Brake Shield with Scraping Projections for Off-Road Debris

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Solution Overview

Problem

Off-road utility vehicles face challenges with mud and debris accumulation on wheel rims and brake assemblies, which can cause damage due to the lack of effective protection and cleaning mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A brake assembly shield with radially extending projections and a scraping surface is integrated into the brake assembly to prevent mud and debris from contacting the brake components, featuring a U-shaped configuration for the brake line shield and angled projections for effective debris removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a brake assembly is used in off-road conditions, then the vehicle can traverse mud and dirt trails, but mud and debris accumulate on the wheel rims and brake components causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoff-road traversal capabilityVSAvoidmud and debris accumulation on brake components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A brake shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the brake assembly and the harmful environment. The shield includes a scraping surface that contacts the wheel rim and projections extending toward the brake components, creating a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between debris and the brake assembly while allowing the vehicle to operate in off-road conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If wheel scrapers are used to remove mud from tires, then tire cleanliness is improved, but the wheel rim and brake areas remain unprotected from mud accumulation and rock contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetire cleaning effectivenessVSAvoidbrake assembly protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brake shield is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it includes a scraping surface for removing mud from the wheel rim and projections that extend to protect the brake components. This multi-functional design provides both tire cleaning and brake protection in a single component, eliminating the need for separate protection systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the brake assembly is exposed to rocks and debris, then the vehicle maintains operational simplicity, but the brake components suffer damage reducing lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrake assembly structureVSAvoidbrake component lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The brake shield with its scraping surface and projections is positioned to preemptively intercept and remove debris before it can contact the brake components. The projections extend radially outward to create a first line of defense that deflects rocks and prevents accumulation, protecting the brake assembly before damage can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11193548B2Brake assembly shield and scraper

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 POLARIS IND INC

AI summary

A brake assembly for a wheel on a vehicle includes a brake disc, a caliper assembly operably coupled to the brake disc, a brake line fluidly coupled to the caliper assembly, and a brake shield positioned adjacent a portion of the caliper assembly. The brake shield includes a first arm positioned on a first side of a portion of the brake disc and a second arm positioned on a second side of the portion of the brake disc. The brake disc further includes a recess configured to receive a portion of the brake line.