Method and device for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, in a system or component subject to external load, such as a braking system, by means of photonic sensors incorporated into the system or component

Abstract

A method is described for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, associated with the application of a load to a system or component, by means of detection performed in an element (10) of the system or component. The method involves arranging in a casing or housing (9) at least two pairs of optical fibre sensors (1, 2), each capable of detecting a mechanical strain and a thermal quantity; then, incorporating into the element (10) the casing or housing (9), so that it undergoes deformation caused by and indicative of the dynamic mechanical quantity acting on the element and so that it is subject to a thermal condition dependent on the thermal quantity present in the element, and thereby representative of the thermal quantity. The casing or housing (9) is designed to transmit the aforementioned thermal condition to the optical fibre sensors. The step of arranging at least two pairs of optical fibre sensors involves placing a first pair of optical fibre sensors 1 in mechanical contact with the casing or housing (9), ensuring that the deformation or strain of the casing or housing is transmitted to the optical fibre sensors of this first pair (1). Additionally, a second pair of optical fibre sensors (2) is arranged in such a way that the optical fibre strain sensors of this second pair (2) are mechanically isolated from the casing or housing (9), ensuring they are not affected by the dynamic mechanical quantity, but only by the aforementioned thermal quantity. The method involves each optical fibre sensor in the first pair (1) detecting a mechanical strain indicative of the respective deformation of the casing or housing, thereby providing a first result dependent on both the dynamic mechanical quantity and the thermal quantity. Each optical fibre sensor in the second pair (2) provides a second result dependent solely on the thermal quantity. The method finally involves determining the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and the thermal quantity, based on the aforementioned first and second results. A device and a sensorized pad capable of implementing the aforementioned method are also described.

Description

[0001] “Method and device for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, in a system or component subject to external load, such as a braking system, by means of photonic sensors incorporated into the system or component.”

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Field of Application.

[0005] The present invention refers to a method and device for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity in a system or component subjected to external loading, utilizing photonic sensors integrated within the system or component.

[0006] For example, the present invention pertains to a method and device for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity associated with the actuation of a friction braking system for a vehicle, by means of a detection by photonic sensors (i.e. , optical fibre sensors) integrated into a braking element of the braking system.

[0007] The present invention also encompasses a sensorized brake pad designed to allow the implementation of the aforementioned method.

[0008] State of the Art

[0009] In the context of systems subjected to stresses such as external loads like forces or pressures, during operation, it is highly beneficial to have real-time, precise knowledge of the dynamic quantities (e.g., force and pressure) and thermal quantities (e.g., temperature variations or thermal stress) exerted or caused by the stresses imposed on the system or its components. This is particularly useful, for example, for controlling and monitoring the system.

[0010] For instance, this requirement is particularly pronounced in the context of vehicle braking systems, where it is essential to accurately detect and measure, in real time, the clamping force and / or braking torque exerted by the brake calipers of the braking system, as well as the thermal conditions (e.g., thermal stress) imposed by the actuation of the braking system.

[0011] This requirement is also applicable in the context of other systems subject to mechanical and thermal stresses, such as suspensions or the engine itself.

[0012] However, for various reasons, it is challenging to directly measure, in a precise and reliable manner, and in real time, both mechanical and thermal quantities resulting from the imposed stresses. At most, known solutions are capable of reliably detecting and measuring in real time a clamping force and / or braking torque exerted by the brake calipers of the braking system on a brake pad, utilizing optical fibre sensors of the Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) type integrated into a brake pad.

[0013] However, these solutions do not provide a simultaneous measurement of thermal conditions.

[0014] The problem is complicated by the fact that FBG sensors detect mechanical strain, but are affected by wavelength deviations that must be compensated for in order to obtain an accurate measurement of the strain. For temperature compensation, additional FBG compensation sensors can be utilized, providing a reference result at a predetermined temperature, which is useful for thermal compensation. However, these sensors must be rendered insensitive to real-time temperature variations, and therefore cannot simultaneously measure the thermal conditions that occur concurrently with the application of mechanical strain. Furthermore, the potential use of only one FBG sensor for temperature compensation inherently limits the precision of the compensation.

[0015] Therefore, the mechanical and thermal quantities, on one hand, are simultaneously generated by the stress and, on the other hand, are mutually correlated, in the FBG sensorbased detection, in a complex manner.

[0016] It is also important to consider that, given the context of use (for example, in brake system pads), there are significant limitations on the number and size of sensors that can be incorporated into the system or element for which mechanical and thermal quantities are to be measured.

[0017] In light of the aforementioned difficulties and drawbacks, the need for solutions to detect and measure, in real time and in a reliable and precise manner (and therefore by means of sensors incorporated in the element under observation), both mechanical and thermal quantities resulting from the application of external loads and / or stresses, remains unmet.

[0018] In more general terms, the known solutions, as mentioned above, suffer from the fact that mechanical quantities are always influenced by thermal quantities, which makes it difficult to reliably read such mechanical quantities.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention aims to provide a method for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity associated with the application of a load to a system or component. This is achieved through detection performed in an element of the system or component, thereby at least partially addressing the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and meeting the specific needs of the technical sector.

[0021] This and other objectives are achieved through a method for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, according to claim 1 .

[0022] Certain advantageous embodiments of this method are the subject of dependent claims 2-18.

[0023] The present invention also aims to provide a device for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, configured to enable the execution of the aforementioned method. This and other objectives are achieved through a device designed to detect and measure at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, as specified in claim 19.

[0024] Certain advantageous embodiments of this device are the subject of dependent claims 20-21.

[0025] The present invention also aims to provide a sensorized brake pad for a vehicle braking system, equipped to detect and measure at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, according to claims 1-18. This and other objectives are achieved with a sensorized brake pad in accordance with claim 22 or claim 23.

[0026] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a brake caliper for a braking system comprising at least one of the aforementioned sensorized pads. This and other objectives are achieved with a brake caliper according to claim 24.

[0027] The present invention also aims to provide a device for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity associated with the actuation of a vehicle friction braking system. This is achieved through detection in at least one sensorized brake pad of the braking system, utilizing at least one of the aforementioned sensorized pads. This and other objectives are achieved by virtue of a device for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, according to claim 25 or claim 26.

[0028] The present invention also aims to provide a braking system that utilizes at least one of said sensorized brake pads, or employs said device for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, associated with the actuation of a friction braking system for vehicles. This and other objectives are achieved with a braking system according to claim 27.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

[0030] Further characteristics and advantages of the methods and systems according to the invention will be apparent from the following description of its preferred embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0031] - Figures 1 and 2 provide a simplified illustration of certain structural and functional aspects of the method and device for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, associated with the application of a load to a system or component, in accordance with two respective embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] - Figure 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device designed to detect and measure at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] With reference to Figures 1-3, a method is described below for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, associated with the application of a load to a system or component, through detection performed in an element 10 of the system or component.

[0035] The method initially provides arranging at least two pairs (1 , 2) of optical fibre sensors in a casing or housing 9, wherein each optical fibre sensor is inherently capable of detecting, by itself, a mechanical strain and a thermal quantity when subjected to a mechanical strain and a thermal quantity.

[0036] The method then comprises a step of incorporating the aforementioned casing or housing 9 into the element 10, so that the casing or housing 9 is subjected to a deformation or mechanical strain determined by the aforementioned at least one dynamic mechanical quantity acting on the element, and thus representative of said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity acting on the element, and so that the casing or housing 9 is also subjected to a thermal condition dependent on the aforementioned thermal quantity present in the element, and thus representative of such thermal quantity. The casing or housing 9 is adapted to transmit the aforesaid thermal condition to the optical fibre sensors.

[0037] The aforementioned step of arranging at least two pairs (1 , 2) of optical fibre sensors provides arranging a first pair 1 of optical fibre sensors in mechanical contact with the casing or housing 9, so that the deformation or mechanical stress of the casing or housing is transmitted to the optical fibre sensors 1 of this first pair, and additionally provides arranging a second pair 2 of optical fibre sensors 2 in such a way that the optical fibre strain sensors of this second pair are mechanically isolated from the casing or housing 9 and are not affected by the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity, and are therefore sensitive only to the aforementioned thermal quantity.

[0038] The method then involves detecting, by each of the optical fibre sensors of the first pair 1 , a respective mechanical strain indicative of a respective deformation of the casing or housing, thereby providing a first result that is dependent on both the aforesaid at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and the aforesaid thermal quantity.

[0039] The method then comprises providing, by each of the optical fibre sensors of the second pair 2, a second result that is solely dependent on the aforesaid thermal quantity.

[0040] The method finally comprises a step of determining the aforementioned at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and thermal quantity, by electronic processing means, based on the aforementioned first result and second result.

[0041] In accordance with an embodiment, the method is applied to a braking system, and therefore the method is capable of detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, associated with the actuation of the braking system, by means of detection performed in an element, such as a braking element, of the braking system.

[0042] In this case, the method comprises a step of arranging at least two pairs (1 , 2) of optical fibre sensors in a casing or housing 9, wherein each optical fibre sensor is capable of detecting a mechanical strain and a thermal quantity.

[0043] The method then comprises a step of incorporating the aforementioned casing or housing 9 into the braking element 10 of the braking system, so that the casing or housing 9 is subjected to a deformation or mechanical strain determined by the aforementioned at least one dynamic mechanical quantity acting on the element, and thus representative of such at least one dynamic mechanical quantity acting on the braking element (for example, during braking or actuation of the braking element), and so that the casing or housing 9 is also subjected to a thermal condition dependent on the aforementioned thermal quantity present in the braking element, and thus representative of such thermal quantity. The casing or housing 9 is designed to transmit the aforementioned thermal condition to the optical fibre sensors.

[0044] The aforementioned step of arranging at least two pairs of optical fibre sensors involves arranging a first pair 1 of optical fibre sensors in mechanical contact with the casing or housing 9, so that the deformation or mechanical strain of the casing or housing is transmitted to the optical fibre sensors 2 of this first pair 1 , and additionally involves arranging a second pair of optical fibre sensors 2 in such a way that the optical fibre strain sensors of this second pair 2 are mechanically isolated from the casing or housing 9 and are not affected by the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity, thus being sensitive only to the aforementioned thermal quantity.

[0045] The method then comprises detecting, by each of the optical fibre sensors of the first pair 1 , a respective mechanical strain indicative of a respective deformation of the casing or housing, thereby providing a first result that is dependent on both the aforementioned at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and the aforesaid thermal quantity.

[0046] The method then comprises the step of providing, by each of the optical fibre sensors of the second pair 2, a second result dependent solely on the aforementioned thermal quantity.

[0047] The method finally involves a step of determining, by electronic processing means determine, the aforementioned at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and thermal quantity, associated with the braking system actuation, based on the first and second results.

[0048] According to an implementation option of the aforementioned embodiment, the braking system is a friction braking system for vehicles, wherein the aforesaid braking element comprises a brake pad or corresponds to a brake pad, and wherein said casing or housing 9 is incorporated into a portion of the friction material M of the brake pad.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the method, the aforementioned step of providing a first result dependent on both the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and the thermal quantity comprises providing the first result based on the results provided by both the sensors of the first pair.

[0050] Furthermore, the aforementioned step of providing a second result, dependent solely on the thermal quantity, involves providing the second result based on results provided by both the sensors of the second pair.

[0051] In other words, this embodiment provides that the aforementioned first result comprises a combination of the results provided by the two sensors of the first pair, and that the aforementioned second result comprises a combination of the results provided by the two sensors of the second pair.

[0052] Certain specific implementation options of this embodiment will be illustrated in a subsequent section of this description.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the method, the aforementioned optical fibre strain sensors are or comprise respective sensors of the Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) type.

[0054] As is well known, these Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors comprise a Bragg grating in fibre. The aforementioned optical sensors utilizing Fibre-Bragg Grating technology (hereinafter also referred to as "FBG sensors") are sensors of the type illustrated below.

[0055] An FBG sensor is a highly sensitive and versatile optical device designed to measure various physical parameters, including strain and temperature. In its simplest form, an FBG sensor is obtained through a spatially periodic modulation of the refractive index inscribed in the 'core' of the optical fibre (which can be achieved, for example, through the phenomenon of photosensitivity or by using femtosecond light pulses).

[0056] FBG sensors exploit the presence of a resonant condition that reflects incident light at the so-called 'Bragg wavelength' AB, defined as B = 2neffA, where nefr is the effective refractive index of the fundamental mode of the optical fibre and A is the spatial periodicity of the grating.

[0057] The operating principle of FBG sensors is based on the property that any change in the effective refractive index or the grating pitch, caused by external effects such as strain or temperature, results in a relative shift AAB of the operating wavelength (Bragg wavelength), which can be derived from the formula [1]: where AAB= A - Asrepresents the variation of the Bragg wavelength relative to the reference Bragg wavelength, As, k is a scale factor, and OT is the thermo-optic coefficient. The shift in the Bragg wavelength is linearly dependent on the longitudinal strain E, with a sensitivity value of approximately 1.2 pm / ps, and on the temperature variation, with a sensitivity value of approximately 11 pm / °C for silicon fibres around 1550 nm.

[0058] The dependence on temperature (or more generally on thermal variables) can be described by expanding the aforementioned equation [1] as follows: where E=£M + £T includes two contributions due to pure mechanical strain, and an additional contribution induced by thermal expansion £T (QSP is the thermal expansion coefficient of the material). By denoting AB and To as the reference Bragg wavelength and temperature, and A and T as the real-time wavelength and temperature values, the following formula can be derived: from which the pure mechanical stress EM is derived as follows:

[0059] FBG sensors are 'passive1sensors, meaning they do not require power supply, but are activated by illumination, specifically by transmitting an optical activation radiation at a suitable wavelength (e.g., the Bragg wavelength) into the optical fibre section where the grating is formed in the sensor. In response to this, the FBG sensor reflects or transmits an optical (i.e., photonic) signal that is dependent not only on the incident radiation but also on the stress / strain conditions to which the grating is subjected. This photonic signal can be, in various embodiments of the method, a transmitted optical signal (i.e., optical spectrum) or a reflected optical signal (i.e., optical spectrum).

[0060] In accordance with an embodiment of the method, the aforementioned at least one dynamic quantity comprises a force, or pressure, and a torque.

[0061] According to implementation option of the method, the aforementioned at least one dynamic quantity comprises a clamping force CF, or clamping pressure CP, and a braking torque BT, resulting from the actuation of a braking system.

[0062] In accordance with an embodiment of the method, the aforesaid thermal quantity comprises a temperature T, or temperature variation AT, and / or a thermal stress to which the braking element is subjected, as a consequence of the actuation of the braking system.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the method (illustrated in Figure 1), the optical fibre sensors of the first pair 1 (FBG1 , FBG2) are fabricated in and / or connected to a first optical fibre F1 for the interrogation and collection of optical signals from these two optical fibre sensors of the first pair 1. The optical fibre sensors of the second pair 2 (FBG3, FBG4) are fabricated in and / or connected to a second optical fibre F2 for the interrogation and collection of optical signals from these two optical fibre sensors of the second pair 2.

[0064] In this case, the aforementioned step of providing a first result comprises generating, by the two optical fibre sensors of the first pair 1 (FBG1 , FBG2), a first component LT of a first photonic signal L1 and a second component L1" of a first photonic signal L1 , respectively, which are dependent on both the respective mechanical strain detected and the thermal condition of the two sensors of the first pair. Similarly, the aforementioned step of providing a second result comprises generating, by the two optical fibre sensors of the second pair 2 (FBG3, FBG4), a first component L2' of a second photonic signal L2 and a second component L2" of a second photonic signal, respectively, which are dependent solely on the thermal condition of the two sensors of the second pair.

[0065] The aforementioned first photonic signal L1 , comprising the first component of the first photonic signal LT and the second component of the first photonic signal L1", is conveyed to an output of the first optical fibre F1 , and the aforementioned second photonic signal L2, comprising the first component of the second photonic signal L2' and the second component of the second photonic signal L2", is conveyed to an output of the second optical fibre F2.

[0066] According to another embodiment of the method (illustrated in Figure 2), a first optical fibre sensor of the first pair (FBG2) and a first optical fibre sensor of the second pair (FBG1) are fabricated in and / or connected to a first optical fibre (F1) for the interrogation and collection of optical signals from the optical fibre sensors; a second optical fibre sensor of the first pair (FBG3) and a second optical fibre sensor of the second pair (FBG4) are fabricated in and / or connected to a second optical fibre (F2) for the interrogation and collection of optical signals from the optical fibre sensors.

[0067] In this case, the aforementioned step of providing a first result comprises generating, by the first two optical fibre sensors of the first and second pairs (FBG2, FBG3), a first component of a first photonic signal (LT) and a first component of a second photonic signal (L21), respectively, which are dependent on both the respective mechanical strain detected and the thermal condition of the first two optical fibre sensors of the first and second pairs.

[0068] The aforementioned step of providing a second result comprises generating, by the two second optical fibre sensors of the first and second pairs (FBG1 , FBG4), a second component of a first photonic signal L1" and a second component of a second photonic signal L2", respectively, which are dependent solely on the thermal condition of the two second sensors of the first and second pairs.

[0069] The aforesaid first photonic signal L1 , comprising the first component of the first photonic signal LT and the second component of the first photonic signal L1", is conveyed to an output of the first optical fibre F1 , and the second photonic signal L2, comprising the first component of the second photonic signal L2' and the second component of the second photonic signal L2", is conveyed to an output of the second optical fibre F2. In accordance with an implementation option of the two embodiments illustrated above, the method comprises the following additional steps:

[0070] - receiving the aforementioned first photonic signal L1 and second photonic signal L2, by means of an optical reading / interrogation unit 4, which is optically connected to both the first optical fibre F1 and the second optical fibre F2, and is therefore optically connected to the aforesaid two optical fibre sensors of the first pair 1 and the aforesaid two optical fibre sensors of the second pair 2;

[0071] - generating, by the optical reading / interrogation unit 4, a first electrical signal E1 representative of said first photonic signal L1 and a second electrical signal E2 representative of said second photonic signal L2;

[0072] - transmitting the aforementioned first electrical signal E1 and second electrical signal E2 to a control unit 20;

[0073] - calculating the aforementioned at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, by a processor of the control unit 20, through one or more algorithms executed by one or more software programs, based on the aforementioned first electrical signal E1 and second electrical signal E2.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the method, the action of determining the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and the thermal quantity, based on the first result and the second result, comprises the following steps:

[0075] - processing the first result in the light of the second result, a mechanical strain measurement cleared of thermal effects, or to compensate for distortions caused by thermal effects present in the mechanical strain measurement derived from the first result;

[0076] - determining one or more of the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity based on the aforementioned detection of mechanical strain, cleared of thermal effects;

[0077] - determining the thermal quantity based solely on the second result.

[0078] According to an implementation option, wherein the dynamic mechanical quantity is a torque, the torque is calculated as the difference between the mechanical strains detected by the two optical fibre sensors of the first pair of sensors.

[0079] According to an implementation option, wherein the dynamic mechanical quantity is a pressure, the pressure is calculated based on the average of the mechanical strains detected by the two optical fibre sensors of the first pair of sensors.

[0080] According to an implementation option, wherein the thermal quantity is a temperature, the temperature is calculated based on the average of the two wavelength differences detected by the two sensors of the first pair and the second pair, and then translating this result into a temperature, utilizing the relationships between wavelength and temperature previously illustrated in this description.

[0081] In accordance with an embodiment, in which wherein the method is used in the context of a braking system, the step of determining the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and the thermal quantity comprises determining both a clamping force CF, or clamping pressure CP, resulting from the actuation of the braking system, and a braking torque BT resulting from the actuation of the braking system, and a temperature, or temperature variation, and / or a thermal stress to which the braking element is subjected, upon an actuation of the braking system.

[0082] According to an implementation option, the mechanical quantities are detected only during the braking event, whereas the temperature is continuously monitored (not just during braking).

[0083] According to an embodiment of the method, the casing or housing 9, which is subject to variations dependent on both at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and the thermal quantity, is mechanically deformable in dependence on the aforesaid at least one dynamic mechanical quantity applied to the element or exerted by the element, and is configured to transmit this mechanical deformation to the optical fibre sensors incorporated therein.

[0084] The casing or housing 9 is also characterized by high thermal conductivity, which enables it to transmit its thermal condition, characterized by the aforesaid thermal quantity, to the optical fibre sensors, thereby representing the thermal condition of the element.

[0085] In accordance with an implementation option of the method, the sensors of the first pair 1 of optical fibre sensors are glued to the casing or housing 9 using a glue G suitable for transmitting mechanical strains.

[0086] The sensors of the second pair 2 of optical fibre sensors are arranged within mechanical insulation means A (such as an air pocket / bag or other materials capable of absorbing mechanical stresses), which are situated within the casing or housing 9, wherein this arrangement enables the transmission of the thermal condition of the casing or housing 9 to the sensors of the second pair 2, while simultaneously preventing the transmission of mechanical strains or forces to the sensors of the second pair 2, thereby mechanically isolating them from the casing or housing 9.

[0087] According to an implementation option of the method, the aforesaid first fibre F1 and the aforesaid second fibre F2 are connected to the optical reading / interrogation unit via an optical connection interface 3. Figures 1 and 2 also depict an optical connection element 6, adapted to connect the optical fibres F1 and F2, which are part of the element 10, to the optical connection interface, which, in these examples, is also implemented using optical fibres.

[0088] In accordance with an embodiment of the method, the aforementioned first photonic signal L1 comprises a first optical spectrum reflected or transmitted by the two optical fibre sensors connected to the first optical fibre, which reaches the optical reading / interrogation unit 4 through the said optical connection interface 3.

[0089] Similarly, the aforementioned second photonic signal L2 comprises a second optical spectrum reflected or transmitted by the two optical fibre sensors connected to the second optical fibre, which reaches the optical reading / interrogation unit 4 through the aforementioned optical connection interface 3.

[0090] According to an embodiment of the method, the optical reading / interrogation unit 4 is configured to activate each of the aforementioned optical fibre sensors by transmitting a respective optical activation radiation OA1 , OA2 in each of the two optical fibres through the optical connection interface 3.

[0091] According to an implementation option of the method, when multiple sensors are connected to the same fibre (in Figures 1 and 2, FBG1 and FBG2 to one fibre, FBG3 and FBG4 to the other fibre), the respective Bragg gratings are associated with different central operating wavelengths Ai and A2.

[0092] In this case, the method also includes the following additional steps:

[0093] - transmitting, by the optical reading / interrogation element 4, through the optical connection interface 3, respective optical activation radiations OA1 , OA2 to the two sensors associated with the same fibre (FBG1 , FBG2 and FBG3, FBG4), at the two different respective operating wavelengths A1 , A2, by means of wavelength division multiplexing, WDM, transmission techniques;

[0094] - receiving, through the optical connection interface 3, and distinguishing the respective optical spectra reflected or transmitted by each of the two sensors associated with the same optical fibre (FBG1 and FBG2 or FBG3 and FBG4) by means of demultiplexing with wavelength division multiplexing, WDM, techniques.

[0095] According to an implementation example, the method steps are performed in one or both pads 10 of a disc brake caliper, wherein each pad 10 comprises a respective optical reading / interrogation unit 4 associated with and / or constrained to it.

[0096] According to another implementation example, wherein the method steps are performed in both pads 10 of a disc brake caliper, the aforementioned steps of receiving and generating are executed by a single optical reading / interrogation unit 4, associated with the brake caliper, and operatively connected to both pads 10, either through a single optical interface 3 or through two distinct optical interfaces 3.

[0097] According to a specific implementation option, each connection between the fibres containing the Fibre Bragg Grating sensors and the respective optical fibre connecting to the optical reading / interrogation unit is established through a fibre joint or a detachable photonic connection element (optical connector).

[0098] According to an embodiment of the method, the casing or housing 9 is composed of polymeric or mineral material, is distinct from the brake pad 10, and is capable of being secured and / or incorporated therein. It possesses predefined geometry and dimensions, and is adapted to accommodate at least two pairs of optical fibre sensors, as well as at least one portion of the optical connection interface 3.

[0099] In this case, the step of incorporating involves embedding the at least two pairs of optical fibre sensors into the casing 9, and additionally, incorporating the casing 9 into the brake pad 10 and / or securing it to the brake pad 10 during the manufacturing process, in a fixed and predefined position within the aforementioned portion of friction material M.

[0100] According to various possible implementation options, the casing 9 is composed of mineral, plastic, polymeric, or resin-based materials.

[0101] According to an implementation option, the casing 9 is composed of graphite.

[0102] With reference again to Figures 1-3, a device is described for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, associated with the application of a load to a system or component, by means of a detection performed in an element of the same system or component.

[0103] The device comprises a casing or housing 9, configured to be incorporated into the aforesaid system or component subject to external loading, or into an element of this system or component.

[0104] The device also comprises at least two pairs of optical fibre sensors (1 , 2) arranged in the aforementioned casing or housing 9, wherein each optical fibre sensor is capable of detecting a mechanical strain and a thermal quantity.

[0105] The device further comprises electronic processing means configured to determine the aforementioned at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and thermal quantity.

[0106] The aforementioned casing or housing 9 is subject to a deformation or mechanical strain caused by the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity acting on the system or component, and is therefore representative of said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity acting on the system or component. The casing or housing 9 is also subject to a thermal condition that is dependent on the thermal quantity present in the system or component, and is therefore representative of that thermal quantity.

[0107] The casing or housing 9 is adapted to transmit the aforementioned thermal condition to the optical fibre sensors.

[0108] With reference to the aforesaid at least two pairs of optical fibre sensors, in the device, a first pair 1 of optical fibre sensors is arranged in mechanical contact with the casing or housing 9, so that the deformation or mechanical strain of the casing or housing is transmitted to the optical fibre sensors of the first pair. A second pair of optical fibre sensors 2 is arranged in such a way that the optical fibre strain sensors of the second pair are mechanically isolated from the casing or housing 9 and are not affected by the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity, and are sensitive only to the aforesaid thermal quantity.

[0109] Each of the optical fibre sensors of the first pair 1 is configured to detect a respective mechanical stress, indicative of a corresponding deformation of the casing or housing, thereby providing a first result that is dependent on both the aforementioned dynamic mechanical quantity and the aforementioned thermal quantity.

[0110] Each of the optical fibre sensors in the second pair 2 is configured to provide a second result that is solely dependent on the aforementioned thermal quantity.

[0111] The electronic processing means of the device are configured to determine the aforesaid at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and the aforesaid thermal quantity, based on the aforementioned first result and second result.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the device is configured to detect and measure at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity in a friction braking system for a vehicle. In this case, the aforementioned system or component subjected to an external load is a friction braking system for vehicles.

[0113] In accordance with various possible embodiments, the device is configured to carry out a method according to any of the previously illustrated embodiments of the method.

[0114] A sensorized brake pad 10 (or sensorized pad 10) for a brake caliper in a vehicle friction braking system, according to the present invention, is now described.

[0115] Such a sensorized pad 10 comprises a brake pad made of a material capable of generating braking friction when placed in contact with a friction brake disc by the brake caliper during a braking event, and it also includes a casing 9 containing at least two pairs (1 , 2) of optical fibre sensors, incorporated into a portion of the friction material M of the brake pad 10.

[0116] This portion of friction material M is sensitive to friction, such that the mechanical strain or deformation experienced by the casing or housing 9 is representative of the pressure CP, or clamping force CF, and / or braking torque BT exerted on the brake disc.

[0117] A first pair 1 of optical fibre sensors is arranged in mechanical contact with the casing or housing 9, thereby ensuring that the deformation or mechanical strain of the casing or housing is transmitted to the optical fibre sensors of the first pair.

[0118] A second pair 2 of optical fibre sensors is arranged in such a way that the optical fibre strain sensors of the second pair are mechanically isolated from the casing or housing 9, ensuring they are not affected by the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity, and are sensitive only to the aforementioned thermal quantity.

[0119] Each of the optical fibre sensors in the first pair 1 is configured to detect a respective mechanical strain, indicative of a respective deformation of the casing or housing, thereby providing a first result that is dependent on both the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and the thermal quantity.

[0120] Each of the optical fibre sensors in the second pair 2 is configured to provide a second result that is dependent solely on the thermal quantity.

[0121] The sensorized pad also includes an optical connection interface 3, which is optically connected to the optical fibre sensors of the first and second pairs. This interface is designed to be operatively connected to electronic processing means, thereby providing the electronic processing means with the aforementioned first and second results.

[0122] In accordance with an embodiment of the sensorized pad 10, the optical fibre sensors are of the Fibre Bragg Grating type.

[0123] According to various possible embodiments, the sensorized pad is configured to carry out a method in accordance with any of the previously illustrated embodiments of the method.

[0124] A brake caliper for a vehicle disc braking system is now described. This brake caliper comprises one or two sensorized pads 10, according to any of the previously described embodiments of sensorized pads.

[0125] A device is now described for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, associated with the actuation of a vehicle friction braking system, through detection performed in at least one sensorized brake pad 10 of the braking system.

[0126] This device comprises at least one sensorized pad 10, according to any of the previously described embodiments, as well as an optical reading / interrogation unit 4 and a remote control unit 20. The optical reading / interrogation unit 4 is optically connected to the optical connection interface 3 of the at least one sensorized pad 10, to receive at least one first photonic signal L1 from a first optical fibre, which is operatively connected to two of the optical fibre sensors in the first and second pairs (1 , 2), and to receive at least one second photonic signal L2 from a second optical fibre, which is operatively connected to the other two optical fibre sensors in the first and second pairs.

[0127] The optical reading / interrogation unit 4 is configured to generate one or more electrical signals E1 , E2, based on the aforementioned first photonic signal L1 and second photonic signal L2 received.

[0128] The remote control unit 20 is external to the sensorized pad and is connected to the optical reading / interrogation unit 4 to receive the aforesaid electrical signals E1 , E2.

[0129] The remote control unit 20 comprises electronic processing means configured to process the aforesaid one or more electrical signals E1 , E2 and to calculate and provide a measurement of the aforesaid at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity.

[0130] In accordance with various possible embodiments, the device is configured to implement a method according to any of the previously illustrated embodiments of the method.

[0131] According to various implementation options of the device, the optical reading / interrogation unit 4 is realized according to different embodiments, which are known per se, including the following examples:

[0132] - the optical reading / interrogation unit 4 comprises a broadband optical radiation source, an optical circulator, and an optoelectronic spectrometer receiver; or

[0133] - the optical reading / interrogation unit 4 comprises a tunable optical radiation source, an optical circulator, and an optoelectronic photodiode receiver; or

[0134] - the optical reading / interrogation unit 4 is entirely realized by means of a single photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology; in this case, the single photonic integrated circuit comprises a broadband optical radiation source, at least one wavelength optical filtering element, and a block of optoelectronic photodiode receivers.

[0135] A disc braking system for vehicles, comprised in the present invention, is now described.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the braking system comprises a braking apparatus with friction brakes, which includes a plurality of brake pads in accordance with one of the previously described embodiments. According to another embodiment, the braking system comprises a braking apparatus with friction brakes, and further includes a device for detecting and measuring a clamping force and / or braking torque resulting from the actuation of the braking system, in accordance with any of the previously described embodiments.

[0137] The following provides, by way of example and without limitation, further details regarding the embodiment of the method applied to the detection and measurement of mechanical and thermal quantities in a brake pad of a vehicle braking system, in correspondence with a braking operation or an actuation of the braking system.

[0138] The optical characteristics of the 'FBG sensor' component are exploited to convert the mechanical and thermal input of the brake pad (i.e., the mechanical and thermal quantities induced or exerted on the brake pad during and as a result of braking) into a wavelength shift.

[0139] For this purpose, a sensorized pad according to the invention (as illustrated above) receives an input optical signal that is modified in wavelength and reflected by the FBG sensor.

[0140] The output signal from the sensorized pad is an optical signal modified by the FBG sensor by an amount corresponding to the relative mechanical / thermal quantity.

[0141] The architectures illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 are capable of detecting the torque, pressure, and temperature applied to the pad.

[0142] In these architectures, two optical fibres are provided for each brake pad: each optical fibre transmits the input optical signal and the output optical signal to the external systems.

[0143] The optical fibres are introduced into the brake pad through an outlet housing that safeguards the fibre access point to the brake pad. The optical fibres then pass through the friction material of the brake pad, reaching the housing or casing where the FBG sensors are located.

[0144] This housing or casing serves to protect the FBG sensors and is also responsible for transmitting mechanical and thermal input from the friction material to the FBG sensors.

[0145] Within the housing or enclosure, each optical fibre is equipped with two FBG sensors.

[0146] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , the first optical fibre F1 is glued to the housing or casing, thereby facilitating the transfer of mechanical load from the housing or casing to the FBG sensors. The thermal input is also transmitted. The second fibre, F2, is equipped with two FBG sensors that are not mechanically connected to the housing or casing, thereby enabling the transmission of thermal stress exclusively, while excluding mechanical load.

[0147] In this embodiment, each brake pad incorporates four FBG sensors: two are utilized to detect mechanical load, with thermal input as a secondary effect; the remaining two FBG sensors are exclusively used to monitor the thermal stress of the brake pad.

[0148] The arrangement of the FBG sensors within the brake pad is constrained by the fact that it is not possible to have an excessive number of FBG sensors on the same optical fibre due to limitations in the interrogation strategy and technique. For instance, the power requirement may be too high, or the working point of the FBG sensors may be too broad in terms of wavelength shift.

[0149] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the number of optical fibres and the number of FBG sensors per fibre are identical to those in the previous embodiment; however, the arrangement of the FBG sensors is different.

[0150] In this architecture, each fibre includes a respective FBG sensor that is not connected to the housing (detecting only the thermal input) and a respective FBG sensor that is bonded to the housing (detecting both the thermal and mechanical inputs).

[0151] This embodiment provides a more robust architecture, because, in the event of a signal interruption or optical fibre failure, both the bonded FBG sensor and the isolated FBG sensor remain available in the remaining optical fibre.

[0152] As can be observed, the objective of the present invention is fully achieved by the method, the sensorized brake pad, and the device illustrated above, by virtue of their functional and structural characteristics.

[0153] The technical solution described herein provides for one or more photonic sensors that can be easily and effectively integrated, fixed, or incorporated into an element of a system under observation (for example, a brake pad of a friction brake caliper). This enables direct, precise, reliable, and real-time measurement of both mechanical and thermal quantities imposed by an external stress or load.

[0154] Furthermore, the proposed architectures, as described above, enable the aforementioned detections and measurements to be performed using only two pairs of fibre sensors integrated into the element (for example, a sensorized pad) and only two fibres entering and exiting the element. This is particularly advantageous in the given context of use.

[0155] More specifically, by virtue of the functional and structural characteristics described above, the method, device, and system of the present invention address, among other things, the following technical problem: the presence of two interoperable FBG sensors for each of the two sensor pairs provides additional useful information (compared to a single strain sensor operatively and functionally associated with a single compensation temperature sensor), enabling a more precise and reliable detection of both the mechanical stress and the thermal quantity exerted by the braking action.

[0156] In particular, the fact that the first result is a combination (for example, a sum) of the results provided by the first pair of sensors, and that the second result is a combination (for example, a sum) of the results provided by the second pair of sensors, enables a precise and reliable detection of both the mechanical stress resulting from the mechanical action associated with braking (temperature-compensated), representative of the braking force or torque, and the thermal quantity that includes not only the absolute temperature but also the temperature difference caused by the braking action and the thermal stress, i.e., the deformation contribution produced by thermal effects, which is added to the deformation resulting from the purely mechanical effects of braking.

[0157] This provides the clear additional advantage of better characterizing a complex phenomenon, such as that which occurs during a braking action, where temperature (or thermal quantity) acts in a dual manner: (i) it contributes to additional deformation, which is added to the deformation caused by mechanical effects alone; (ii) it causes a variation in the results provided by the FBG sensor, which must be compensated.

[0158] A person skilled in the art may make numerous modifications, adaptations, and substitutions of elements with functionally equivalent ones to the embodiments described above, in order to meet contingent and specific needs, without departing from the scope of the following claims. Each of the features described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be implemented independently of the other embodiments described.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, associated with the application of a load to a system or component, by means of detection performed in an element (10) of the system or component, wherein the method comprises the steps of:- arranging at least two pairs (1, 2) of optical fibre sensors in a casing or housing (9), each optical fibre sensor being by itself capable of detecting a mechanical strain and a thermal quantity, when subjected to mechanical strain and thermal quantity;- incorporating said casing or housing (9) into the element (10), so that the casing or housing (9) is subjected to a deformation or mechanical strain determined by, and representative of, said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity acting on the element, and so that the casing or housing (9) is also subjected to a thermal condition dependent on, and representative of, said thermal quantity present in the element, said casing or housing (9) being adapted to transmit said thermal condition to the optical fibre sensors; wherein said step of arranging at least two pairs (1 , 2) of optical fibre sensors comprises:- arranging a first pair (1) of optical fibre sensors in mechanical contact with the casing or housing (9), so that said deformation or mechanical strain of the casing or housing is transmitted to the optical fibre sensors of the first pair;- arranging a second pair (2) of optical fibre sensors in such a way that the optical fibre strain sensors of the second pair are mechanically isolated from the casing or housing (9), and are not affected by the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity, and are sensitive only to said thermal quantity; and wherein the method further comprises:- detecting, by each of the optical fibre sensors of the first pair (1), a respective mechanical strain indicative of a respective deformation of the casing or housing, thereby providing a first result that is dependent on both said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and said thermal quantity;- providing, by each of the optical fibre sensors of the second pair (2), a second result that is solely dependent on said thermal quantity only;- determining said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and said thermal quantity, utilizing electronic processing means, based on said first result and said second results.

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein said system or component is a brakingsystem, and wherein said element is a braking element (10) of a braking system, and wherein the method is thus capable of detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, associated with the actuation of the braking system, by means of detection performed in said braking element (10).

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the braking system is a friction braking system for a vehicle, wherein said braking element comprises a brake pad or corresponds to a brake pad, and wherein said casing or housing (9) is incorporated into a portion of friction material (M) of said brake pad.

4. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said step of providing a first result dependent on both said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and said thermal quantity comprises providing the first result based on results provided by both the sensors of the first sensor pair, and wherein said step of providing a second result dependent only on said thermal quantity comprises providing the second result based on results provided by both the sensors of the second sensor pair, or wherein said first result comprises a combination of the results provided by the two sensors of the first pair, and wherein said second result comprises a combination of the results provided by the two sensors of the second pair.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said optical fibre strain sensors are or comprise respective sensors of the Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) type.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one dynamic quantity comprises a force, or pressure, and a torque.

7. A method according to claim 2, wherein said at least one dynamic quantity comprises a clamping force (CF), or clamping pressure (CP), and a braking torque (BT), resulting from the actuation of the braking system.

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said thermal quantity comprises a temperature (T), or temperature variation (AT), and / or a thermal stress to which the system or component receiving the external load is subjected.

9. A method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein:- the optical fibre sensors (FBG1 , FBG2) of the first pair (1) are fabricated in and / or connected to a first optical fibre (F1) for interrogating and collecting optical signals from the two optical fibre sensors of the first pair (1);- the optical fibre sensors (FBG3, FBG4) of the second pair (2) are fabricated in and / or connected to a second optical fibre (F2) for interrogating and collecting optical signals from the two optical fibre sensors of the second pair (2); wherein said step of providing a first result comprises generating, by the two optical fibre sensors of the first pair (FBG1 , FBG2), a first component (L1 ') of a first photonic signal (L1) and a second component (L1") of a first photonic signal (L1), dependent on both the respective mechanical strain detected and the thermal condition of the two sensors of the first pair, and wherein said step of providing a second result comprises generating, by the two optical fibre sensors of the second pair (FBG3, FBG4), a first component (L21) of a second photonic signal (L2) and a second component (L2") of a second photonic signal, respectively, dependent only on the thermal condition of the two sensors of the second pair; and wherein the method further comprises conveying said first photonic signal (L1), comprising said first component of the first photonic signal (LT) and said second component of the first photonic signal (L1"), to an output of said first optical fibre (F1), and conveying said second photonic signal (L2), comprising said first component of the second photonic signal (L21) and said second component of the second photonic signal (L2"), to an output of said second optical fibre (F2).

10. A method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein:- a first optical fibre sensor of the first pair (FBG2) and a first optical fibre sensor of the second pair (FBG1) are fabricated in and / or connected to a first optical fibre (F1) for interrogating and collecting optical signals from the optical fibre sensors;- a second optical fibre sensor of the first pair (FBG3) and a second optical fibre sensor of the second pair (FBG4) are fabricated in and / or connected to a second optical fibre (F2) for interrogating and collecting optical signals from the optical fibre sensors; wherein said step of providing a first result comprises generating, by the two first optical fibre sensors of the first and second pairs (FBG2, FBG3), a first component (LT) of a first photonic signal (L1) and a first component (L21) of a second photonic signal (L2), respectively, dependent on both the respective mechanical strain detected and the thermal condition of the first two optical fibre sensors of the first and second pairs,and wherein said step of providing a second result comprises generating, by the two second optical fibre sensors of the first and second pairs (FBG1 , FBG4), a second component (L1") of a first photonic signal (L1) and a second component (L2") of a second photonic signal (L2), respectively, dependent solely on the thermal condition of the two second sensors of the first and second pairs, and wherein the method further comprises conveying said first photonic signal (L1), comprising said first component of the first photonic signal (LT) and said second component of the first photonic signal (L1"), to an output of said first optical fibre (F1), and conveying said second photonic signal (L2), comprising said first component of the second photonic signal (L21) and said second component of the second photonic signal (L2"), to an output of said second optical fibre (F2).11 . A method according to claim 9 or claim 10, comprising the additional steps of:- receiving said first photonic signal (L1) and second photonic signal (L2), by means of an optical reading / interrogation unit (4), which is optically connected to said first optical fibre (F1) and second optical fibre (F2), and is therefore optically connected to said two optical fibre sensors of the first pair (1) and said two optical fibre sensors of the second pair (2);- generating, by the optical reading / interrogation unit (4), a first electrical signal (E1) representative of said first photonic signal (L1) and a second electrical signal (E2) representative of said second photonic signal (L2);- transmitting said first electrical signal (E1) and said second electrical signal (E2) to a control unit (20);- calculating said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, by a processor of the control unit (20) by means of one or more algorithms executed by one or more software programs, based on said first electrical signal (E1) and said second electrical signal (E2).

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of determining the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and the thermal quantity, based on the first result and the second result, comprises:- processing the first result in the light of the second result, to obtain a mechanical strain measurement cleared of thermal effects, or to compensate for distortions caused by thermal effects present in the mechanical strain measurement derived from the first result;- determining one or more of the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity basedon said measurement of mechanical strain cleared of thermal effects;- determining the thermal quantity based solely on the second result.

13. A method according to any one of claims 2-12, wherein the step of determining at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and the thermal quantity comprises determining both a clamping force (CF), or clamping pressure (CP), resulting from the actuation of the braking system, and a braking torque (BT) resulting from the actuation of the braking system, and a temperature, or temperature variation, and / or thermal stress to which the braking element is subjected, upon an actuation of the braking system.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing or housing (9), subject to variations dependent on both said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and said thermal quantity, is mechanically deformable in dependence on said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity applied to the element or exerted by the element, and is configured to transmit said mechanical deformation to the optical fibre sensors incorporated therein. and wherein the casing or housing (9) is further characterized by high thermal conductivity, for transmitting to the optical fibre sensors its own thermal condition, characterized by said thermal quantity, and representative of the thermal condition of the element.

15. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:- the sensors of the first pair (1) of optical fibre sensors are glued to the casing or housing (9) using a glue (G) adapted to transmit mechanical strain;- the sensors of the second pair of optical fibre sensors are arranged within mechanical isolation means (A), such as, for example, an air pocket, located within the casing or housing (9), so as to allow the transmission of the thermal condition of the casing or housing (9) to the sensors of the second pair (2), while simultaneously preventing the transmission of stresses or mechanical strains to the sensors of the second pair (2), thereby mechanically isolating them from the casing or housing (9).

16. A method according to claim 11 , wherein said first fibre (F1) and second fibre (F2) are connected to the optical reading / interrogation unit via an optical connection interface (3) and wherein:- said first photonic signal (L1) comprises a first optical spectrum reflected ortransmitted by the two optical fibre sensors connected to the first optical fibre, which reaches the optical reading / interrogation unit (4) via said optical connection interface (3); and / or- said second photonic signal (L2) comprises a second optical spectrum reflected or transmitted by the two optical fibre sensors connected to the second optical fibre, which reaches the optical reading / interrogation unit (4) via said optical connection interface (3); and / or wherein the optical reading / interrogation unit (4) is configured to activate each of said optical fibre sensors by transmitting a respective optical activation radiation (OA1 , OA2) into each of the two optical fibres through said optical connection interface (3).

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein, when a plurality of sensors (FBG1 , FBG2; FBG3, FBG4) are connected to the same fibre, the respective Bragg gratings are associated with respective different central operating wavelengths (A1 , A2), and wherein the method further comprises the steps of:- transmitting, by the optical reading / interrogation element (4), through the optical connection interface (3), respective optical activation radiations (OA1 , OA2) to the two sensors (FBG1 , FBG2; FBG3, FBG4) associated with the same fibre, each optical radiation comprising two different respective operating wavelengths (A1 , A2), by means of wavelength division multiplexing, WDM, transmission techniques;- receiving, through the optical connection interface (3), and distinguishing the respective optical spectra reflected or transmitted by each of the two sensors (FBG1 , FBG2; FBG3, FBG4) associated with the same optical fibre by means of demultiplexing with wavelength division multiplexing, WDM, techniques.

18. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method steps are performed in one or both pads (10) of a disc brake caliper, and wherein each pad (10) comprises a respective optical reading / interrogation unit (4) associated therewith and / or constrained thereto, or wherein the method steps are performed in both pads (10) of a disc brake caliper, and wherein said receiving and generating steps are performed by a single optical reading / interrogation unit (4), associated with the brake caliper, and operatively connected to both pads (10), via a single optical interface (3) or via two distinct optical interfaces (3).

19. A device for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, associated with the application of a load to a system or component, by means of detection performed in an element (10) of the system or component, wherein the device comprises:- a casing or housing (9), configured to be incorporated into said system or component, or into an element of the system or component;- at least two pairs (1 , 2) of optical fibre sensors, arranged in said casing or housing (9), each of the optical fibre sensors being capable of detecting a mechanical strain and a thermal quantity; wherein the casing or housing (9) is subject to a deformation or mechanical strain determined by, and representative of, said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity acting on the system or component, and is also subject to a thermal condition dependent on, and representative of, said thermal quantity present in the system or component, and said casing or housing (9) is adapted to transmit said thermal condition to the optical fibre sensors; wherein:- a first pair (1) of optical fibre sensors, of said at least two pairs of optical fibre sensors, is arranged in mechanical contact with the casing or housing (9), thereby ensuring that the deformation or mechanical strain of the casing or housing is transmitted to the optical fibre sensors of said first pair (1);- a second pair (2) of optical fibre sensors, of said at least two pairs of optical fibre sensors, is arranged so that the optical fibre strain sensors of said second pair are mechanically isolated from the casing or housing (9) and are not affected by the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity, and are sensitive only to said thermal quantity; wherein each of the optical fibre sensors of the first pair (1) is configured to detect a respective mechanical strain, indicative of a respective deformation of the casing or housing, thereby providing a first result dependent on both said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and said thermal quantity; wherein each of the optical fibre sensors of the second pair (2) is configured to provide a second result dependent solely on said thermal quantity; and wherein the device further comprises electronic processing means configured to determine said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and said thermal quantity, based on said first result and said second result.

20. A device according to claim 19, configured to detect and measure at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity in friction braking system for a vehicle, wherein the system or component on which an external load is exerted is friction braking system for a vehicle.

21. A device according to claim 19 or claim 20, configured to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1-18.

22. A sensorized pad (10) for a brake caliper of a friction braking system for a vehicle, comprising:- a brake pad made of a material adapted to generate braking friction when placed in contact with a friction brake disc by the brake caliper during a braking event;- a casing or housing (9) containing at least two pairs (1 , 2) of optical fibre sensors, embedded into a portion of friction material (M) of the brake pad, wherein said portion of friction material (M) is sensitive to friction, such that the mechanical strain or deformation to which the casing or housing (9) is subjected is representative of the clamping pressure (CP) or clamping force (CF) and / or braking torque (BT) exerted on the brake disc; wherein:- a first pair (1) of optical fibre sensors is arranged in mechanical contact with the casing or housing (9), thereby ensuring that the deformation or mechanical strain of the casing or housing is transmitted to the optical fibre sensors of the first pair;- a second pair (2) of optical fibre sensors is arranged in such a way that the optical fibre strain sensors of said second pair are mechanically isolated from the casing or housing (9) and are not affected by the at least one dynamic mechanical quantity, and are sensitive only to the said thermal quantity; wherein each of the optical fibre sensors of the first pair (1) is configured to detect a respective mechanical strain, representative of a respective deformation of the casing or housing, and thereby provide a first result dependent on both said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and said thermal quantity; wherein each of the optical fibre sensors of the second pair (2) is configured to provide a second result dependent solely on said thermal quantity;- an optical connection interface (3), optically connected to the optical fibre sensors of the first and second pairs, and adapted to be operatively connected to electronic processing means to provide the electronic processing means with said first result and second result.

23. Sensorized pad (10) according to claim 22, configured to carry out a method according to any of claims 1-18.

24. A brake caliper for a vehicle disc braking system, comprising at least one sensorized pad (10) according to any of claims 22-23.

25. A device for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity associated with the actuation of a friction braking system for a vehicle, by means of detection performed in at least one sensorized brake pad of the braking system, comprising:- at least one sensorized pad (10) according to any one of claims 19-20;- an optical reading / interrogation unit (4), optically connected to the optical connection interface (3) of the at least one sensorized pad (10), to receive at least one first photonic signal (L1) from a first optical fibre operatively connected to two of the optical fibre sensors of the first pair (1) and second pair (2) of optical fibre sensors, and to receive at least one second photonic signal (L2) from a second optical fibre operatively connected to the other two optical fibre sensors of the first pair (1) and second pair (2) of optical fibre sensors; said optical reading / interrogation unit (4) being configured to generate one or more electrical signals (E1 , E2), based on said first photonic signal (L1) and second photonic signal (L2) received;- a remote control unit (20), external to the sensorized pad, connected to the optical reading / interrogation unit (4) to receive said one or more electrical signals (E1 , E2), the remote control unit (20) comprising electronic processing means configured to process said one or more electrical signals (E1 , E2) for calculating and providing a measurement of said at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity.

26. A device according to claim 25, configured to implement a method according to any of claims 1-18.

27. A disc braking system for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of brake pads according to claim 22, and / or comprising a device for detecting and measuring at least one dynamic mechanical quantity and one thermal quantity, according to any one of claims 25 or 26.

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