Brake Assembly Conditioned Air Circuit for Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle brake assemblies' performance is affected by temperature extremes, leading to decreased performance or failure when brake pads or rotors are too hot or too cold, as existing systems do not effectively manage temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a conditioned air source and air circuit to provide heated or cooled air to the brake assembly, controlled by a valve and temperature sensor, ensuring optimal temperature conditions for brake components, with the option to direct air flow to both the brake assembly and passenger compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brake assembly components are operated at extreme temperatures, then braking power may be maintained temporarily, but brake performance decreases and failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the brake assembly by introducing conditioned air at controlled temperatures. The air circuit system adjusts air temperature to match brake requirements, transforming the thermal state of brake components from extreme temperatures to optimal operating ranges, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining braking power and preventing temperature-induced failure
Solution Approach 2:
Conditioned air serves as an intermediary medium between the temperature control system and the brake assembly. The air circuit delivers thermally conditioned air to the brake components, acting as a heat transfer intermediary that regulates brake temperature without direct thermal contact between the control system and brakes, thus improving reliability while managing temperature extremes
2Reliability
If larger brake components are used to maintain braking power, then braking performance is improved, but vehicle weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the brake assembly by controlling temperature. By maintaining optimal temperature ranges through the air circuit system, the brakes can operate at peak efficiency with smaller, lighter components. The temperature control prevents thermal degradation that would otherwise require oversized components to compensate for reduced effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assembly benefits from self-temperature-management through the air circuit system, which actively regulates brake temperature to prevent overheating and cold-weather performance loss. This self-service temperature control allows the use of optimized, smaller brake components that maintain full braking power under controlled thermal conditions, reducing overall system weight
3Temperature
If conditioned air is directed to the brake assembly, then brake temperature control is improved, but passenger compartment temperature control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The air circuit system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, capable of redirecting conditioned air flow between the brake assembly and passenger compartment based on real-time requirements. The system adjusts air distribution dynamically, allowing temperature control priorities to shift between brake performance and passenger comfort depending on operating conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between the two competing needs
Solution Approach 2:
The air circuit system serves multiple functions: it can direct conditioned air to the brake assembly for temperature control, to the passenger compartment for comfort, or to both simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the single air conditioning system to satisfy both brake performance requirements and passenger comfort needs without requiring separate dedicated systems, eliminating the trade-off between the two functions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system maintains optimal brake performance by regulating temperature, preventing failures due to extreme conditions and allowing for smaller brake components while maintaining braking power, and also provides passenger compartment temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a heater providing heated air, and the output air flow includes air at a temperature above the temperature of ambient air
Implementation Method 2
an air conditioner providing cooled air, and the output air flow includes air at a temperature below the temperature of an air input to the air conditioning assembly
Implementation Method 3
a flow of conditioned air, which may be heated or cooled relative to ambient air, may be provided to the brake assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a wheel, a brake assembly, a conditioned air source and an air circuit. The brake assembly has a portion selectively engageable with the wheel to reduce the rate of rotation of the wheel or stop rotation of the wheel. The conditioned air source provides an output air flow to the air circuit. The air circuit includes a first outlet through which at least a portion of the output air flow is directed toward at least part of the brake assembly under at least some conditions of vehicle operation. Accordingly, a flow of conditioned air, which may be heated or cooled relative to ambient air, may be provided to the brake assembly.