Brake Fade Gauge Using Temperature and Inclination Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle braking systems face brake fade issues due to heat buildup, especially during prolonged or repeated braking on steep inclines, which can lead to reduced stopping power and safety concerns, particularly with friction brakes that lack effective heat dissipation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle information console with a controller that displays brake capacity based on the temperature of friction materials and a predicted brake fade threshold derived from speed, mass, and current angle of inclination, allowing drivers to take preventative actions before critical situations arise. This system includes graphical displays and alerts to inform drivers of potential brake fade risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If friction brakes are used for vehicle deceleration, then braking force is provided, but heat buildup causes brake fade and reduced stopping power
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors brake temperature and vehicle operating conditions (speed, mass, inclination) and provides real-time feedback to the driver through a display showing remaining brake capacity and fade warnings. This allows the driver to adjust braking behavior before brake fade occurs, resolving the contradiction by enabling proactive temperature management while maintaining braking force.
2Speed
If ACC system continuously applies friction brakes to maintain speed on downhill, then speed control is achieved, but brake fade occurs due to sustained braking
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates predicted brake fade thresholds based on vehicle mass, speed, and inclination angle before actual brake fade occurs. By displaying remaining brake capacity in advance, the system enables preliminary driver action (reducing brake application) to prevent brake fade, thus maintaining both speed control capability and brake reliability.
3Reliability
If brake temperature is monitored to avoid brake fade, then brake reliability is improved, but driver awareness and timely action are reduced without visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms invisible brake temperature data into visible feedback through a display showing remaining brake capacity as a percentage or bar indicator, along with fade warnings. This visual feedback maintains brake reliability by enabling timely driver action while eliminating information loss, as the driver can directly observe brake condition and respond appropriately.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller can display via an instrument cluster a brake capacity based on a temperature of friction material of at least one brake of a vehicle and a predicted brake fade threshold that is derived from a speed, mass, and current angle of inclination of the vehicle.