Electrical Patents (Class 188/1.11L)
  • Publication number: 20150041258
    Abstract: A mount is provided for fastening a contact conductor of a brake pad wear monitoring device of a disc brake, in particular of a commercial vehicle, on a brake caliper. The contact conductor is secured in a cable guide, which bears against a retaining bracket which extends across a mounting opening of the brake caliper. The cable guide is covered by a cover. The cable guide and/or the cover have at least one spacer element which is arranged in an intermediate space accommodating the contact conductor and bounds the height of the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Alexander ASEN
  • Patent number: 8910753
    Abstract: An air brake monitoring system which provides a warning signal, either visual or audible, to truckers informing them when their brake system needs corrective attention. More particularly, the system of the present invention permits the brake monitoring system to be easily adjusted to account for the needs and desires of the individual vehicle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Fernando De La Cerda
  • Patent number: 8833526
    Abstract: An electric brake apparatus compares an estimated thrust force corresponding to a predetermined rotational position of an electric motor, which is calculated from an electric current/thrust force conversion function, with a reference thrust force based on a rotational position/thrust force table indicating a relationship between the rotational position of the electric motor and a thrust force of a piston to correct and update the electric current/thrust force conversion function, thereby maintaining a predetermined control accuracy despite wear of a brake pad and other changes over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Goto, Hirotaka Oikawa, Takuya Usui
  • Patent number: 8827046
    Abstract: A brake measurement system that utilize angular and/or linear displacement sensors to measure movement of a member operatively coupled to a movable member of a brake, wherein displacement of the movable member of the brake is indicative of brake wear. The system can include a twisted spline member operatively coupled to a moveable member of a brake assembly, and an angular displacement sensor operatively coupled to the twisted spline member. Movement of the moveable member is converted by the twisted spline member into an angular displacement sensed by the angular displacement sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Daniel Cahill
  • Publication number: 20140245824
    Abstract: An assembly (1) for detecting the wear of a brake pad of a disk brake, wherein said assembly comprises at least one sensor body (2) and at least one spring (4), said assembly being suitable for cooperating with said pad (10) which comprises a support plate (11), suitable for being supported by the disk brake, and to which there is associated friction material (12), suitable for to coming into contact with braking surfaces of a disk-brake disk, and wherein said at least one sensor body (2) is coupled geometrically to said support plate (11), said at least one spring (4) surrounding said at least one sensor body (2) so that said at least one spring (4) is positioned in said geometric coupling between said at least one sensor body (2) and said plate (11) and presenting projections (41) for the snap-coupling to said support plate (11), and wherein said at least one spring (4) has indentations (42) bent towards the at least one sensor body (2) for constraining said at least one spring (4) to said at least one sens
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Alberto Bosis, Filippo Cornara
  • Patent number: 8770351
    Abstract: A disk brake device for rail vehicles includes a brake disk for attachment to a chassis and a brake assembly for providing a braking force. The brake assembly has a brake cylinder and a brake caliper that carries a brake pad for cooperating with the brake disk. A sensor is provided on a force transmission path from the brake cylinder to the brake pad. The sensor is configured and arranged to detect a force transfer to the brake disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Engels
  • Patent number: 8739938
    Abstract: A brake component for retarding a rotor includes a wearable friction segment having a thickness, wherein the friction segment is configured to be pressed into contact with the rotor. The brake component also includes a first resistive sensor having an electric resistance and a feature determinative of the electric resistance. The first resistive sensor is mounted on the friction segment and includes an electric connection for communication with an external device. The feature is configured to wear along with the friction segment thereby increasing the electric resistance of the first resistive sensor. A braking system employing the friction brake component to retard rotation of a wheel and for decelerating a motor vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. King, Jerome A. Schneider, Timothy J. Guse
  • Publication number: 20130306410
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for indicating wear on the friction lining of a brake shoe of a disc brake, having an electrically conductive unit which comes into electrical contact with the brake disc when a first predetermined wear limit is reached during braking, wherein the electrically conductive unit is elongate and a section adjacent to the section lying closest to the brake disc in the installed state forms an angle between 0° and 90°, preferably between 2° and 20°, more preferably between 8° and 16° with the plane of the brake disc. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: WABCO Radbremsen GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Stumpf, Wolfgang Falter
  • Publication number: 20130299284
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brake disc (1) having a first (2) and a second friction surface (3), wherein the brake disc has at least one first blind hole (4), in particular one first blind bore, and is configured for making reliable wear monitoring of the brake disc possible in such a way that the first blind hole (4) emanates from the first friction surface (2) and ends within the brake disc (1) at a predetermined spacing from the second friction surface (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: TMD Friction Services GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Lange, Michael Schorn
  • Publication number: 20130192933
    Abstract: A brake component for retarding a rotor includes a wearable friction segment having a thickness, wherein the friction segment is configured to be pressed into contact with the rotor. The brake component also includes a first resistive sensor having an electric resistance and a feature determinative of the electric resistance. The first resistive sensor is mounted on the friction segment and includes an electric connection for communication with an external device. The feature is configured to wear along with the friction segment thereby increasing the electric resistance of the first resistive sensor. A braking system employing the friction brake component to retard rotation of a wheel and for decelerating a motor vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. King, Jerome A. Schneider, Timothy J. Guse
  • Patent number: 8464842
    Abstract: A brake measurement system comprising a measurement mechanism for measuring brake wear operatively coupled to a moveable member of a brake assembly is provided. The system further includes a displacement sensor and a visual indicator. The displacement sensor is operatively coupled to the measurement mechanism, wherein movement of the moveable member is converted by the measurement mechanism into a displacement sensed by the displacement sensor. The visual indicator is operatively connected to the measurement mechanism, wherein the visual indicator displays the movement of the moveable member and consequently the wear of the brake stack at a point on the exterior of an aircraft brake housing for inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Daniel Cahill
  • Patent number: 8430213
    Abstract: Provided is an electric brake capable of accurately estimating the brake pad temperature and securing a sufficient braking force and response. An electric brake has a disc rotor rotating with a wheel, an actuator for rectilinearly actuating a piston in the axial direction of the disc rotor by using an electric motor, a drive controller for controlling the drive of the actuator, a brake pad pressed by the piston to give a frictional resistance to the disc rotor in the direction of rotation, and a braking start position detector for detecting a braking start position of the piston where the disc rotor is brought into contact with the brake pad. The drive controller stores the braking start position detected by the braking start position detector as the maximum braking start position. When the braking start position shifts in the pressing force-increasing direction, the drive controller updates the value stored as the maximum braking-start position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yokoyama, Yoshinari Kawahara, Satoru Kuragaki
  • Patent number: 8387758
    Abstract: A brake adjustment indicator for indicating when an air brake is out of adjustment during a visual inspection of the air brake includes a collar including a perimeter wall defining a bore. The bore of the collar receives a push rod of an air brake to position the collar around the push rod. The collar is inserted into an air piston housing when the air brake is released. At least a portion of the collar extends from the air piston housing to indicate an amount of adjustment needed for the air brake when the air brake is engaged. A flange is coupled to and extends radially outwardly from the collar to abut the air piston housing and inhibit debris entering the air piston housing adjacent to the collar. The flange has an aperture aligned with the bore of the collar to receive the push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Peter A. Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20120211312
    Abstract: A disk brake device for rail vehicles includes a brake disk for attachment to a chassis and a brake assembly for providing a braking force. The brake assembly has a brake cylinder and a brake caliper that carries a brake pad for cooperating with the brake disk. A sensor is provided on a force transmission path from the brake cylinder to the brake pad. The sensor is configured and arranged to detect a force transfer to the brake disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Gerhard Engels
  • Patent number: 8230983
    Abstract: An electrically actuated aircraft brake with a carbon-carbon composite heat pack and an electrical actuator for engaging the heat pack and operating the brake. When the brake is not being applied, the brake actuator is adjusted in dependence upon temperature, for example, by controlling the actuator to maintain a temperature regulated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Meggitt Aerospace Limited
    Inventors: David Alexander Bailey, Jonathan Deric Lumb, Andrew Whittingham
  • Patent number: 8047336
    Abstract: A co-axial wear adjuster and wear sensor for a brake caliper includes a sleeve having an external tooth form engageable with a toothed adjustment wheel of a brake tappet. The sleeve rotates with the tappet and is threaded to engage a relatively non-rotatable, but axially movable, bolt. A wear sensor is partly within the sleeve and has a plunger operably engaged with the bolt. The bolt may be tubular to carry a screw-threaded head whereby a position of the plunger may be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Braking Systems (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Keith Niehorster, Paul Roberts, Martin Pors Taylor
  • Publication number: 20110144879
    Abstract: A method for charging an aircraft braking system for use includes monitoring actuations of an aircraft braking system to identify where generating usage and non-wear generating usage of the aircraft braking system, and charging the aircraft braking system for use based on the identified usage of the aircraft braking system. An apparatus for monitoring usage of aircraft brakes and charging the aircraft brakes for usage includes at least one sensor for sensing a brake output parameter when the aircraft brakes are actuated and providing signals indicative of values of the sensed brake output parameter. The apparatus further includes a processing system for processing the signals and determining whether an actuation of the aircraft brakes is a wear generating usage or a non-wear generating usage and operating a pricing scheme based on actuation of the aircraft brakes and the associated usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Richard John Miller, Ross John Marshall, David Alexander Bailey, Nicholas Charles Griffin
  • Patent number: 7950500
    Abstract: A disc brake, in particular, for a commercial vehicle, has a brake caliper which engages over a brake disc, brake linings which make contact with the brake disc in a functional position, and a brake application device with which one of the brake linings can be pressed, via at least one adjusting spindle, against the brake disc. An adjustment device is rotationally fixed to the adjusting spindle, by which wear-induced change in the running clearance between the brake lining and the brake disc can essentially be compensated. A closure lid covers the adjustment device and is attached to the brake caliper. A lining wear sensor communicates with a step-down gear mechanism connected to the adjusting spindle. The lining wear sensor is embodied as a contactless sensor which rotates on a concentric path has its change in angular position detected by the lining wear sensor and transmitted to an evaluation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Anton Helf
  • Publication number: 20100314203
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assembling a wear indicator on a brake, especially a drum brake. According to said method, a loop is to be formed in the warning conductor of the wear indicator, said loop is to be inserted through a recess in a lining support near a friction lining or between two friction linings, whereupon an insulating piece is to be hooked into the loop, and the insulating piece is to be inserted, particularly, snapped, into the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Hartmut Kohler, Marco Schock, Jorg Korecki
  • Publication number: 20100300816
    Abstract: A method and device are provided for indicating wear of at least one brake pad in a disc brake having an electric motor actuator. The method adds up wear adjustment travel paths of the electric motor actuator and/or of an adjustment motor, and indicates the sum of the wear adjustment paths so obtained as the wear of the brake pad or as a residual brake pad service life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Linke, Markus Stoehr
  • Publication number: 20100286881
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method provide a means for managing wear of brake friction material such that even friction material wear is experienced between brakes. The available friction material of each brake is monitored to determine an amount of wear. Based on the amount of wear, a braking force applied by each brake may be varied to ensure even wear between brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Cahill
  • Publication number: 20100258384
    Abstract: A brake pad of a disc brake is provided, in particular for a commercial vehicle. A pad carrier plate supports a friction lining. A pad-retaining spring, which is movable relative to the pad carrier plate in the clamping direction, is nonreleasably connected by a hood fastened on the pad-retaining spring. An electric final wear indicator is attached with a sensor fitted on the edge of the pad carrier plate. The sensor is retained captively in the fitted position of the brake pad by the pad-retaining spring. The brake pad is designed such that the distance of the fitted pad-retaining spring from the pad carrier plate in the relaxed or substantially relaxed position of the pad-retaining spring in the region of the sensor is the same size as or larger than the associated dimension size of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Robert KREUZEDER
  • Publication number: 20100206671
    Abstract: A brake measurement system comprising a measurement mechanism for measuring brake wear operatively coupled to a moveable member of a brake assembly is provided. The system further includes a displacement sensor and a visual indicator. The displacement sensor is operatively coupled to the measurement mechanism, wherein movement of the moveable member is converted by the measurement mechanism into a displacement sensed by the displacement sensor. The visual indicator is operatively connected to the measurement mechanism, wherein the visual indicator displays the movement of the moveable member and consequently the wear of the brake stack at a point on the exterior of an aircraft brake housing for inspection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric Daniel Cahill
  • Publication number: 20100170752
    Abstract: The system and method for monitoring wear of one or more aircraft parts, such as an aircraft brake, an aircraft tire, a standby system, and landing gear. One or more sensors are provided for sensing a parameter of usage, and an estimate of usage of the part can be determined based upon the signal indicating the sensed value of the parameter of usage of the aircraft part. A plurality of sensors can be provided for sensing usage of a plurality of parts of the aircraft, and the estimate of usage of the part can be stored for access of the estimate by ground personnel. As applied to monitoring wear of an aircraft brake, a linear brake wear indicator attached to the brake moves a discrete distance when the brake is actuated, and a linear position encoder measures the distance traveled by the linear brake wear indicator as an indication of brake usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC.
    Inventor: Garrett H. DeVlieg
  • Patent number: 7712588
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a vehicle brake uses an electric motor to adjust brake clearance based on brake temperature and wheel speed. A temperature sensor transmits brake temperature data to a controller. If a brake is dragging during non-braking events, the controller identifies an increase in brake temperature and actuates the electric motor to increase brake clearance. The controller also adjusts brake clearance to accommodate for brake wear. When wheel speed is above a predetermined speed value, the controller actuates the electric motor to move a non-rotating brake component toward a rotating brake component until a predetermined temperature increase is sensed. Once the predetermined temperature increase is identified, the electric motor moves the non-rotating brake component away from the rotating brake component to provide an optimized brake clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: LaVerne A. Caron
  • Patent number: 7673721
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring electrically-actuated aircraft brakes includes measuring the break heat pack thickness to determine wear of the brake discs and adjusting the measurement so as to give ongoing compensation for temperature variations and hence expansion of the heat pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Meggitt Aerospace Limited
    Inventors: David Alexander Bailey, Jonathan Deric Lumb, Andrew Whittingham
  • Publication number: 20100030490
    Abstract: A brake, system, and method are presented. The brake includes friction material, a backing pad, sensor-wear material embedded within the friction material, and an electronics assembly. The electronics assembly is configured to measure a characteristic of the sensor-wear material, such as the electrical resistance or the temperature of the sensor-wear material. The sensor-wear material may be applied to the brake using a variety of approaches. A condition of the brake, such as a brake-wear value or an estimated-mileage value is determined, based on the measured characteristic of the sensor-wear material. A brake-wear state may be determined by comparing the brake-wear value to one or more thresholds. The brake-wear value, estimated-mileage value, and/or the brake wear state may be indicated on a brake-wear indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc
    Inventors: Mark A. Wright, George L. Wright
  • Publication number: 20100017087
    Abstract: A temperature and/or wear sensor for brake or clutch devices is designed as a thermocouple in which the conductors (20, 22) that are electrically insulated from each other are arranged inside a friction lining (14) and can be connected to each other so as to be electrically conductive by means of a rotatably mounted brake element (12), clutch element or the like, with which the friction lining can be engaged in order to brake or to depress the clutch (FIG. 1). The conductors can be coupled to an electric oscillating circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: TMD Friction Services GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Degenstein
  • Publication number: 20100013620
    Abstract: A brake or clutch lining (10; 12) has a friction lining (22) arranged on a carrier plate (20). For purposes of detecting a critical operating temperature, an electrically conductive material (24) that has a phase-transition temperature that falls within the range of the critical operating temperature of the friction lining to be detected is provided in at least one place in the friction lining (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: TMD Friction Services GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Degenstein, Andreas Elvenkemper, Erik Berger
  • Publication number: 20090281702
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for resolving stack closure of a brake disk stack in a brake system is disclosed. In resolving the stack closure position, a force that can be applied by the reciprocating ram to the brake disk stack is limited, and then the reciprocating ram is commended to traverse into the brake disk stack. When the reciprocating ram contacts the brake disk stack and stops moving, the stopped position of the reciprocating ram is identified as the stack closure position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Eric D. Cahill
  • Publication number: 20090229926
    Abstract: A proximity sensor 20, 21, 22 and method for detection of wear in a brake disc stack 55 on an aircraft including a wear pin 40, 43, 50 for moving in a first direction as the brake wears, and a switch 20, 21, 22 for measuring movement of the wear pin in the first direction. When the wear pin 40, 43, 50 moves in the first direction to a predetermined position, the switch 20, 21, 22 signals that the brake disc stack 55 has worn the predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Craig Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20090218179
    Abstract: Provided is an electric brake capable of accurately estimating the brake pad temperature and securing a sufficient braking force and response. An electric brake has a disc rotor rotating with a wheel, an actuator for rectilinearly actuating a piston in the axial direction of the disc rotor by using an electric motor, a drive controller for controlling the drive of the actuator, a brake pad pressed by the piston to give a frictional resistance to the disc rotor in the direction of rotation, and a braking start position detector for detecting a braking start position of the piston where the disc rotor is brought into contact with the brake pad. The drive controller stores the braking start position detected by the braking start position detector as the maximum braking start position. When the braking start position shifts in the pressing force-increasing direction, the drive controller updates the value stored as the maximum braking-start position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yokoyama, Yoshinari Kawahara, Satoru Kuragaki
  • Publication number: 20090205910
    Abstract: A brake measurement system that utilize angular and/or linear displacement sensors to measure movement of a member operatively coupled to a movable member of a brake, wherein displacement of the movable member of the brake is indicative of brake wear. The system can include a twisted spline member operatively coupled to a moveable member of a brake assembly, and an angular displacement sensor operatively coupled to the twisted spline member. Movement of the moveable member is converted by the twisted spline member into an angular displacement sensed by the angular displacement sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Eric Daniel Cahill
  • Patent number: 7565954
    Abstract: A brake control apparatus for a vehicle having brake devices for generating pad-pressing forces at respective wheels includes brake control units for individually controlling the pad-pressing forces at the respective wheels; a storing unit for storing drive data required for controlling the pad-pressing force at each wheel; a vehicle-driving-state detector for detecting a driving state of the vehicle; and a vehicle controller for controlling a vehicle driving state using the brake control unit for each wheel. Memory data representing the relationship between a motor position and the pad-pressing force is updated using the state of brake actuators obtained when the driving state of the vehicle is stabilized by operating the brake devices during braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinari Kawahara, Tadahiko Nogami, Takaomi Nishigaito, Atsushi Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20090177362
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper, comprising a gear mechanism for converting the wear-induced displacement into a rotary movement, having a sensor for detecting the rotary movement, wherein a contact-free coupling is provided for transmitting the rotary movement to the sensor. The apparatus is designed in such a way that the sensor generates an analogue or pulse-width-modulated detection signal for determining the wear-induced displacement of the brake lining, wherein the detection signal corresponds to the respective displacement caused by the rotary movement. The invention also related to a corresponding method for measuring the wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Hans-Michael SCHMITT, Martin Blaufuss, Bernhard Knuettel
  • Publication number: 20090145699
    Abstract: Method of detecting a braking state of a braking device of a robot drive, having a frame device which, if required, applies braking forces to a rotating component of the robot drive by means of a first movable frame element. As a result, the braking device is shifted into at least two operating states, in particular a closed state or an open state. In the process, during the transition of the braking device from one state into the other, at least one measuring signal is recorded and a braking state is determined by comparing the at least one measuring signal with reference values established beforehand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventor: Ingvar Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20090120735
    Abstract: The system and method for monitoring wear of one or more aircraft parts, such as an aircraft brake, an aircraft tire, a standby system, and landing gear. One or more sensors are provided for sensing a parameter of usage, and an estimate of usage of the part can be determined based upon the signal indicating the sensed value of the parameter of usage of the aircraft part. A plurality of sensors can be provided for sensing usage of a plurality of parts of the aircraft, and the estimate of usage of the part can be stored for access of the estimate by ground personnel. As applied to monitoring wear of an aircraft brake, a linear brake wear indicator attached to the brake moves a discrete distance when the brake is actuated, and a linear position encoder measures the distance traveled by the linear brake wear indicator as an indication of brake usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Hydro-Aire, Inc.
    Inventor: Garrett H. DeVlieg
  • Publication number: 20090050418
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring brake wear of a brake assembly. A cam shaft may be coupled to a brake assembly and configured such that movement of the cam shaft engages and disengages the brake assembly, a cam shaft movement sensor produces a signal corresponding to a position of the cam shaft, and a control circuit assigns the signal produced by the cam shaft movement sensor at an unadjusted and unengaged position of the brake assembly to a reference cam shaft position, thereafter monitors the signal to determine an engaged cam shaft position when the brake assembly is engaged, and activates at least one indicator if the engaged cam shaft position exceeds a threshold cam shaft position stored in the memory unit. The threshold cam shaft position is based on the reference position and is a cam shaft position beyond which the brake assembly is worn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Victor Vargas, Rodney P. Ehrlich, Paul D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7484599
    Abstract: The system and method for monitoring wear of one or more aircraft parts, such as an aircraft brake, an aircraft tire, a standby system, and landing gear. One or more sensors are provided for sensing a parameter of usage, and an estimate of usage of the part can be determined based upon the signal indicating the sensed value of the parameter of usage of the aircraft part. A plurality of sensors can be provided for sensing usage of a plurality of parts of the aircraft, and the estimate of usage of the part can be stored for access of the estimate by ground personnel. As applied to monitoring wear of an aircraft brake, a linear brake wear indicator attached to the brake moves a discrete distance when the brake is actuated, and a linear position encoder measures the distance travelled by the linear brake wear indicator as an indication of brake usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc.
    Inventor: Garrett H. DeVlieg
  • Patent number: 7464796
    Abstract: The system and method for monitoring wear of one or more aircraft parts, such as an aircraft brake, an aircraft tire, a standby system, and landing gear. One or more sensors are provided for sensing a parameter of usage, and an estimate of usage of the part can be determined based upon the signal indicating the sensed value of the parameter of usage of the aircraft part. A plurality of sensors can be provided for sensing usage of a plurality of parts of the aircraft, and the estimate of usage of the part can be stored for access of the estimate by ground personnel. As applied to monitoring wear of an aircraft brake, a linear brake wear indicator attached to the brake moves a discrete distance when the brake is actuated, and a linear position encoder measures the distance travelled by the linear brake wear indicator as an indication of brake usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc.
    Inventor: Garrett H. Devlieg
  • Patent number: 7445091
    Abstract: An electrically operated brake device in which braking force differences between electrically operated brakes are reduced to prevent unstable vehicle traveling during braking. Motors 13 of electrically operated brakes are returned to standard positions during the stop of a vehicle and the motor 13 of each of the brakes is driven for a predetermined amount, pressing a brake pad 17 against a disc rotor 18 to produce a braking force. An electric current value of each motor 13 in the above operation is measured and differences between the values are calculated. Electric current of each motor is increased or decreased so that there is no current difference between the motors 13. Based on a drive amount of each motor in this operation, standard positions of the motors are determined and updated. Repeating the above operations reduces braking force differences between the brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinari Kawahara, Kousaku Ohno, Atsushi Yokoyama, Mitsuhide Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20080257657
    Abstract: A warning system is adapted to indicate disc brake and wheel component incompatibility. The system includes an element having a section that is disposed so as to extend between a non-rotating disc brake component and a rotating contour of the wheel component at a location of minimum clearance between the non-rotating disc brake component and the wheel component. Optionally, the warning system defines part of a brake pad wear indication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: BENDIX SPICER FOUNDATION BRAKE LLC
    Inventor: Alf SIEBKE
  • Publication number: 20080190712
    Abstract: A brake pad for a vehicle includes a back plate and a lining made of a friction material, and the lining includes a wireless identification device adapted to identify the brake pad. The brake pad enables wireless identification of brake pads and also makes it possible to obtain a wireless signal when the brake pad is worn a predefined quantity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventor: Yngve Hagberg
  • Publication number: 20080092641
    Abstract: A braking system including a torque tube and a rotor-stator stack, wherein the torque tube at least partially deforms during braking. The torque tube includes a passage formed in therein, and a displacement sensor is placed with the passage, wherein the displacement sensor detects deformation of the torque tube. The signal can be used as a measure of actual braking torque applied to the one or more wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Cahill, Robert Brundrett
  • Publication number: 20080073160
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for detecting wear of a brake lining of a vehicular brake system, the sensor being imbedded in the brake lining and worn off by the brake disk (3) of the brake system, where according to the invention a block (2) of predetermined size of resistance material is mounted between two spaced electrically conductive sensors (1), the block (2) being electrically connected to the supports (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel Dobler
  • Publication number: 20080073161
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a sensor system for monitoring at least the wear of lining material of a disc brake. It may also be used to monitor the stroke of the brake actuator. The sensor system uses the position of an adjusting mechanism or a thrust plate as an indication of the wear of the lining material. The sensor system is mounted in a way to use a caliper of the disc brake as a measuring reference. The sensor system comprises a memory arranged to receive a value of the detected wear and comprises a logic circuit arranged to indicate if the brake is in a released position or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Matti Pettersson, Leif Arvidsson, Anders Persson
  • Patent number: 7322447
    Abstract: A disc brake has a brake disc and a brake caliper spanning the brake disc. A brake applicator shaft is supported on the brake caliper and arranged transversely to an axis of rotation of the brake disc. The brake applicator shaft has a rotary lever for actuating the brake applicator shaft. An adjusting device provided with a thrust spindle having an end face facing away from the brake disc is provided. The brake applicator shaft transmits upon brake application a brake force through the thrust spindle onto the brake disc. A monitoring device is provided that has a measuring element moveable relative to the brake caliper and resting against the end face of the thrust spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: WABCO Radbremsen GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Deckhut, Martin Stumpf
  • Patent number: 7299899
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a digital sensor for monitoring the wear of lining material of a disc brake. The sensor is to be attached to the end of an adjusting shaft of an adjusting mechanism, which mechanism is used for adjusting the position of brake pads in relation to the brake disc. The sensor has two or more code parts of which one is rotated continuously by rotation of the adjustment shaft. The code parts have paths of codes to be read by detectors placed on a PCB. The PCB has circuitry to relate the position of the sensor to the wear of the lining material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products AB
    Inventors: Lars Severinsson, Anders Persson, Luis Tormo
  • Publication number: 20070256901
    Abstract: A co-axial wear adjuster and wear sensor for a brake caliper includes a sleeve having an external tooth form engageable with a toothed adjustment wheel of a brake tappet. The sleeve rotates with the tappet and is threaded to engage a relatively non-rotatable, but axially movable, bolt. A wear sensor is partly within the sleeve and has a plunger operably engaged with the bolt. The bolt may be tubular to carry a screw-threaded head whereby a position of the plunger may be set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: Keith Niehorster, Paul Roberts, Martin Taylor
  • Publication number: 20070235267
    Abstract: A system and method for establishing a running clearance position for an electromechanical actuator, wherein the running clearance is based on an actuator ram position attained during an advancement of the actuator ram using a current limit that is less than a current limit used for the application of braking force to a brake stack. Generated is a commandable running clearance position as a function of the position value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael Liebert