Abstract: A brake assembly having a retraction spring. The retraction spring may be mounted to a first brake pad module and a second brake pad module. The retraction spring may have an anti-rotation feature that inhibits rotation of the retraction spring. The anti-rotation feature may engage the first brake pad module.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating a component of a vehicle, such as a brake pad of a rail vehicle, is provided. An imaging component can acquire image data for a target area of the vehicle within which at least a portion of the component is visible. The target area can be illuminated by an illumination device that is, for example, horizontally offset from the imaging device to highlight the three-dimensional structure in the target area by creating shadows in the image data. A set of points corresponding to the component can be identified in the image data using the shadows. A measurement for at least one attribute of the component can be calculated from the set of points.

Abstract: For rapid and precise actuation of a friction brake, the thermal expansion of the friction brake is determined using a thermal model of the friction brake and therefrom the temperature-dependent shift in the contact point is determined for the braking operation and the temperature-dependent shift in the contact point is taken into account when determining the actuation measure of the friction brake to be adjusted.

Abstract: A cover panel (1) for a disc brake (2) for covering an installation opening (5) of the disc brake (2), wherein the disc brake (2) comprises a brake carrier (13) and a brake caliper (3) sliding on the brake carrier (13) axially in the direction of an application side (Z) or axially in the direction of a rim side (F).

Abstract: A machine includes an engine, a brake system, a speed sensor, a grade sensor, a load sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to: determine a grade force based on the weight of the machine and the grade at which the machine is disposed; determine a deceleration force based on a target deceleration and the weight of the machine; monitor the speed at which the machine is traveling; determine an actual deceleration of the machine based on the monitored speed at which the machine is traveling; determine a deceleration error based on a difference between the actual deceleration and the target deceleration; determine a force correction based on the deceleration error; and control the brake system to apply a total brake force equal to the sum of the grade force, the deceleration force, and the force correction.

Abstract: A method for determining part wear, such as using a wear model, includes receiving, from a sensor, sensor data representing a surface of a wear part. The method further includes determining an estimated time until the part should be replaced. The method further includes batching together multiple wear parts that need replacing to enable a user to replace multiple parts in one maintenance period. The method may also include providing information to the user during replacement of a worn part to indicate the part location.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a wear warning device including a caliper, two brake pads, an elastic component and a first switch. The caliper has two push parts. The two push parts are respectively disposed at a first wall surface and a second wall surface of the caliper. The brake pads are located between the two push parts. The elastic component includes two arm parts and a connection part located between the arm parts. The arm parts are respectively disposed on the brake pads. The first switch is located between the arm parts. When the brake pads are in a worn-out state and the push parts are moved toward each other to force the brake pads to clamp a brake disk and to force the two arm parts to move toward each other, one of the arm parts activates the first switch to produce a wear warning signal.

Abstract: A brake pad of a disc brake, in particular for a disc brake for a utility vehicle, has a backing plate, which bears a friction lining and to which an element that can be moved in relation to the backing plate is connected, and an electrical wear sensor designed in such a way that the wear sensor is arranged on the element that can be moved in relation to the backing plate so that the wear sensor itself can be moved in relation to the backing plate.

Abstract: A brake pad wear sensing system for measuring brake pad wear for a vehicle disc brake system includes an RF communication circuit for transmitting an RF signal including brake pad wear data. The system also includes a vehicle-based receiver including an RF communication circuit for receiving the brake pad wear data in the RF signal transmitted by the wear sensor. The vehicle-based receiver is operatively connected to a vehicle-based main controller. The vehicle-based receiver transmits the brake pad wear data to the main controller.

Abstract: A fixed caliper brake for a motor vehicle, including a housing with two housing limbs and a housing bridge connecting the housing limbs in a flexurally rigid manner at a defined distance from one another, pistons, which are received in bores in the housing limbs and are guided displaceably along an axis A in relation to the brake disk, and brake pads which are provided in pairs, are guided in an axially displaceable manner in the housing and arranged in the circumferential direction while being supported against circumferential forces, each brake pad being actuable directly by at least one piston. The brake pads are supported in a form-fitting manner on the housing bridge at least on the run-in side. At least each arm on the run-in side is configured with a hook shape open on the radially outer side and serves at least partially for form-fitting abutment against the housing.

Abstract: A device for transporting hollow bodies, includes: —at least one element for grasping a hollow body, the element including at least one cam follower (30A) made of an electrically conductive material; —at least one fixed cam (32) which is intended to engage with the cam follower (30A), the cam (32) being made of an electrically conductive material; —a contact layer (34) which is made of an electrically insulating material and is interposed between the cam (32) and the cam follower (30A); characterized in that the cam follower (30A) is connected to a first electrical signal (P1) whereas the cam (32) is connected to a second electrical signal (P2), a member (36) being positioned so as to detect electrical contact between the cam follower (30A) and the cam (32).

Abstract: A brake monitoring system and method for a vehicle having multiple axles and a plurality of brake actuators and an engine control module, each brake actuator being associated with one of the axle. The system include sensors for measuring, in real-time, brake pressure and brake lining wear, and generating first and second signals. The first and second signals are received and stored in a chassis communications module. The chassis communications module detects fault condition of the brakes as a function of the first and/or second signals and for recording the fault condition, the fault condition being one of a brake monitor warning and a brake lining warning and provides an indication of status via warning lights.

Abstract: In a method and a device for wear diagnosis of a motor vehicle, driving events and driving conditions occurring during driving operation are detected, the detected driving events and driving conditions are assigned in each case a wear index value using a table which is stored in a memory of the motor vehicle and which adds up the wear index values assigned to the detected driving events and driving conditions in order to form a total wear index value, and the determined total wear index value is compared with a reference total wear index value derived from a stored characteristic curve.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the lining thickness of a brake lining of a friction brake of a vehicle is disclosed, wherein the brake lining interacts with a friction partner, such as a brake disk. The brake lining is equipped with at least one passive transponder of an RFID system, wherein the passive transponder is changed and/or destroyed once the brake lining has reached a defined wear threshold as a result of contact with the friction partner or with an element that is guided by the friction partner, such that the transponder transmits a signal that differs from an expected signal, or no signal, to a reading unit of the RFID system after being illuminated by the reading unit.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle brake monitoring system comprises a sensor assembly configured to detect, during vehicle braking, relative position of a longitudinal member contacting a brake pad carrier, and processing structure communicating with the sensor assembly. The processing structure processes output of the sensor assembly to determine brake status.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wear detection system (10) and to a method for detecting wear, in particular for friction elements, such as brushes, friction linings, brake linings, lubrication pieces or the like, comprising at least one consumable friction element and a transponder unit (11), wherein the transponder unit can communicate wirelessly with a transmitter-receiver unit (12), the wear detection system comprising a shielding device, the shielding device being configured in such a manner that the transponder unit can be at least partially shielded by means of the shielding device as a function of a wear condition of the friction element, such that communication between the transponder unit and the transmitter-receiver unit can be influenced.

Abstract: A component including a surface subject to wear by an electrically conductive wear counterface (50). The component comprises a substrate (10); one or more material layers (32) overlying the substrate (10); a wear surface layer (16) overlying the one or more material layers (32); a first pair of spaced apart and electrically open wear sensor conductors (12/14) disposed in the substrate (10), in the one or more material layers (32), or in the wear surface layer (16); a first wear warning electrical circuit (68/69/70/74) for communicating with the first pair of conductors (12/14) for providing a first wear warning; and wherein when the wear counterface (50) has worn overlying layers, the wear counterface (50) interconnects the first pair of conductors (12/14) to activate the first wear warning circuit (68/69/70/74).

Abstract: An alarm device for a clutch that issues an alarm indicating a lifetime expiration of the clutch that selectively connects and disconnects an input shaft to and from an output shaft, includes: a slip heat release threshold setting unit 104 that establishes a threshold criteria as to a clutch damage or the clutch lifetime, in a form of a relation between a heat release generated in a clutch slip operation and a frequency of the heat release occurrences; and a slip heat release calculator 105 that calculates the heat release during the clutch operation, based on a hydraulic oil pressure in an actual clutch operation and a relative circumferential speed between input and output shafts, the alarm device 11 issues the alarm based on the calculation result through the slip heat release calculating means 105 and the slip heat release threshold setting means 104.

Abstract: A device and method for providing a warning to an operator of a truck/tractor and trailer unit of a potential loss or reduction of brakes. The invention provides a pressure differential sensor (12) which bridges between an air supply line (13, 16) to the spring brakes (17) of a truck/tractor and an air supply line (14) to the trailer. An audible and/or visual warning device (31, 33) coupled to the sensor (12) is activated upon a differential between the pressures in the respective supply lines (13, 16 and 14) being sensed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating the unsafe service handling temperature of an information handling system component are disclosed. A method may include sensing a surface temperature of the component and comparing the surface temperature to a first and second threshold temperatures. The method may further include displaying various temperature warning by multiple temperature indicators if the surface temperature is above or below the threshold temperatures.

Abstract: A brake monitoring system and method for a vehicle having multiple axles and a plurality of brake actuators and an engine control module, each brake actuator being associated with one of the axle. The system include sensors for measuring, in real-time, brake pressure and brake lining wear, and generating first and second signals. The first and second signals are received and stored in a chassis communications module. The chassis communications module detects fault condition of the brakes as a function of the first and/or second signals and for recording the fault condition, the fault condition being one of a brake monitor warning and a brake lining warning and provides an indication of status via warning lights.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sensing wear of a component are described. A wear-sensing device has a wear component and a wireless sensor disposed within the wear component. The sensor generates a signal, detectable by a detector, for confirming the presence of the sensor. Further, the claimed invention includes a positioner for precisely positioning the sensor within the wear component. Also, an authentication module is present for authenticating the sensor.

Abstract: Probe data is analyzed to derive Longitudinal Speed Profiles (LSPs) and an Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) for each road segment or link in a digital map network. The Longitudinal Speed Profiles (LSPs) profiles are calculated during defined time spans whereas the Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) is based on the LSP for the time span corresponding only to free flow traffic conditions. All of the LSPs can used to create a respective energy cost for each time span, or only the OLSP (18) can be used (or alternatively the RRDSL 16 or LRRDSL 17) to calculate an energy cost for the free flow conditions only. The energy cost can be used to predict the energy required by a vehicle to traverse the link. Navigation software can use the energy cost to plan the most energy efficient route between two locations in the digital map. Sensory signals can be activated if a driver strays from the Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) to achieve extremely high levels of energy efficiency.

Abstract: A brake lining monitoring system comprising primarily for automobiles. The monitoring system comprises a sensor for continuously measuring the thickness of a brake lining disposed at each wheel of an automobile, a memory including a plurality of predefined successive thickness value ranges wherein, each thickness value range is associated with a brake lining status message, and a display monitor for displaying the measured thickness value along with the status message associated with the thickness value range to which the measured thickness value corresponds.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a parking assisting apparatus which can selectively determine an appropriate target parking position, which can be used for parking assisting, with an appropriate priority, by appropriately using obstacle detecting means and parking space detecting means in a coordinated fashion. The present invention is a parking assisting apparatus for assisting parking a vehicle, comprising the obstacle detecting means for detecting an obstacle near the vehicle; and parking section line detecting means for detecting a parking section line painted on the ground; wherein if the parking section line is detected by the parking section line detecting means, the apparatus calculates the target parking position based on the detected parking section line.

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).

Abstract: A parking assisting device includes an ambient area detecting unit that detects an obstacle or a parking frame in an ambient area surrounding a vehicle, and a guiding unit guides the vehicle to a parking initial position from which parking of the vehicle to a parking space, adjacent to the detected obstacle, or the detected parking frame is permissible. In the parking assisting device, a guidance mode in which the guiding unit guides the vehicle to the parking initial position is set up based on a distance between the vehicle and the detected obstacle or the detected parking frame in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A parking assistance device includes a guiding unit to perform guidance of a vehicle to a parking initial position from which the vehicle can be parked into a parking space located adjacent to and on a far side of an object existing around the vehicle with respect to a running direction of the vehicle; an obstacle detecting unit to detect an obstacle around the vehicle in response to a reflected wave of a wave emitted from the vehicle in a predetermined direction; and a timing setting unit configured to set a timing to start the guidance in response to a detection result of the obstacle detecting unit, which is related to an obstacle existing in a predetermined distance from the object in the parking space.

Abstract: An unobtrusive system for monitoring the physiological condition of a target user of a vehicle including a wearable device affixed to the target user. A measurement subsystem is releasably coupled to the wearable device configured to measure a concentration of at least one analyte in the blood of the target user at one or more time increments. A proximity sensor is configured to detect the location of the wearable device. A vehicle control subsystem is responsive to the proximity sensor and the measurement subsystem and is configured to determine if the wearable device is proximate a predetermined location in the vehicle and configured to determine if the measured concentration of the at least one analyte exceeds a predetermined threshold concentration level, and based on such a determination, initiate one or more predetermined actions.

Abstract: A self monitoring vehicle braking system includes multiple sensors that gather data associated with the braking system. The data includes wheel speed, road inclination, moisture associated with a surface of the braking system, and audio associated with the road. A processor receives the data from the sensors and processes the data to determine whether a condition of the braking system falls within defined limits and provides to the driver of the vehicle an indication of the braking system condition.

Abstract: A vehicle brake monitoring system comprises a sensor assembly configured to detect, during vehicle braking, relative position of a longitudinal member contacting a brake pad carrier, and processing structure communicating with the sensor assembly. The processing structure processes output of the sensor assembly to determine brake status.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sensing wear of a component are described. A wear-sensing device has a wear component and a wireless sensor disposed within the wear component. The sensor generates a signal, detectable by a detector, for confirming the presence of the sensor. Further, the claimed invention includes a positioner for precisely positioning the sensor within the wear component. Also, an authentication module is present for authenticating the sensor.

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.

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.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the lining thickness of a brake lining of a friction brake of a vehicle is disclosed, wherein the brake lining interacts with a friction partner, such as a brake disk. The brake lining is equipped with at least one passive transponder of an RFID system, wherein the passive transponder is changed and/or destroyed once the brake lining has reached a defined wear threshold as a result of contact with the friction partner or with an element that is guided by the friction partner, such that the transponder transmits a signal that differs from an expected signal, or no signal, to a reading unit of the RFID system after being illuminated by the reading unit.

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.

Abstract: A material wear indication system is provided that includes a friction plate capable of engaging a moving surface and a wear indicator. The friction plate includes a wearable portion and a non-wearable portion. In one embodiment the wear indicator is embedded in the non-wearable portion and is prevented from contacting the moving surface until the wearable surface has been sufficiently eroded. When the wear indicator contacts the moving surface it emits a particulate matter that can be detected by a sensor. The sensor is operable to generate an electrical signal that is transmitted to a control unit when the wearable surface has eroded thereby exposing the wear indicator to the moving surface.

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.

Abstract: In a braking system for a vehicle, having at least one brake pad, with which at least one wear indicator is possibly associated, at least one temperature sensor (6) should be associated with the braking system and/or the wear indicator.

Abstract: A brake shoe for a brake system has a backplate with a friction lining attached thereto and provisions which are mounted in the region of the friction lining that have the purpose of sensing the wear. In order to sense the state of wear of the friction lining and/or in order to identify the brake shoe, a passive transponder is provided which communicates using a wireless transmission technology, preferably using RFID (radio frequency identification) technology.

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.

Abstract: A collision detection apparatus for a vehicle having a vehicle bumper, which includes a bumper reinforcement includes a chamber member, a pressure sensor, and a collision detecting device. The chamber member is provided inside the vehicle bumper at a front surface of the bumper reinforcement. The pressure sensor is configured to sense change of pressure in the chamber space. The chamber member includes a deformable part and a non-deformable part, each of which extends in a vehicle width direction. The deformable part is compressed to be deformed between the collision object and the bumper reinforcement in a case, where the collision object collides with the vehicle bumper. The non-deformable part is limited from being compressed to be deformed.

Abstract: A brake monitoring system and method for a vehicle having multiple axles and a plurality of brake actuators and an engine control module, each brake actuator being associated with one of the axle. The system include sensors for measuring, in real-time, brake pressure and brake lining wear, and generating first and second signals. The first and second signals are received and stored in a chassis communications module. The chassis communications module detects fault condition of the brakes as a function of the first and/or second signals and for recording the fault condition, the fault condition being one of a brake monitor warning and a brake lining warning and provides an indication of status via warning lights.

Abstract: A device and method for providing a warning to an operator of a truck/tractor and trailer unit of a potential loss or reduction of brakes. The invention provides a pressure differential sensor (12) which bridges between an air supply line (13, 16) to the spring brakes (17) of a truck/tractor and an air supply line (14) to the trailer. An audible and/or visual warning device (31, 33) coupled to the sensor (12) is activated upon a differential between the pressures in the respective supply lines (13, 16 and 14) being sensed.

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).

Abstract: A device for the detection of an unauthorised liquid or solid substance in a zone with protected access. The device includes a support base designed to receive a single foot, wearing a shoe of an individual to be checked, an electromagnetic field emitter/receptor operating at least at several frequencies in a specified range of frequencies, a position marker, on the support base, designed to impose a precise positioning of the foot wearing the shoe in relation to the emitter/receptor. The complex impedance is measured of the emitter/receptor influenced by a load which consists of the shoe and its contents, representing the complex dielectric characteristics of the shoe and of its contents. A mechanism is provided for supplying information associated with the measured complex impedance and therefore with the nature of the contents of the said shoe of the individual to be checked.

Abstract: A vehicle on-board unit of a host vehicle is configured to communicate with other vehicle to alert the driver of a potential braking situation in a preceding vehicle. The vehicle on-board unit has an incoming message receiving section, an incoming message relevancy section and a driver warning section. The incoming message receiving section receives a preceding vehicle message containing throttle release data of a preceding vehicle located in front of the host vehicle. The incoming message relevancy section performs a relevancy determination of the throttle release data received. The driver warning section selectively alerts a driver of the host vehicle of a potential braking situation of the preceding vehicle based upon the relevancy determination.

Abstract: A tension control assembly including a rotating member, a braking member, at least one brake pad, a means for driving the at least one brake pad against the braking member, and a temperature sensing means. The braking member is attached to the rotating member. The at least one brake pad is positioned adjacent to the braking member. The means for driving the at least one brake pad against the braking member forces frictional contact between the at least one brake pad and the braking member, thus providing torque to the rotating member. The temperature sensing means measures the temperature of the at least one brake pad.

Abstract: When a user initiates a braking operation, an accelerator position is checked to see if the accelerator opening is about zero, a deceleration threshold value is computed based upon a brake pedal effort, the deceleration of the vehicle is obtained based upon the pedal effort, and an actual deceleration value is obtained by detecting a speed of the vehicle over time. If it is confirmed that an accelerator opening is zero, a comparison is made between the pedal-effort based deceleration threshold value and the actual deceleration are compared to determine if the brake has worn sufficiently to warrant maintenance.