Brake Disk Wear Detection via Optical Light Line Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the deterioration state of a vehicle's brake disk are subjective, time-consuming, and require removing the wheel, leading to potential errors and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and tool that project a collimated light beam onto the brake disk to trace a light line, detecting surface irregularities by analyzing the reflection patterns, allowing for objective and accurate assessment without removing the wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a technician uses subjective observation and manual measurement methods to assess brake disk deterioration, then the assessment can be performed with simple tools, but the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis heavily depend on the technician's experience and are subject to significant errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (comparators, gauges, manual probing) with an optical measurement system. A light source projects light onto the brake disk surface, and sensors detect the reflected light patterns to objectively measure surface irregularities and grooves, eliminating dependence on technician experience while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct physical contact measurement to optical reflection pattern analysis. By analyzing how light reflects off the brake disk surface, the system objectively quantifies surface irregularities, providing consistent and reproducible measurements independent of operator skill level.
2Ease of operation
If the wheel incorporating the brake disk is removed from the vehicle to facilitate technician analysis, then the technician can access and measure the brake disk face more easily, but this operation significantly increases the implementation time and costs of the method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the brake disk to be self-diagnosed while still mounted on the wheel. The optical assessment system can evaluate the brake disk surface through the wheel structure or by accessing the exposed braking surface, allowing the brake disk to serve its own diagnostic needs without requiring wheel removal, thus saving significant time and labor costs.
3Reliability
If subjective evaluation methods are used for brake disk assessment, then the equipment required is simple and inexpensive, but the results are not negligible in terms of error and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical assessment with objective optical sensing. Light sources and sensors create a measurable optical field that interacts with the brake disk surface, providing quantifiable data about surface irregularities. This substitution of mechanical observation with optical measurement significantly improves reliability while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the brake disk surface topography through light reflection patterns. Instead of directly measuring physical dimensions, the system captures the optical signature of surface irregularities, which can then be analyzed to determine the condition of the brake disk with high reliability.
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
Enables fast, economical, and accurate determination of brake disk wear, improving safety and reducing maintenance time by providing objective diagnostic data without the need to remove the wheel.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting head (4) configured to emit a collimated light beam (E) towards the face (3) of the brake disk (2) so as to trace on the face (3) of the brake disk (2) a light line (L)
Data Source
AI summary
Method to determine a deterioration state of a brake disk of a braking system of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of: emitting, by means of a light emitting head, a beam of light towards a face of the brake disk so as to trace on the face at least one light line, and determine a deterioration state of the brake disk on the basis of the traced light line.