Disc brake assembly particulate collection system

Abstract

To provide a disc brake assembly particulate collection system.SOLUTION: The present invention provides a first fan 11 for introducing air into a vessel 7 and a second fan 15 for drawing air out of the vessel 7. In this way, the first fan 11 may actively introduce air into the vessel 7 surrounding the disc brake assembly 1,5, thereby simultaneously preventing loss of particulates to the surrounding environment before they have the chance to be vacuumed-up by the second fan 15 and enabling adequate cooling of the disc brake assembly 1,5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a particulate collection system for and method of collecting particulates from a disc brake assembly and finds particular, but not exclusive, utility in automotive and aircraft braking systems. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known need for systems such as disc brake assemblies to collect particulate matter created during braking. Prior art techniques involve the use of fans to absorb airborne particulates from around such disc brake assemblies. However, in vehicles moving at relatively high speeds, the movement of air around the brake assemblies by the passage of ambient air rapidly reduces the efficiency of such systems, and many of the particulates are lost before they can be "sucked in."

[0003] In non-disc brake applications, it may be envisaged to enclose the source of particulates in a container to prevent loss of particulates, however, conventional wisdom holds that this may expose the source of particulates to the risk of overheating by obstructing the primary means of cooling, i.e., obstructing the passage of air.

[0004] The act of braking generates a large amount of heat. Brake components have a temperature window within which they can operate efficiently. Their performance is drastically degraded when the maximum temperature rating is exceeded.

[0005] Brake rotors (i.e. brake discs) are generally designed to dissipate heat. Metallic brake discs, such as those made of iron or steel, absorb heat energy by conducting it into the core disc material. The heat energy is removed over a period of time by convection into the atmosphere via air flow across the exposed surface of the core disc material. With other braking technologies, the method of heat removal may be different. For example, carbon and carbon ceramic coated discs have different degrees of heat dumping and conductive heat transfer to the disc core depending on the energy input and design. In the case of heat dumping, the cooling effect of the device may be targeted for a specific cooling optimization. For example, a carbon disc may have a specific target temperature at which the most efficient braking torque is generated. The generated heat is associated with the friction coefficient of the friction pair, and heat in excess of the optimum temperature will accelerate wear of the friction pair, thereby increasing brake particulate generation.

[0006] Additionally, the rotation of the brake disc may cause a boundary layer to form adjacent the disc surface. The boundary layer is a layer of substantially stationary air that immediately surrounds a moving object. This boundary layer may act as a barrier between the brake disc surface and the air passing therethrough, thereby limiting the cooling of the brake disc by reducing the effective heat transfer between the brake disc surface and the air passing therethrough. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a particulate collection system for a disc brake assembly comprising: a disc brake assembly; a container surrounding the disc brake assembly and including an inlet and an outlet; a first fan configured to introduce air into the container via the inlet; and a second fan configured to draw air out of the container via the outlet.

[0008] In this way, the first fan can actively introduce air into the container surrounding the disc brake assembly to replace the air that would otherwise naturally enter, thereby simultaneously preventing the particulates from being lost to the surrounding environment and allowing the disc brake assembly to be properly cooled before they have a chance to be sucked in by the second fan. In effect, the first fan can introduce a greater amount of air, thereby resulting in more efficient cooling. The particulates are suspended in the air, cooled, and transported. The particulates can be evacuated from the container and provided into a separation system. This separation system can allow the air to be exhausted while the particulates are retained in the storage container.

[0009] A disc brake assembly may comprise a friction pair, which is a rotor and stator component of the disc brake assembly. A friction pair may comprise more than two components. A disc brake assembly comprises a disc (i.e., a rotor) and a caliper arranged to clamp the disc to create friction, which may slow any rotation of the disc or keep the disc stationary. The caliper may comprise a pair of pads for engaging the disc. The caliper may comprise multiple friction surfaces for engaging the disc.

[0010] The disc brake assembly may be mounted to a vehicle such that the disc is coaxially mounted on an axle and the caliper is mounted to the body of the vehicle.

[0011] The container may comprise a sealing unit, which may substantially restrict the passage of particulate matter through the container. The container may be substantially rigid. The container may be substantially air-tight. "Substantially air-tight" means sufficiently sealed to allow optimal flow of air to be exhausted from the container.

[0012] Enclosing the disc brake assembly may include positioning the disc brake assembly within a container. The container may be provided with a passageway through which the shaft extends such that it may extend outside the container. The passageway may be provided with a mechanical seal (e.g., an end mechanical seal, a radial shaft seal, a lip seal, or other suitable seal, etc.). The inside of the container may be maintained at a lower pressure than the outside of the container, thereby containing the particulates therein.

[0013] The inlet defines a first opening in the vessel and may be provided with means for connecting a hose, pipe or other passageway, for example for onward connection to the first fan.

[0014] The outlet defines a second opening in the vessel and may be provided with means for connecting a hose, pipe or other passageway, for example for onward connection to a second fan.

[0015] The first and / or second fans may comprise first and / or second bladeless fans, respectively, or any other suitable type of fan.

[0016] A first compressor may be provided, configured to generate a first compressed gas flow. A first bladeless fan may be positioned to receive the first compressed gas flow and to push the first compressed gas flow over the first Coanda surface. The first bladeless fan is configured to take ambient air through an inlet of the first fan along with the pushed out first compressed gas flow to generate a first amplified gas flow.

[0017] The first compressor may only include an inlet arranged to collect air from the front of the vehicle, whereby the dynamic pressure in the vehicle's motion will provide the high pressure air. Alternatively or additionally, the first compressor may comprise a pump (e.g. an air pump) for supplying air. This pump may be electrically driven. That may prove advantageous for light-duty applications. Alternatively or additionally, the pump may be mechanically driven. In particular, the pump may be mechanically linked to the crankshaft and / or rotor vanes of the vehicle, for example to optimize the use of interior space. Alternatively, the pump may be mechanically linked to the wheels of the vehicle, whereby the motion of the wheels drives the pump. This allows for more convenient construction modifications and is not hindered by the fact that the pump only operates when the wheels are moving. The motion of the wheels may drive the pump by simple mechanical means (such as gears) or may be mediated by additional electrical means (such as a generator). However, in a preferred embodiment, the pump may be driven by an exhaust drive device, i.e. the exhaust gases drive the device, which in turn may be used to drive the pump to provide the high pressure air into the inlet. One example of such an exhaust driven device is a turbo.

[0018] The system further comprises a controller configured to control the supply of the first compressed air flow.

[0019] The system may further include a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature of the brake disc, and the controller may be configured to responsively control the supply of the first compressed air flow.

[0020] The system may further include a braking sensor configured to monitor braking of the vehicle, and the controller configured to responsively control the supply of the first compressed air flow. In this manner, the braking sensor and controller may control the brake duct system during braking to cool the brake system.

[0021] The first compressor may comprise a pump, such as an air pump. The first compressed gas stream may comprise a first compressed air stream. The first compressed gas stream may be at above ambient pressure.

[0022] The first bladeless fan may comprise an air amplifier. The first bladeless fan may comprise a first device that utilizes a first amount of compressed air to generate a second air flow that is greater than the first amount. The first bladeless fan may operate by utilizing an aerodynamic effect known as the "Coanda effect." The Coanda surface may be a curved surface. The first bladeless fan may increase the air flow. The increase in air volume may be up to 40 times, specifically 5 to 18 times.

[0023] The first bladeless fan may take in a first gas flow and push it through a first compressed air outlet adjacent the first "Coanda" surface, thereby taking in ambient air. In particular, the first compressed air outlet may be configured to push air substantially over the first Coanda surface.

[0024] The first Coanda surface may be positioned around the inner circumference of the inlet. In particular, the first Coanda surface may form a closed loop around the inner circumference of the inlet. Similarly, the first compressed air outlet may be positioned around the inner circumference of the inlet. In particular, the first compressed air outlet may form a closed loop around the inner circumference of the inlet. The first compressed air outlet may comprise a ring nozzle. Alternatively or additionally, the first compressed air outlet may comprise a series of nozzle type devices.

[0025] The first compressed gas stream may have a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The first compressed gas stream may have a pressure and / or flow rate depending on the requirements of downstream components, materials and / or control system functions. The first compressed gas stream may have a pressure of 1-4 bar, in particular 2-3 bar, or even around 2.5 bar.

[0026] The first compressed gas stream may be conveyed via a supply line to a first bladeless fan.

[0027] The first compressed gas stream may have a temperature below ambient. Thus, the air supplied to the first bladeless fan may be denser than ambient air. However, alternative arrangements for the first compressed gas stream may have a temperature above ambient or substantially equal to ambient.

[0028] The first amplified gas flow may be a combination of the first compressed gas flow and entrained ambient air.

[0029] The first fan may further comprise a screen to filter the ambient air before it is drawn in by the first bladeless fan. In this way, damage to the first bladeless fan from gravel and / or particulates may be prevented. The screen may comprise a grate and / or a mesh.

[0030] A second compressor may be provided, configured to generate a second compressed gas stream. A second bladeless fan may be positioned to receive the second compressed gas stream and to push the second compressed gas stream over the second Coanda surface. The second bladeless fan is configured to take ambient air through an inlet of the second fan and generate, together with the pushed out second compressed gas stream, a second amplified gas stream.

[0031] The second compressor may only include an inlet arranged to collect air from the front of the vehicle, whereby dynamic pressure in the motion of the vehicle provides the high pressure air. Alternatively or additionally, the second compressor may include a pump (e.g., an air pump) for supplying air. The pump may provide high pressure air and / or a high flow rate of air to the inlet. The pump may be electrically driven, mechanically driven, pneumatically driven, and / or hydraulically driven. Alternatively or additionally, the pump may be turbo driven, i.e. exhaust gases may be used to drive a turbo, which in turn drives a pump to provide high pressure air into the inlet.

[0032] The system further comprises a controller configured to control the supply of the second compressed air flow.

[0033] The system may further comprise a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature of the brake disc, and the controller may be configured to responsively control the supply of the second compressed air flow.

[0034] The system may further include a braking sensor configured to monitor braking of the vehicle, and the controller configured to responsively control the supply of the second compressed air flow. In this manner, the braking sensor and controller may control the brake duct system during braking to cool the brake system.

[0035] The second compressor may comprise a pump, such as an air pump. The second compressed gas stream may comprise a second compressed air stream. The second compressed gas stream may be at a pressure above ambient pressure.

[0036] The second bladeless fan may comprise an air amplifier. The second bladeless fan may comprise a second device utilizing a second volume of compressed air to generate a second air flow greater than the second volume. The second bladeless fan may operate by utilizing an aerodynamic effect known as the "Coanda effect." The Coanda surface may be a curved surface. The second bladeless fan may increase the air flow. The increase in air flow may be up to 40 times, specifically 5 to 18 times.

[0037] The second bladeless fan may take in and push the second gas flow through a second compressed air outlet adjacent the first "Coanda" surface, thereby taking in ambient air. In particular, the second compressed air outlet may be configured to push air substantially over the second Coanda surface.

[0038] The second Coanda surface may be positioned around the inner circumference of the inlet. In particular, the second Coanda surface may form a closed loop around the inner circumference of the inlet. Similarly, the second compressed air outlet may be positioned around the inner circumference of the inlet. In particular, the second compressed air outlet may form a closed loop around the inner circumference of the inlet. The second compressed air outlet may comprise a ring nozzle and / or other types of nozzles, such as an elliptical or tip ring nozzle.

[0039] The second compressed vapor gas may have a pressure above the ambient pressure. The second compressed gas stream may have a pressure of 1 to 4 bar, in particular 2 to 3 bar, or even approximately 2.5 bar.

[0040] The second compressed gas stream may be conveyed via a supply line to a second bladeless fan.

[0041] The second compressed gas stream may have a temperature below ambient. Thus, the air supplied to the second bladeless fan may be denser than ambient air. However, in alternative arrangements, the second compressed gas stream may have a temperature above ambient or substantially equal to ambient.

[0042] The second amplified gas flow may be a combination of the second compressed gas flow and entrained ambient air.

[0043] The second fan may further comprise a screen to filter the ambient air before it is drawn in by the second bladeless fan. In this way, damage to the second bladeless fan from gravel and / or particulates may be prevented. The screen may comprise a grate and / or a mesh.

[0044] The second fan may form part of a conventional reduced pressure system (which may be included within the present system) and may provide a bag accumulation system.

[0045] The system may form part of a vehicle, such as a car, van, lorry, motorcycle, aircraft, helicopter or other similar vehicle.

[0046] The disc brake assembly may further include a vane, the edge of which may be located adjacent an outer surface of the brake disc, the outer surface of the brake disc being parallel to a radial surface of the brake disc.

[0047] In this way, the vanes may act to prevent a boundary layer from forming adjacent the surface of the brake disc as it rotates by effectively "cutting" the layer of substantially stationary air immediately next to the surface of the brake disc and diverting it away from the brake disc. This allows air to pass over the brake disc and directly contact its surface, thereby improving cooling of the brake disc, which may reduce the risk of brake disc damage and reduced efficiency due to high operating temperatures.

[0048] The disc brake assembly may be configured to cool the brake disc by forcing air over a surface portion of the brake disc adjacent the vanes. In this manner, the vanes eliminate the boundary layer adjacent the surface of the brake disc, and the disc brake assembly forces air directly over the surface of the brake disc, whereby heat from the disc may be transferred to the air.

[0049] The disc brake assembly may include a cooling outlet directed toward a surface portion of the brake disc adjacent the vanes.

[0050] The vanes may have a flat surface. The plane of this surface is disposed offset at an angle from the outer surface of the brake disc. The angle between the surface and the outer surface of the brake disc may be fixed or adjustable. The angle may be 1° or 90°, or any angle therebetween. For example, the angle may be 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 60°, 70°, or 80°.

[0051] During rotation of the brake disc, the cooling outlets may be configured to blow air onto a portion of the brake disc after it has passed through the vanes. The air blown from the cooling outlets may be at or below ambient temperature.

[0052] An edge of the vane located adjacent to the surface of the disc brake may mean that the edge of the vane is close to but does not touch the surface of the brake disc. For example the vane may be within 5mm or even 1mm of the surface of the brake disc. Alternatively the vane may touch the surface of the brake disc.

[0053] The vanes may be stationary relative to the brake disc. Alternatively, the vanes may rotate relative to the brake disc. The vanes may be connectable to an inner surface of the container. Alternatively, the vanes may be connectable to the brake disc.

[0054] The vanes may extend radially relative to the brake disc, or in a direction offset from the radial direction of the brake disc. The vanes may extend from the centre of rotation of the brake disc towards the periphery of the brake disc. Alternatively, the vanes may extend over only a portion of this distance.

[0055] The disc brake assembly may include a plurality of vanes, for example, two, three, four, or more.

[0056] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of collecting particulates from a disc brake assembly, the method comprising the steps of: providing a system according to the first aspect; activating a first fan to introduce air into a container via an inlet; and activating a second fan to draw air from the container via an outlet.

[0057] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a disc brake assembly comprising a brake disc and a vane, the edge of the vane being located adjacent to an outer surface of the brake disc, the outer surface of the brake disc may be parallel to a radial surface of the brake disc.

[0058] The vanes may thus act to prevent a boundary layer from forming adjacent the brake disc surface as the brake disc rotates, by effectively "cutting" the layer of substantially stationary air immediately next to the brake disc surface and diverting it away from the brake disc. This allows air to pass over the brake disc and directly contact its surface, thereby improving cooling of the brake disc, which may reduce the risk of brake disc damage and reduced efficiency due to high operating temperatures.

[0059] The disc brake assembly may be configured to cool the brake disc by forcing air over a surface portion of the brake disc adjacent the vanes, such that the vanes eliminate the boundary layer adjacent the surface of the brake disc, and the disc brake assembly forces air directly over the surface of the brake disc, whereby heat from the disc may be transferred to the air.

[0060] The disc brake assembly may include a cooling outlet directed toward a surface portion of the brake disc adjacent the vanes.

[0061] The vanes may have a flat surface. The plane of this surface is disposed offset at an angle from the outer surface of the brake disc. The angle between the surface and the outer surface of the brake disc may be fixed or adjustable. The angle may be 1° or 90°, or any angle therebetween. For example, the angle may be 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 60°, 70°, or 80°.

[0062] During rotation of the brake disc, the cooling outlets may be configured to blow air onto a portion of the brake disc after the air has passed through the vanes, The air blown from the cooling outlets may be at or below ambient temperature.

[0063] The edge of the vane being located adjacent to the surface of the disc brake may mean that the edge of the vane is close to but does not touch the surface of the brake disc. For example the vane may be within 5mm or even 1mm of the surface of the brake disc. Alternatively the vane may touch the surface of the brake disc.

[0064] The vane may be stationary relative to the brake disc. Alternatively, the vane may rotate relative to the brake disc. The vane may be connectable to an inner surface of the container as described in the first aspect. Alternatively, the vane may be connectable to a brake caliper.

[0065] The vanes may extend radially relative to the brake disc, or in a direction offset from the radial direction of the brake disc. The vanes may extend from the centre of rotation of the brake disc towards the periphery of the brake disc. Alternatively, the vanes may extend over only a portion of this distance.

[0066] The disc brake assembly may include a plurality of vanes, for example, two, three, four, or more.

[0067] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cooling a brake disc comprising the steps of: providing a disc brake assembly of the third aspect; providing means for rotating the brake disc such that a boundary layer forms adjacent a surface of the brake disc; removing the boundary layer adjacent to the brake disc via vanes; and passing air over the brake disc to allow it to directly contact the surface of the brake disc.

[0068] These and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention. This description is given only by way of example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The reference figures referred to below refer to the attached drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0069] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a particulate collection system for a disc brake assembly. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of a disc brake assembly with vanes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0070] The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings shown are schematic and non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all features of the invention and therefore need not necessarily be considered an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some elements may be exaggerated and not to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reduction to practice of the invention.

[0071] Moreover, the terms first, second, third, etc., in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and do not necessarily represent any order, either temporally or spatially, in ranking or in any other manner, It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operations may be in other orders than those described or illustrated herein.

[0072] Moreover, terms such as top, bottom, upward, downward, and the like, in this specification and claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to denote relative positions, with it being understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is possible in other directions than those described or illustrated herein.

[0073] It should be noted that the term "comprising" used in the claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the means recited thereafter, and should not exclude other elements or steps. Thus, when referred to, it should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, or components, but not as excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprises means A and B" should not be limited to a device consisting of only components A and B. In the context of the present invention, it simply means that the relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0074] References throughout this specification to an "embodiment" or "aspect" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the invention. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "in an aspect" appearing in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to all of the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to various embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics in any embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

[0075] Similarly, in the description, it should be understood that various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, drawing, or description for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects. However, this method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect is not necessarily considered an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects may extend to less than all of the features of a single embodiment disclosed above. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the invention.

[0076] Moreover, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, a combination of features in different embodiments is meant to be within the scope of the present invention and forms yet another embodiment, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0077] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0078] In the description of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values ​​at the upper or lower limits of a permissible range of a parameter is to be taken as an implicit expression that one of those values ​​is more preferred than the other, and that each intermediate value of said parameter lying between said more preferred and less preferred alternatives is itself preferred over said less preferred value, and also over each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

[0079] Use of the term "at least one" may mean only one in certain contexts.

[0080] The principles of the present invention will now be described through detailed descriptions of at least one drawing of exemplary features of the present invention. It is clear that other arrangements can be constructed according to the understanding of those skilled in the art without departing from the concept or technical teachings underlying the present invention. The present invention is limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

[0081] FIG 1 is a particulate collection system for a disc brake assembly comprising a rotor 1 mounted on an axle 3 and a caliper 5 arranged to clamp the rotor when actuated. A container 7 encloses the features described above and is shown in see-through for clarity. In an embodiment, the container 7 is transparent or translucent. An inlet 9 is provided at the top right of the container 7 as shown in the figure, and a first fan 11 is provided at the inlet 9 for introducing air into the container 7 via the inlet 9. An outlet 13 is provided at the bottom left of the container 7 as shown in the figure, and a second fan 15 is provided at the outlet 13 for drawing air out of the container 7 via the outlet 13.

[0082] 2 is a side view of a disc brake assembly viewed perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the brake disc 101. The disc brake assembly comprises a brake disc 101 mounted on an axis 103 and a vane 110. An edge of the vane 110 is located adjacent to an outer surface 105 of the brake disc 101. The vane 110 is disposed at an angle offset from the outer surface 105 of the brake disc 101. The boundary layer resulting from the rotation of the brake disc is represented by the dashed region 120 as the brake disc rotates in the X direction. In use, the presence of the vane 110 adjacent the surface 105 of the brake disc 101 eliminates the boundary layer 120 formed adjacent to the surface 105 as shown by the absence of the dashed region on the other side of the vane 110 relative to the dashed region 120.

[0083] The vane 110 shown in FIG. 2 may be incorporated into the particulate collection system of the disc brake assembly in FIG.

Claims

1. 1. A particulate collection system for a disc brake assembly, comprising: Disc brake assembly, a container enclosing the disc brake assembly and having an inlet and an outlet; a first fan configured to introduce air into the vessel via the inlet; a second fan configured to draw air from the vessel through the outlet; A particulate collection system for a disc brake assembly comprising:

2. The particulate collection system of claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a sealing unit.

3. 3. The particulate collection system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and / or second fan comprises a bladeless fan.

4. 4. The particulate accumulation system of claim 3, further comprising a compressor configured to generate a compressed gas flow, the bladeless fan being positioned to receive the compressed gas flow and to push the compressed gas flow over a Coanda surface, the bladeless fan being configured to take in ambient air from an inlet of the fan, the pushed out compressed gas flow generating an amplified gas flow.

5. 5. The particulate collection system of claim 4, wherein the compressor has only a compressor inlet positioned to collect air from the front of the vehicle, whereby dynamic pressure of the vehicle's motion provides the high pressure air.

6. 6. A particulate collection system for a disc brake assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the compressor comprises a pump for supplying air.

7. 7. The particulate accumulation system of claim 6, wherein the pump is electrically driven, mechanically coupled to the vehicle crankshaft and / or rotor vanes, and / or turbo driven.

8. A particulate collection system for a disc brake assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising a controller configured to control the supply of compressed air flow.

9. 9. The disc brake assembly particulate collection system of claim 8, further comprising a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature of the disc brake assembly, the controller configured to responsively control the supply of compressed air flow.

10. 10. The particulate accumulation system of claim 8 or 9, further comprising a braking sensor configured to monitor vehicle braking, the controller configured to responsively control the supply of the first compressed air flow.

11. A particulate collection system for a disc brake assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the compressed gas stream has a temperature below ambient.

12. A particulate entrapment system for a disc brake assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the fan further comprises a screen for filtering ambient air before it is drawn in by the bladeless fan.

13. A vehicle comprising a system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. 1. A method for collecting particulates from a disc brake assembly, comprising: Providing a system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, operating a first fan to introduce air into the vessel via the inlet; operating a second fan to draw air from the container through the outlet; 23. A method for collecting particulates from a disc brake assembly, comprising:

15. 1. A disc brake assembly comprising a brake disc and a vane, an edge of the vane being positioned adjacent an outer surface of the brake disc.

16. 1. A method of cooling a disc brake assembly, comprising: Providing a disc brake assembly as claimed in claim 15, providing means for rotating the brake disc such that a boundary layer forms adjacent a surface of the brake disc; removing the boundary layer adjacent the brake disc via vanes; allowing air to pass over the brake disc and directly contact a surface of the brake disc; A method for cooling a disc brake assembly comprising:

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