head 131. In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting body portion 230 may overlap the brake rotor head 131 where the connecting body portion 230 may be operatively coupled to the central body portion 210, and may overlap the brake rotor friction ring 132 where the connecting body portion may be operatively coupled to the peripheral body portion 220.

[0021] Fig. 4 - Fig. 7 illustrate different views of the wheel assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 8 - Fig. 9 illustrate different views of the brake dust guard 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 4 - Fig. 6 do not depict the steering knuckle 110, but depict a perspective view, a side view, and a cross-sectional view of the wheel assembly 100 including at least the wheel bearing 120, the brake disc 130, and the brake dust shield 200. Fig. 7 illustrates a separated view of the wheel assembly 100 including the steering knuckle 110. As in Fig. 4 - Fig.6, the wheel bearing 120 and the brake dust shield 200 may be partially disposed within the brake rotor head 131. In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may require clearance between other elements and components of the wheel assembly 100 to limit potential contact. In an exemplary embodiment, the clearance required for the brake dust shield 200 may also extend to the first knuckle coupler 111 and the first knuckle attachment member 112 to help limit unwanted potential contact between elements and components of the wheel assembly 100.

[0022] In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may include additional features to help provide additional functionality to the brake dust shield 200, and thus to the wheel assembly 100 and the vehicle 10 as a whole. The additional features of the brake dust shield 200 may include a structural formation 250 and a second opening 260. In an exemplary embodiment, the brake dust shield 200 may include a plurality of structural formations 250 and a plurality of second openings 260. In some cases, the structural formation 250 may be a raised or depressed portion of the brake dust shield 200, which may assist in frequency tuning of the brake dust shield 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the brake dust shield 200 may have a minimum frequency requirement of 70 Hz.The structural formation 250 can increase the efficiency of the brake dust shield 200 through additional factors such as aerodynamics or ease of manufacture. The structural formation 250 can be an indentation, depression, land, groove, trough, furrow, peak, concavity, or any other formation / shape in the brake dust shield 200 to increase the functionality of the brake dust shield 200.

[0023] In some cases, the second opening 260 may be located anywhere in the brake dust shield 200, such as at any of the central body portion 210, the peripheral body portion 220, or the connecting body portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the second opening 260 may be a debris deflector feature to prevent stones, pebbles, and other debris from becoming trapped within the wheel assembly.

[0024] In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may include a flange 240. The flange 240 may be operatively coupled to the peripheral body portion 220 along an outer edge of the peripheral body portion 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange 240 may extend away from the brake rotor in the same direction as the axial offset between the first plane 211 and the positive axial offset surface 225. In some cases, the flange 240 may be a plurality of flanges 240. One or more of the plurality of flanges 240 may extend at a different angle from a point of operative coupling or may have a different shape than another one or more of the plurality of flanges 240. In an exemplary embodiment, the flange 240 may surround at least half of the outer edge of the peripheral body portion 220.In some cases, the flange 240 may surround the entire outer edge of the peripheral body portion 220.

[0025] In some cases, the brake dust cover 200 may be a single piece. In an exemplary embodiment, the brake dust cover 200 may be manufactured by machining, however, the brake dust cover 200 may be manufactured by any number of methods that may not compromise the robustness, efficiency, durability, or performance of the brake dust cover 200. In some cases, the brake dust cover 200 may be made of sheet metal, however, the brake dust cover 200 may be made of any number of metals or materials that maintain the function of the brake dust cover 200 according to its design. The metal or material of the brake dust cover 200 may have high stiffness to prevent crumpling rather than bending of the brake dust cover 200 when deformed under radial loads.In an exemplary embodiment, the brake dust shield 200 may be centered around, and may extend only around, a portion of the wheel axle 35. The portion of the brake dust shield 200 that may extend around the wheel axle 35 may be only 70% of the wheel axle 35. In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may extend around the entire wheel axle 35. In an exemplary embodiment, the brake dust shield 200 may surround a portion or all of the wheel bearing 120. In some cases, the extent to which the brake dust shield 200 may surround the wheel bearing 120 may be the same as the extent to which the brake dust shield 200 surrounds the wheel axle 35.In an exemplary embodiment, the brake dust shield 200 may be C-shaped, crescent-shaped, arc-shaped, substantially circular (circular but not extending 360 degrees around a central point), or any other shape that may not limit the manufacture / assembly of the vehicle or the function of the brake dust shield 200.

[0026] In some cases, the brake dust shield 200 may not be uniform on opposite sides of the brake dust shield 200 relative to the wheel axle 35. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, a radial length of the peripheral body portion 220 on a first side of the brake dust shield 200 may be longer than the radial length of the peripheral body portion 220 on a second side of the brake dust shield 200.

[0027] Therefore, a brake dust shield for a wheel assembly for a vehicle may be provided. A brake dust shield may include a central body portion that may be radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis, and a peripheral body portion that may be positioned radially outwardly from the central body portion, disposed at least partially in a second plane spaced from the first plane along the wheel axis. The central body portion may be operatively coupled to the wheel assembly via a steering knuckle of the wheel assembly, and the peripheral body portion may include a positive axial offset surface that may be axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake rotor.

[0028] The brake dust shield for a wheel assembly of a vehicle of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, enhancements, and / or the like to accomplish further tasks or improve the performance of the suspension assembly. The additional features, modifications, enhancements, and / or the like may be added in any combination with one another. The following is a list of various additional features, modifications, and enhancements, each of which may be added individually or in any combination with one another. For example, the brake dust shield may not contact any member of the wheel assembly other than the steering knuckle. In an exemplary embodiment, the central body portion may be disposed within a brake rotor head of the brake rotor of the wheel assembly and may not overlap with a friction ring of the brake rotor.In some cases, the first plane and the second plane may be substantially parallel. In an exemplary embodiment, the second plane may be axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending along the entire peripheral body portion away from the brake rotor. In some cases, the brake dust shield and a wheel bearing of the wheel assembly may be operatively coupled to the steering knuckle in a first mounting plane of the wheel assembly, and the first mounting plane may be disposed between the brake rotor and a first steering knuckle body portion.In an exemplary embodiment, the positive axial offset surface may be disposed radially outward relative to a remaining portion of the peripheral body portion, and the positive axial offset surface is disposed in a portion of the peripheral body portion extending at an acute angle from the second plane at an outer edge of the peripheral body portion extending away from the brake rotor. In some cases, the brake dust shield may include a connecting body portion, the central body portion and the peripheral body portion may be operatively coupled to each other via the connecting body portion, and the connecting body portion may be angled between 20 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the first plane of the central body portion.In an exemplary embodiment, the positive axial offset surface may be axially offset from the first plane by at least 5 millimeters in a first direction extending away from the brake rotor. In some cases, the peripheral body portion may be operatively coupled to a flange extending away from a brake rotor, and the flange surrounds at least half of an outer edge of the peripheral body portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the brake dust shield may surround at least 70% of the wheel bearing.

[0029] Therefore, a wheel assembly for a vehicle of an exemplary embodiment may be provided. The wheel assembly of a vehicle may include a steering knuckle for operatively coupling the wheel assembly and a suspension assembly of the vehicle, a brake rotor for decelerating the vehicle, a wheel bearing that may be operatively coupled to the steering knuckle and the brake rotor, and a brake dust shield that may be disposed proximate the brake rotor. The brake dust shield may include a central body portion that may be radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis, and a peripheral body portion that may be positioned radially outward from the central body portion, at least partially disposed in a second plane spaced from the first plane along the wheel axis.The central body portion may be operatively coupled to the wheel assembly via a steering knuckle of the wheel assembly, and the peripheral body portion may include a positive axial offset surface that may be axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake rotor. Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which these inventions belong in light of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the accompanying drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the particular implementations disclosed, and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, it should be understood that, although the foregoing descriptions and the accompanying drawings describe exemplary embodiments in terms of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, other combinations of elements and / or functions than those expressly described above are also contemplated, as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be understood that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may be applicable to some exemplary embodiments, but not necessarily to all exemplary embodiments.Thus, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described in this document should not be considered critical, necessary, or essential to all embodiments or to what is claimed in this document. Although specific terms are used in this document, they are used only in their generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

[0030] According to the present invention, there is provided a brake dust guard for a wheel assembly of a vehicle, the brake dust guard comprising: a central body portion radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis; a peripheral body portion positioned radially outwardly from the central body portion disposed at least partially in a second plane spaced from the first plane along the wheel axis, the central body portion being operatively coupled to the wheel assembly via a steering knuckle of the wheel assembly, and the peripheral body portion including a positive axial offset surface axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from a brake rotor.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the brake dust guard does not contact any element of the wheel assembly other than the steering knuckle.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the central body portion is disposed within a brake disc head of the brake disc of the wheel assembly and does not overlap with a friction ring of the brake disc.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first plane and the second plane run substantially parallel to each other.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the second plane is axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending along the entire peripheral body portion away from the brake disc.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the brake dust protection and a wheel bearing of the wheel assembly are operatively coupled to the steering knuckle in a first mounting plane of the wheel assembly, wherein the first mounting plane is arranged between the brake disc and a first steering knuckle body portion.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the positive axial offset surface is disposed radially outwardly with respect to a remaining portion of the peripheral body portion, wherein the positive axial offset surface is disposed in a portion of the peripheral body portion extending at an acute angle from the second plane at an outer edge of the peripheral body portion extending away from the brake rotor. According to one embodiment, the brake dust shield further comprises a connecting body portion, wherein the central body portion and the peripheral body portion are operatively coupled to one another via the connecting body portion, and wherein the connecting body portion is angled between 20 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the first plane of the central body portion.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the positive axial offset surface is axially offset from the first plane by at least 5 millimeters in a first direction extending away from the brake disc.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the peripheral body portion is operatively coupled to a flange extending away from a brake disc, and wherein the flange surrounds at least half of an outer edge of the peripheral body portion.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the brake dust shield surrounds at least 70% of the wheel bearing. According to the present invention, a wheel assembly of a vehicle is provided, the wheel assembly comprising: a steering knuckle for operatively coupling the wheel assembly and a suspension assembly of the vehicle, a brake rotor for decelerating the vehicle, a wheel bearing operatively coupled to the steering knuckle and the brake rotor, and a brake dust shield disposed proximate the brake rotor, the brake dust shield further comprising: a central body portion radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis;a peripheral body portion positioned radially outwardly from the central body portion disposed at least partially in a second plane spaced from the first plane along the wheel axis, the central body portion being operatively coupled to the wheel assembly via a steering knuckle of the wheel assembly, and the peripheral body portion including a positive axial offset surface axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from a brake rotor;

[0040] According to one embodiment, the brake dust guard does not contact any element of the wheel assembly other than the steering knuckle.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the central body portion is disposed within a brake disc head of the brake disc of the wheel assembly and does not overlap with a friction ring of the brake disc.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first plane and the second plane run substantially parallel to each other.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the second plane is axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending along the entire peripheral body portion away from the brake disc.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the brake dust protection and a wheel bearing of the wheel assembly are operatively coupled to the steering knuckle in a first mounting plane of the wheel assembly, wherein the first mounting plane is arranged between the brake disc and a first steering knuckle body portion.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the positive axial offset surface is disposed radially outwardly with respect to a remaining portion of the peripheral body portion, wherein the positive axial offset surface is disposed in a portion of the peripheral body portion extending at an acute angle from the second plane at an outer edge of the peripheral body portion extending away from the brake rotor. According to one embodiment, the brake dust shield further comprises a connecting body portion, wherein the central body portion and the peripheral body portion are operatively coupled to one another via the connecting body portion, and wherein the connecting body portion is angled between 20 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the first plane of the central body portion.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the peripheral body portion is operatively coupled to a flange extending away from a brake disc, and wherein the flange surrounds at least half of an outer edge of the peripheral body portion.

Claims

[1] A brake dust guard for a wheel assembly of a vehicle, the brake dust guard comprising: a central body portion radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis; a peripheral body portion positioned radially outwardly from the central body portion disposed at least partially in a second plane spaced from the first plane along the wheel axis, wherein the central body portion is operatively coupled to the wheel assembly via a steering knuckle of the wheel assembly, and wherein the peripheral body portion includes a positive axial offset surface axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from a brake disc. [2] Brake dust cover according to claim 1, wherein the brake dust cover does not contact any element of the wheel assembly other than the steering knuckle. [3] The brake dust shield of claim 1, wherein the central body portion is disposed within a brake disc head of the brake disc of the wheel assembly and does not overlap with a friction ring of the brake disc. [4] A brake dust guard according to claim 1, wherein the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel, and wherein the second plane is axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending along the entire peripheral body portion away from the brake rotor. [5] Brake dust protection according to claim 1, wherein the brake dust protection and a wheel bearing of the wheel assembly are operatively coupled to the steering knuckle in a first mounting plane of the wheel assembly, the first mounting plane being arranged between the brake disc and a first steering knuckle body portion. [6] The brake dust guard of claim 1, wherein the positive axial offset surface is disposed radially outwardly with respect to a remaining portion of the peripheral body portion, the positive axial offset surface being disposed in a portion of the peripheral body portion extending at an acute angle from the second plane at an outer edge of the peripheral body portion extending away from the brake rotor. [7] Brake dust cover according to claim 1, wherein the brake dust cover further comprises a connecting body portion, wherein the central body portion and the peripheral body portion are operatively coupled to one another via the connecting body portion, wherein the connecting body portion is angled between 20 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the first plane of the central body portion, wherein the peripheral body portion is operatively coupled to a flange extending away from a brake disc, wherein the flange surrounds at least half of an outer edge of the peripheral body portion and where the brake dust protection surrounds at least 70% of the wheel bearing. [8] The brake dust guard of claim 1, wherein the positive axial offset surface is axially offset from the first plane by at least 5 millimeters in a first direction extending away from the brake rotor. [9] Wheel assembly of a vehicle, the wheel assembly comprising: a steering knuckle for operatively coupling the wheel assembly and a suspension assembly of the vehicle, a brake disc to slow down the vehicle, a wheel bearing that is operatively coupled to the steering knuckle and the brake disc, a brake dust guard disposed near the brake disc, the brake dust guard further comprising: a central body portion radially centered along a wheel axis in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the wheel axis; a peripheral body portion positioned radially outwardly from the central body portion disposed at least partially in a second plane spaced from the first plane along the wheel axis, wherein the central body portion is operatively coupled to the wheel assembly via a steering knuckle of the wheel assembly, and wherein the peripheral body portion includes a positive axial offset surface axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending away from the brake disc. [10] A wheel assembly according to claim 9, wherein the brake dust guard does not contact any element of the wheel assembly other than the steering knuckle. [11] A wheel assembly according to claim 9, wherein the central body portion is disposed within a brake disc head of the brake disc of the wheel assembly and does not overlap with a friction ring of the brake disc. [12] A wheel assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel, and wherein the second plane is axially offset from the first plane in a direction extending along the entire peripheral body portion away from the brake rotor. [13] Wheel assembly according to claim 9, wherein the brake dust guard and a wheel bearing of the wheel assembly are operatively coupled to the steering knuckle in a first mounting plane of the wheel assembly, the first mounting plane being arranged between the brake disc and a first steering knuckle body portion. [14] A wheel assembly according to claim 9, wherein the positive axial offset surface is disposed radially outwardly with respect to a remaining portion of the peripheral body portion, wherein the positive axial offset surface is disposed in a portion of the peripheral body portion extending at an acute angle from the second plane at an outer edge of the peripheral body portion extending away from the brake disc, wherein the peripheral body portion is operatively coupled to a flange extending from a brake disc, and wherein the flange surrounds at least half of an outer edge of the peripheral body portion. [15] The wheel assembly of claim 9, wherein the brake dust guard further comprises a connecting body portion, wherein the central body portion and the peripheral body portion are operatively coupled to one another via the connecting body portion, and wherein the connecting body portion is angled between 20 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the first plane of the central body portion.

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