System with an assistant for installing a wear sensor in a vehicle brake system and method for assisting installation of a wear sensor in a brake system

A system with a processing unit assists in accurately positioning wear sensors in brake systems, addressing the issue of incorrect sensor assembly and improving wear detection precision and maintenance efficiency.

WO2025160644A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-08-07INSTITUTO HERCILIO RANDON
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/BR2025/050027
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-01-29
Filing Date
2025-01-28
Publication Date
2025-08-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing brake systems lack an effective method to ensure accurate positioning of wear sensors, leading to incorrect detection of friction material wear, which compromises vehicle safety and maintenance efficiency.

Method used

A system with a processing unit that evaluates the assembly position of a wear sensor in a brake system based on signals read by the sensor, providing guidance for correct positioning and issuing alerts for incorrect assembly.

Benefits of technology

Ensures precise and easy assembly of wear sensors, enabling accurate detection of friction material wear, thereby enhancing vehicle safety and maintenance efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention describes a system with an assistant for installing a wear sensor assembly in a vehicle brake system and a method for assisting the installation of a wear sensor assembly in a brake system. The present invention specifically comprises a system provided with a processor comprising an assistant tool that assists with the installation of a wear sensor assembly in the brake system, so that the assistant tool evaluates and indicates the correct or incorrect installation position of the wear sensor assembly in the brake system on the basis of a signal read by the wear sensor assembly itself. Thus, the present system allows easy verification of the installation of the sensor assembly in the brake system, providing improved accuracy in the installation of components and supporting the precise identification of friction material wear. The present invention pertains to the fields of automotive engineering, on-board electronics and braking and sensing systems.
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Description

Descriptive Report of Invention Patent SYSTEM WITH ASSEMBLY ASSISTANT FOR SENSOR ASSEMBLY WEAR IN VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM AND ASSISTANCE METHOD IN ASSEMBLY OF WEAR SENSOR ASSEMBLY IN SYSTEM BRAKE Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention comprises a system provided with a processor and an assistant tool that assists in the assembly of a wear sensor assembly in the brake system. The assistant tool evaluates and indicates the correct or incorrect mounting position of the wear sensor assembly in the brake system, based on a signal read by the wear sensor assembly itself. The present invention relates to the fields of automotive, on-board electronics, brake systems, and sensing. Background of the Invention

[0002] Many vehicles use drum brakes in their braking systems, especially those found in heavy-duty vehicles and on the rear axle of many urban vehicles. Drum brake systems generally consist of a brake drum that rotates in tandem with the vehicle's wheel. When the brake is applied, an actuator moves the internal mechanisms, which move the drum outward from the center, creating a force that opposes the rotation of the vehicle's axle.

[0003] In these drum brake systems, when the driver presses the brake pedal, the brake chamber moves an adjuster (or brake ratchet), which rotates an S-cam shaft. This causes the S-cam to move two brake shoes, via inner pads, toward the brake drum. The shoes are fitted with a friction material designed to generate a frictional force that opposes the rotation of the vehicle's axle. This friction material is often referred to as brake lining.

[0004] As the driver applies the brakes, the friction material naturally wears out. Therefore, over time, the friction material needs to be replaced. Therefore, many automakers establish an average usage time for maintenance and replacement of the friction material, and other, more modern solutions are being developed to enable monitoring of the wear of these friction materials in drum brake systems through an onboard electronic system.

[0005] These more modern solutions integrate friction material wear detection sensors to ensure proper brake system maintenance and vehicle safety. These sensors allow real-time monitoring of friction material wear, preventing failures and ensuring that braking components are always in optimal operating condition.

[0006] In view of this, these electronic systems generally use hall-type sensors and magnets to detect the clearance generated between the adjuster mechanism and the S-cam shaft of the drum brake system, or by measuring the angular displacement of the shaft movement and thus detect the wear of the friction material.

[0007] In this sense, for the set of sensors and magnets to work correctly, that is, to accurately detect the wear of the friction material, the set of sensors must be assembled properly so that the detection of the variation in the generated magnetic field is correct, since, if the sensors are poorly positioned, the detection of the wear of the friction material will be incorrect or inaccurate.

[0008] In the search for the state of the art in scientific and patent literature, the following documents were found that deal with the topic:

[0009] Document WO2023 / 212794A1 discloses a system for monitoring wear of friction material in a drum brake system, in which the relative movement between adjuster and shaft is detected by a sensor of wear and correlated with the wear of the friction material. However, document WO2023 / 212794A1 does not disclose a system with an assistant for mounting the wear sensor on the axle, which assists in mounting the wear sensor on the brake system by detecting the positioning of the wear sensor, indicating whether the wear sensor is correctly or incorrectly mounted.

[0010] Document US2013265037A1 discloses an angle sensor used to detect and correct misalignment between a sensor and a magnet, with industrial and automotive applications, acting as a redundancy sensor. The angle sensor consists of three magnetic sensors to detect the magnetic field of a magnet, and the signals provide information that feeds an error function that calculates the misalignment. The angle sensor can be incorporated into an angle measuring device that has a processor to generate a rotation angle value. Finally, the system can operate in two modes. The first mode includes a processor configured to implement the error function and correct the angle value for the detected misalignment. In the other mode, the error function is performed by a programming device, and the detected misalignment is corrected by mechanically adjusting the sensor-magnet position.

[0011] However, document US2013265037A1 does not reveal a system with an assistant for mounting the wear sensor next to the axle, which assists in mounting the wear sensor next to the brake system based on a signal detected by the wear sensor itself, indicating the correct or incorrect mounting of the wear sensor.

[0012] Document US2013253762A1 discloses a brake monitoring system that uses magnetic sensors to detect brake adjuster / actuator positioning and transmit a brake condition signal. Furthermore, the document generically mentions electronic calibration steps for the sensors, which use calibration software. However, document US2013253762A1 does not disclose a system with a wear sensor installation wizard. to the axle, which helps in mounting the wear sensor to the brake system based on a signal detected by the wear sensor itself, indicating the correct or incorrect mounting of the wear sensor.

[0013] Thus, from what can be inferred from the literature researched, no documents were found anticipating or suggesting the teachings of the present invention, so that the solution proposed here has novelty and inventive step compared to the state of the art. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Thus, the present invention solves the problems of the prior art based on a system provided with an intelligent processing unit that assists in the assembly of a wear sensor assembly in a brake system, in which the processing unit evaluates the assembly position of the wear sensor assembly in the brake system, based on a signal read by the wear sensor assembly itself, and indicates the correct or incorrect positioning of the wear sensor assembly.

[0015] This system, among other advantages, provides greater precision and ease in identifying the mounting position of the wear sensor assembly, which prevents the wear sensor assembly from being assembled incorrectly and, consequently, helps the wear sensor assembly correctly identify the wear of the brake system's friction material.

[0016] Thus, a first object of the invention is a method for assisting in assembling a wear sensor in a vehicle brake system, which comprises a step of evaluating the assembly position of the wear sensor assembly in the brake system, by a processing unit, through at least one signal read by the wear sensor assembly.

[0017] Another object of the invention is a system with an assistant for assembling a wear sensor in a vehicle brake system, which comprises a processing unit communicating with the wear sensor assembly. wear associated with the brake system, in which the processing unit comprises at least one function for evaluating the mounting position of the wear sensor assembly in the brake system, through at least one signal read by the wear sensor assembly.

[0018] Another object of the invention is a system with an assistant for assembling a wear sensor in a vehicle brake system, which comprises a processing unit provided with a failure alert tool that detects a failure in the positioning of the wear sensor assembly through at least one signal read by the wear sensor assembly.

[0019] Another object of the invention is a system with an assistant for assembling a wear sensor in a vehicle brake system, provided with an assembly guide to assist in assembling a wear sensor assembly in a vehicle brake system, in which the assembly guide evaluates the positioning of the wear sensor assembly to interpret whether the wear sensor assembly is mounted in a correct or incorrect position.

[0020] Furthermore, another object of the invention is a vehicle brake system comprising a wear sensor assembly, in which the wear sensor assembly is communicative with a processing unit, in which the processing unit comprises at least one function for evaluating the mounting position of the wear sensor assembly, through at least one signal read by the wear sensor assembly.

[0021] These and other objects of the invention will be immediately appreciated by those skilled in the art and will be described in detail below. Brief Description of the Figures

[0022] In order to better define and clarify the content of this patent application, the following figures are presented:

[0023] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a conventional drum brake system.

[0024] Figure 2 shows another view of a schematic of a system conventional drum brake.

[0025] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of operating steps of the system of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of operating steps of the system of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a drum brake system (3), illustrating the wear sensor assembly (1) communicating with the processing unit (2). Detailed Description of the Invention

[0028] The present invention is applicable to brake systems that have a wear sensor for reading and identifying wear on the brake system's friction material. In this sense, the present invention comprises an assistant system that allows for the installation of a wear sensor in the brake system.

[0029] This system has applications in braking systems across a variety of industries, including industrial and automotive. For example, this system can be applied to automotive, railway, heavy-duty vehicle, aircraft, and spacecraft braking systems, as well as to elevator and industrial machinery braking systems in general.

[0030] In this sense, the present invention proposes a system for assisting in assembling the wear sensor in the brake system, which acts as a guide for the correct positioning of the wear sensor in the brake system.

[0031] To this end, this system comprises a processing unit (2) equipped with assistant functions that assist in mounting the sensor in the brake system, indicating whether the wear sensor assembly is correctly positioned or not, as well as indicating the movement to be performed so that the sensor is correctly positioned. In an intuitive and practical manner, this system allows the wear sensor to be accurately positioned in the brake system, so that the wear sensor can subsequently correctly read the wear that has occurred on the lining (8) (friction material) of the brake system.

[0032] For the purposes of the present invention, the processing unit (2) is any electronic component capable of executing a set of previously established instructions, reading sensor data, processing such data and making defined correlations. In one embodiment, the processing unit (2) is a microcontroller or a microprocessor. In one embodiment, the processing unit (2) is embedded with the wear sensor assembly (1) of the brake system (3). In another embodiment, the processing unit (2) is an external device communicating with the wear sensor assembly (1).

[0033] For the purposes of this invention, the "wear sensor assembly" or simply "wear sensor" consists of at least two components: a fixed component and a movable component. The signal read by the wear sensor assembly is a magnetic signal originating from the relationship between the two components. Thus, movement between these two components causes a change in the magnetic field, which is sufficient for signal detection / measurement. In a specific embodiment, the component emitting the magnetic field is a magnet, electromagnet, conductive wire, etc., and the component detecting the magnetic field is any sensor that receives the magnetic field generated by the emitter.

[0034] As discussed above, in drum brake systems, a magnetic field emitting component is associated with a shaft (5) of the brake system, so that the other detector component detects the relative movement between a brake adjuster (4) and the magnetic field emitter associated with the shaft (5), generating data that is correlated with the wear of friction material, from the signal read by the detector.

[0035] It is worth highlighting that this brief description of the schematic of a conventional drum brake system should not restrict the inventive concept proposed in this patent application, since the invention applies to other drum brake models and disc brake models also by providing calibration of the wear information of the friction material (8), whether canvas or pad.

[0036] Thus, a first object of the invention is a method for assisting in assembling a wear sensor assembly in a vehicle brake system, which comprises a step of evaluating the assembly position of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3), by a processing unit (2), through at least one signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1).

[0037] In one embodiment, said step of evaluating the mounting position is performed by an assistant tool implemented in the processing unit (2), which interprets the signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1) and generates data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3). In one embodiment, the assistant tool is capable of interpreting the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the wear sensor assembly (1) and generating data, which corresponds to the data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3).

[0038] An assistant tool is defined as a resource or application designed to optimize a process, providing functions to perform actions aimed at automating tasks. In one embodiment, the assistant tool is an algorithm with logical functions capable of evaluating the mounting position of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3) and indicating whether the wear sensor assembly (1) is positioned correctly or incorrectly.

[0039] In one embodiment, the data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3) is compared with reference information, by means of the assistant tool, to indicate the correct or incorrect positioning of the assembly (1).

[0040] Within the scope of the present invention, referential information is any information adopted as a reference standard for comparison with the positioning data of the wear sensor assembly (1), this information being previously defined, in a statistical manner, through usual practices, among others. For purposes of example without limitation of scope, this reference information is a numerical value or a range of predetermined values, a physical point, a visual marking, or a combination of any of these.

[0041] In one embodiment, if the data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1 ), interpreted by the assistant tool, is different from the reference information, the assistant tool indicates that the wear sensor assembly (1 ) is incorrectly positioned in the brake system (3). In contrast, if the data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1 ), interpreted by the assistant tool, is equivalent to the reference information, the assistant tool indicates that the wear sensor assembly (1 ) is correctly positioned.

[0042] In another embodiment, if the data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1), interpreted by the assistant tool, is different from the reference information, the assistant tool issues a visual and / or audible and / or tactile failure alert, by means of an alert module provided in the processing unit (2), indicating that the wear sensor assembly (1) is incorrectly positioned in the brake system (3).

[0043] In this way, the assistant tool implemented in the processing unit (2) acts as an intelligent guide to help in the assembly of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3), indicating the correct or incorrect positioning of the assembly (1).

[0044] Furthermore, the present method comprises a step of assembling at least one wear sensor assembly (1) to the brake system (3). In one embodiment, the wear sensor assembly (1) comprises at least two components, wherein at least one component is fixed and at least one component is movable, and wherein the movement between said components is a relative motion. In one embodiment, one component is a magnetic field detector and the other component is a magnetic field emitter. In one embodiment, one component is mounted in a predetermined position relative to the other component. In one embodiment, one component is mounted in a direction normal to the other component.

[0045] In one embodiment, the signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1) comprises a magnetic signal present in the wear sensor assembly (1), wherein the magnetic signal originates from the relationship between at least two components of the wear sensor assembly (1).

[0046] Furthermore, in the specific embodiment of application in drum brake systems, a component of the wear sensor assembly (1) detects the relative movement between a brake adjuster (4) and the other component associated with a shaft (5) of the brake system (3), so that the detected magnetic field is correlated with the wear of the friction material of the brake system (3). In one embodiment, the relative movement between the components of the wear sensor assembly (1) is related to the relative movement between a brake adjuster (4) and a shaft (5) of the brake system (3), which is correlated with the wear of the friction material of the brake system.

[0047] In one embodiment, the assistant tool, upon detecting the correct or incorrect mounting of the wear sensor assembly (1), emits at least one visual and / or audible and / or tactile alert, by means of an alert module provided in the processing unit (2), to indicate that the assembly (1) is correctly or incorrectly mounted in the brake system (3). In one embodiment, the visual and / or audible and / or tactile alert comprises, for example and not limited to, indicator LEDs, musical ringtones, vibration, notification on an external device, etc.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the present method comprises a step of guiding the adjustment of the wear sensor assembly (1), by the assistant tool, when the assistant tool indicates that the assembly (1) is incorrectly mounted in the brake system (3). In one embodiment, the assistant tool indicates the movement to be performed on the wear sensor assembly (1) so that it is mounted in the correct position, which may be, for example and without limitation of scope, through a numerical or colorimetric indication, an angular value of the read magnetic field, the measurement of the distance between two components of the wear sensor assembly (1), an indication of movement by arrows, etc.

[0049] Another object of the invention is a tool for warning of failure in the assembly of the wear sensor assembly (1), in which said tool interprets the signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1) and generates at least one piece of data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3). In this embodiment, the tool issues a failure warning if the wear sensor assembly (1) is incorrectly positioned. In one embodiment, said failure warning comprises, without limitation of scope, indicative LEDs, musical ringtones, vibration, notification on an external device, etc.

[0050] Another object of the invention is a system with an assistant for assembling a wear sensor assembly in a vehicle brake system, comprising a processing unit (2) communicating with the wear sensor assembly (1) associated with the brake system (3), in which the processing unit (2) comprises at least one function for evaluating the assembly position of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3), through at least one signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1).

[0051] In one embodiment, the processing unit (2) is a module associated with the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3). In another embodiment, the processing unit (2) is an external module communicating with the wear sensor assembly (1). In another embodiment, the processing unit (2) is a module associated with the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3), communicating with an external module with a graphical interface.

[0052] In one embodiment, the processing unit (2) comprises an assistant tool provided with at least one function that interprets the signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1) and generates at least one piece of data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3).

[0053] In one embodiment, the assistant tool compares data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3) with reference information to indicate correct or incorrect positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1).

[0054] In one embodiment, if the interpreted data is different from the reference information, the assistant tool indicates that the wear sensor assembly (1 ) is incorrectly positioned. Conversely, if the interpreted data is equivalent to the reference information, the assistant tool indicates that the wear sensor assembly (1 ) is correctly positioned.

[0055] In another embodiment, if the data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1), interpreted by the assistant tool, is different from the reference information, the assistant tool issues a visual and / or audible and / or tactile failure alert, by means of an alert module provided in the processing unit (2), indicating that the wear sensor assembly (1) is incorrectly positioned in the brake system (3).

[0056] To inform that the wear sensor assembly (1) is correctly or incorrectly mounted, the processing unit (2) is in communication with an alert module, which signals visually and / or audibly and / or tactilely the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1). Without restricting the scope, the visual and / or audible and / or tactile alert includes, for example, indicator LEDs, notification on an external device, musical ringtone, vibration, or a combination of any of these.

[0057] In one embodiment, the wear sensor assembly (1) comprises at least two components, wherein at least one of the components is fixed and at least one of the components is movable, wherein the movement between said components is a relative movement. In one embodiment, a component is a magnetic field detector and another component is a magnetic field emitter. In one embodiment, one component is associated in a normal direction relative to the other component. In one embodiment, one component is associated in a predetermined position relative to the other component. In the embodiment of application in a drum brake system, one component detects the relative movement between a brake adjuster (4) and the other associated component on a shaft (5).

[0058] In one embodiment, the assistant tool comprises a function for detecting the intensity of the magnetic field of the wear sensor assembly (1), in which the detected intensity generates data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3). In this way, from the reading of the intensity of the magnetic field, the assistant tool is able to correlate it with the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1). In this sense, the intensity of the detected magnetic field is compared with reference information, by the assistant tool, to evaluate the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3).

[0059] In one embodiment, if the magnetic field is different from the reference information, the assistant tool indicates that the wear sensor assembly (1) is incorrectly positioned in the brake system (3); and if the magnetic field is equivalent to the reference information, the assistant tool indicates that the wear sensor assembly (1) is correctly positioned. In another embodiment, if the magnetic field is different from the reference information, the assistant tool issues a visual and / or audible and / or tactile failure alert, by means of an alert module provided in the processing unit (2), indicating that the wear sensor assembly (1) is incorrectly positioned in the brake system (3).

[0060] In this way, this assistant system acts as an intelligent guide to help in the assembly of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3), indicating the correct or incorrect positioning of the assembly. (1) intuitively and practically, contributing to the subsequent accuracy in measuring the wear of the brake friction material using the wear sensor.

[0061] Another object of the invention is a vehicle brake system comprising a wear sensor assembly (1), in which said assembly (1) is communicative with a processing unit (2), in which the processing unit (2) comprises at least one function for evaluating the mounting position of the wear sensor assembly (1), through at least one signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1).

[0062] In one embodiment, the signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1) comprises a magnetic signal emitted by the wear sensor assembly (1).

[0063] In one embodiment, the wear sensor assembly comprises at least two components, at least one of which is fixed and at least one of which is movable.

[0064] In one embodiment, the processing unit (2) comprises an assembly failure alert module that issues a failure alert if the function for evaluating the assembly position of the wear sensor assembly (1) interprets that the wear sensor assembly (1) is incorrectly mounted in the brake system (3).

[0065] In one embodiment, the brake system is a drum brake system, wherein the wear sensor assembly (1) detects relative movement between a brake adjuster (4) and a shaft (5) of the brake system (3).

[0066] In one embodiment, the processing unit (2) comprises an assistant tool provided with at least one function that interprets the signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1) and generates at least one piece of data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3). This generated data is compared, by the assistant tool, with reference information, to indicate the correct or incorrect positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1).

[0067] In this way, the brake system (3) is provided with a wear sensor assembly assembly guide (1), which helps in detecting the positioning correct mounting of the sensor (1) in the brake system (3) in an intuitive and practical way, contributing to the subsequent accuracy in measuring the wear of the brake friction material by the wear sensor.

[0068] The examples shown here are intended only to exemplify one of the numerous ways of carrying out the invention, without, however, limiting its scope. Example 1 - System with assistant tool for assembling a wear sensor in a drum brake system

[0069] The following description of the invention is aimed at application in a drum brake system, however, without restriction of scope for the same.

[0070] An example of a conventional drum brake system is shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this type of system, the brake drum (10) rotates along with the vehicle's wheel. When the driver applies the brake pedal, a brake chamber (20) moves a rod (30), which is connected to an adjuster (4). This adjuster (4) is mechanically connected to a shaft (5) of the drum brake. At the opposite end of this shaft (5) is an "S"-shaped cam (6), known as an S-cam, which moves the brake shoes (7) toward the brake drum (1). The brake shoes (7) are attached to rollers (16) that receive the movement of the S-cam (6). These brake shoes (7) have a friction material (8) that comes into contact with the inner surface of the brake drum (1), creating a friction force that resists the rotational movement of the vehicle's wheel.

[0071] As the lining (8) wears due to the friction generated during braking, a gap may form between the friction material (8) and the drum (10). The automatic adjuster (4) has the function of eliminating this gap by constantly adjusting the distance between the lining (8) and the brake drum (10). In this way, the adjuster (4) contributes to the safety of the braking system by ensuring that the lining (8) is correctly positioned in relation to the brake drum (10), allowing the braking process to be restarted smoothly. effective when necessary.

[0072] Therefore, in order for the wear of the lining (8) to be detected, a wear sensor assembly is associated with the brake system to detect the relative movement between the adjuster (4) and the shaft (5) and, thus, correlate the detected data with the wear of the lining (8). In view of this, in order for the wear sensor to correctly read the relative movement between the adjuster (4) and the shaft (5), the wear sensor needs to be mounted in a correct measuring position, so that the detection of the wear of the lining (8) is accurate.

[0073] Thus, in this example, a system was developed with an algorithm / assistant tool that assists in the assembly of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the drum brake system (3) based on the evaluation of the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3). In this sense, the developed system acts as a guide for positioning the wear sensor in the brake system.

[0074] As illustrated in figure 5, the developed system has a processing unit (2) communicating with the wear sensor assembly (1), in which the processing unit (2) can be a module associated / embedded with the brake system (3) or an external graphic device, such as a scanner or an application. In this sense, the assistant algorithm is provided in the processing unit (2).

[0075] The wear sensor assembly (1) consists of a sensor and a magnet (Hall-type sensor), in which the sensor detects / reads the magnetic field emitted by the magnet. The sensor and magnet are positioned in the brake system (3) in a predetermined position relative to each other. Furthermore, the data read by the sensor is the normal distance between the magnet and the sensor.

[0076] The operation of the system is outlined in figure 3. The assistant tool receives the magnetic field signal read by the sensor and processes this signal, generating data related to the positioning of the wear sensor (1) in the brake system (3).

[0077] From this, the assistant tool compares the generated data with a reference information, so that: if the data is different from the reference information, the assistant tool indicates that the wear sensor assembly (1) is incorrectly positioned in the brake system (3); if the data is equivalent to the reference information, the assistant tool indicates that the wear sensor assembly (1) is correctly positioned. Thus, at this stage the assistant tool performs an evaluation of the position of the assembly (1) in the brake system (3).

[0078] The “reference information” in this example is a predetermined reference value, which was tested for a linear distance between the sensor and the magnet.

[0079] Thus, the system is provided with an alert module to indicate when the wear sensor assembly (1) is correctly or incorrectly mounted. Thus, the alert module emits a signal indicating the correct or incorrect position of the wear sensor assembly (1), which may be a visual and / or audible and / or tactile signal, such as indicator LEDs, musical ringtones, vibration, notification on an external device, etc.

[0080] Furthermore, the assistant tool is capable of guiding the adjustment of the wear sensor assembly (1 ), when the assembly (1 ) is incorrectly assembled in the brake system (3). In this sense, the assistant tool indicates the movement to be performed on the wear sensor assembly (1 ) so that it is assembled in the correct position, which can be through a numerical or colorimetric indication, an angular value of the read magnetic field, the measurement of the distance between two components of the wear sensor assembly (1 ), an indication of movement by arrows, etc.

[0081] Thus, the present system developed is capable of using the magnetic field emitted by the wear sensor to detect its correct positioning or not in the brake system, through the assistant tool implemented in the processing unit (2).

[0082] In this way, the present system provides greater precision and practicality to identify the mounting position of the sensor assembly. wear, which prevents the wear sensor from being incorrectly mounted and, consequently, helps the wear sensor assembly subsequently correctly identify the wear of the brake system's friction material. Example 2 - System with warning of failure in the assembly of a wear sensor in a drum brake system

[0083] In this example, a system was developed with an algorithm / assistant tool that assists in the assembly of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the drum brake system (3) by evaluating the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3) and issuing a failure alert when the assembly (1) is incorrectly assembled. In this sense, the developed system acts as a guide for the correct positioning of the wear sensor in the brake system.

[0084] As illustrated in figure 5, the developed system has a processing unit (2) communicating with the wear sensor assembly (1), in which the processing unit (2) can be a module associated / embedded with the brake system (3) or an external graphic device, such as a scanner or an application. In this sense, the assistant algorithm is provided in the processing unit (2).

[0085] The wear sensor assembly (1) consists of a sensor and a magnet (Hall-type sensor), in which the sensor detects / reads the magnetic field emitted by the magnet. The sensor and magnet are positioned in the brake system (3) in a predetermined position relative to each other. In this sense, the sensor detects its relative distance in relation to the magnet by reading the more intense or less intense magnetic field.

[0086] The operation of the system is outlined in figure 4. The assistant tool receives the magnetic field signal read by the sensor and processes this signal, generating data / value related to the positioning of the wear sensor (1) in the brake system (3).

[0087] From this, the assistant tool compares the generated data with reference information, so that if the data is below the reference information for the intensity of the magnetic field, the assistant tool issues a warning about a failure in the assembly of the wear sensor assembly (1), indicating that the assembly (1) is incorrectly positioned in the brake system (3).

[0088] The "reference information" in this example is a predetermined reference value, which was tested for a linear distance between the sensor and the magnet. Similarly, the "reference information" can include a range of predetermined values, or a physical and / or visual indication, such as a marking, directing where and how the sensor and / or magnet should be positioned or moved.

[0089] Thus, the system is provided with a fault alert module to indicate when the wear sensor assembly (1) is incorrectly assembled. Thus, the alert module emits a signal indicating the incorrect position of the wear sensor assembly (1), which may be a visual and / or audible and / or tactile signal, such as indicator LEDs, musical ringtones, vibration, notification on an external device, etc.

[0090] Thus, the present system developed is capable of using the magnetic field emitted by the magnet of the wear sensor assembly to detect its positioning in the brake system, through the assistant tool implemented in the processing unit (2).

[0091] In this way, this system provides greater precision and practicality in identifying the mounting position of the wear sensor assembly, which prevents the wear sensor from being mounted incorrectly and, consequently, helps the wear sensor assembly subsequently correctly identify the wear of the brake system's friction material.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the knowledge presented here and will be able to reproduce the invention in the forms presented and in other variants and alternatives, covered by the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims 1. Method of assisting in assembling a wear sensor assembly in a vehicle brake system characterized by comprising a step of evaluating the assembly position of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3), by a processing unit (2), through at least one signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1).

2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1) is interpreted, by an assistant tool provided in the processing unit (2), as data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3).

3. Method, according to claim 2, characterized in that the data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3) is compared with reference information, by means of the assistant tool, to indicate the correct or incorrect positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1).

4. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a step of assembling at least one wear sensor assembly (1) together with the brake system (3), in which the wear sensor assembly (1) comprises at least two components, wherein at least one of the components is fixed and at least one of the components is mobile, in which the movement between said components is a relative movement.

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1) comprises a magnetic signal present in the wear sensor assembly (1), in which the magnetic signal originates from the relationship between at least two components of the wear sensor assembly (1).

6. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a step of detecting the intensity of the magnetic field of the wear sensor assembly, by the assistant tool of the processing unit (2), which corresponds to the data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly. wear (1) in the brake system (3).

7. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the relative movement between the components of the wear sensor assembly (1) is related to the relative movement between a brake adjuster (4) and a shaft (5) of the brake system (3), which is correlated with the wear of friction material of the brake system.

8. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a step of issuing at least one visual and / or audible and / or tactile alert, by means of an alert module communicating with the processing unit (2), when the assistant tool detects the assembly in the correct or incorrect position of the wear sensor assembly (1).

9. System with assistant for assembling a wear sensor assembly in a vehicle brake system, characterized by comprising a processing unit (2) communicating with the wear sensor assembly (1) associated with the brake system (3), in which the processing unit (2) comprises at least one function for evaluating the assembly position of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3), through at least one signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1).

10. System, according to claim 9, characterized in that the processing unit (2) comprises an assistant tool provided with at least one function that interprets the signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1) and generates at least one piece of data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3).

11. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the assistant tool compares the data related to the positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1) in the brake system (3) with reference information, and indicates the correct or incorrect positioning of the wear sensor assembly (1).

12. System, according to claim 9, characterized in that the wear sensor assembly (1) comprises at least two components, at least one of the components being fixed and at least one of the components being mobile, in which the movement between said components is a relative movement.

13. System, according to claim 10, characterized in that the assistant tool comprises a function for detecting the magnetic field intensity of the wear sensor assembly, which corresponds to the data related to the positioning of the wear sensor (1) in the brake system (3).

14. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the wear sensor assembly (1) reads the relative movement between a brake adjuster and a brake system shaft (3), which is correlated with the wear of the brake system friction material (3).

15. Vehicle brake system comprising a wear sensor assembly, in which the wear sensor assembly comprises at least two components, at least one of the components being fixed and at least one of the components being mobile, characterized in that the wear sensor assembly (1) is communicative with a processing unit (2), in which the processing unit (2) comprises at least one function for evaluating the mounting position of the wear sensor assembly (1), through at least one signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1), in which the signal read by the wear sensor assembly (1) comprises a magnetic signal, and in which the processing unit (2) comprises an assembly failure alert module that issues a failure alert if the function for evaluating the mounting position of the wear sensor assembly (1) interprets that the wear sensor assembly (1) is incorrectly mounted in the brake system (3).

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