Brake Fluid Water Content Estimation Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are complex and costly for determining the water content of brake fluid in a vehicle's brake system, making it difficult to estimate when service is needed, especially due to varying ambient temperatures and humidity levels across different locations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a controlled environment with controlled temperature and humidity to accelerate water buildup in brake fluid, allowing for the establishment of a model correlating water content in brake calipers with the brake fluid container, reducing the need for sensors in each caliper and enabling longer service intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are installed in each brake caliper to directly measure water content, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from the distributed brake calipers and concentrates it in the brake fluid container. By measuring water content at the container level and using the established model, the system achieves accurate water content estimation for the entire brake system without requiring sensors in each caliper, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a mathematical model that copies the water content relationship between the brake fluid container and individual calipers. This model allows the system to estimate water content in calipers based on measurements from the container, eliminating the need for physical sensors in each location while maintaining accurate measurement capability
2Productivity
If brake fluid service intervals are extended to reduce maintenance frequency, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential water buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring water content in the brake fluid container and providing real-time information about brake fluid condition. This allows the system to extend service intervals while maintaining reliability by alerting users when water content approaches critical levels, enabling condition-based maintenance rather than fixed schedule maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary measurement of water content in the brake fluid container, which reflects the water content status of the entire brake system. By detecting water buildup early through the sensor and model-based estimation, the system allows for timely intervention before water content reaches dangerous levels, enabling longer safe operating intervals
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 approach improves the reliability and safety of the brake system by accurately determining water content without requiring sensors in each caliper, allowing for timely replacement of brake fluid and extending maintenance intervals.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of brake calipers and the brake fluid container including a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of the water content of the brake fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating water content of brake fluid in a brake system including brake calipers and a brake fluid container, the brake calipers and the container each including a sensor configured to detect a water content of the brake fluid, the method including: arranging the brake system in a controlled environment; for a predetermined time period, exposing the brake system to a controlled temperature and humidity such that an increase in water content in the brake fluid is accelerated; determining the water content of the brake fluid in the brake fluid container and in each brake caliper as a function of time; and based on the determined water content as a function of time, establishing a model describing the relation between the water content of brake fluid in a brake caliper and the water content in the brake fluid in the brake fluid container.