Brake Caliper Cover Mounts for Tool-Free Biased Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Caliper brake systems generate unsightly brake dust and heat, with existing covers being difficult to install and adjust, often requiring specialized tools and removal of the caliper.
Innovation Solution
A caliper cover system with sliding, flexibly engaging mounts that mirror the caliper's shape, allowing easy installation and adjustment without tools, using a C-shaped trailing end and a leading end that deflects to form a compressive engagement, along with adjustable connectors for the cover plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional caliper covers are used, then dust and heat issues are minimized, but installation becomes difficult and requires specialized tools and caliper removal
Solution Approach 1:
The caliper cover is divided into a cover body and separate mounting clips. Each clip is independently installable on the caliper housing, allowing the cover to be assembled in sections rather than as a single piece, which simplifies installation without requiring caliper removal
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clips are made of flexible material that changes its physical state during installation. The clips can be flexed to a non-engaging position for easy installation, then return to their original shape to form a secure compressive engagement with the caliper housing, eliminating the need for specialized tools
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional caliper covers are used, then dust and heat issues are minimized, but the cover becomes hard to remove and adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clips are designed with flexible material that allows dynamic engagement and disengagement. The clips can be flexed to release their compressive engagement with the caliper housing, enabling easy removal and repositioning of the cover without permanent attachment or specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible mounting clips change their physical state between engaged and disengaged positions. By flexing the clips, they transition from a compressed engaging state to a relaxed non-engaging state, allowing the cover to be easily removed, repositioned, and reinstalled
3Strength
If caliper covers are glued to the caliper, then the cover is securely attached, but it becomes unsafe and difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical bonding method (glue) is replaced with a mechanical engagement system using flexible mounting clips. The clips provide secure attachment through elastic deformation and compressive force, allowing the cover to be firmly attached yet easily removed by flexing the clips, eliminating the safety hazards and removal difficulties associated with adhesive bonding
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a secure, adjustable, and easy-to-install caliper cover that minimizes dust and heat issues, maintaining the caliper's functionality while hiding it from view.
Implementation Method 1
The body of the mount is configured with a leading end and a trailing end which extend from opposite sides of a central portion of the body. The body is adapted to flex to allow a gap distance between the leading end and trailing ends, to temporarily increase and thereby allow the distal edge of the leading end to slide on an exterior surface of the housing of the caliper as the mount slides.
Implementation Method 2
The mounts are configured for sliding to a compressed engagement onto a caliper housing. The body is adapted to flex to allow a gap distance between the leading end and trailing ends, to temporarily increase and thereby allow the distal edge of the leading end to slide on an exterior surface of the housing of the caliper as the mount slides.
Data Source
AI summary
A caliper cover has a first mount and a second mount which are configured to engage with opposing sides of a brake caliper. A cover is engaged to the first and second mounts with a pair of struts extending between the mounts and the cover. Each mount is configured for engagement to the caliper without tools through a sliding to a preliminary position and then by imparting pressure to flex the body of the mount to expand and compress upon opposite sides of the brake caliper.