Brake Fluid Sensing for Remote Vehicle Braking Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle braking calibration processes require operators to move on and off the vehicle, posing safety risks and inefficiencies, as they involve manual attachment and detachment of equipment, and are time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle braking calibration system that includes a valve and sensor fluidly coupled with the braking system, allowing for remote control and monitoring of fluid characteristics, enabling the determination of the braking system's state without the operator leaving the vehicle, using a controller that communicates with both onboard and off-board systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual verification processes are used with operators moving on and off the vehicle, then the braking system can be checked, but operator safety is compromised and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system performs self-verification through automated sensors and controllers that monitor brake pipe pressure and flow characteristics without requiring operator intervention. The system autonomously detects calibration deviations and triggers alerts, eliminating the need for operators to manually attach/detach equipment and move around the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical verification processes are replaced with electronic sensing and automated control systems. Pressure sensors, flow meters, and controllers electronically monitor braking system parameters, substituting the mechanical manual operations with automated electronic detection and analysis.
2Reliability
If manual verification processes are used with operators moving on and off the vehicle, then the braking system can be checked, but the verification process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The verification process operates continuously during normal braking system operation rather than requiring periodic shutdowns for manual inspection. Sensors continuously monitor pressure and flow parameters, enabling real-time detection of calibration issues without interrupting vehicle operations or requiring dedicated verification time windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously performs verification functions through integrated sensors and controllers that continuously monitor braking parameters, eliminating the need for scheduled manual inspection intervals and reducing overall verification time requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated sensors and controllers are used to monitor braking system parameters, then operator safety is improved and verification time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: monitoring brake pipe pressure, detecting flow characteristics, identifying calibration deviations, and triggering alerts. The controller integrates data processing, analysis, and communication functions, allowing a single system to perform what would otherwise require multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the physical braking system components and the operator interface. It processes raw sensor data, interprets calibration status, and communicates results through user-friendly alerts, simplifying the interaction between complex sensing systems and operators.
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 solution enhances operator safety and reduces the time required for verification processes by allowing for automated or remote operation of the valve and sensor, improving the efficiency and safety of braking system checks.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor detects one or more characteristics of the fluid that is directed out of the braking system
Implementation Method 2
The valve may move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of a fluid that is directed out of the braking system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle braking calibration system and related method includes a valve fluidly coupled with a vehicle braking system of a vehicle. The valve is configured to move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of a fluid that is directed out of the braking system. A sensor detects one or more characteristics of the fluid that is directed out of the braking system. A controller determines a state of the braking system based on the one or more characteristics of the fluid.