Brake Pad Imaging for Non-Invasive Thickness Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for measuring brake pad thickness are complex and costly, requiring disassembly of the brake caliper assembly, leading to unnecessary labor costs when replacement is not needed.
Innovation Solution
A brake pad dimension estimation system using a detecting device and electronic controller that captures images of the brake pad assembly to determine thickness non-invasively, eliminating the need for disassembly, and utilizing a mobile device to process images and compare with reference values to assess wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual measurement methods are used to measure brake pad thickness, then measurement can be performed, but the process requires disassembly of the brake caliper assembly, increasing labor cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical disassembly process with an optical imaging system. A camera captures images of the brake pad assembly, and image processing algorithms automatically measure brake pad thickness without requiring any physical disassembly of the brake caliper assembly. This substitution of mechanical measurement with optical detection eliminates the need for removing bolts, opening caliper doors, and manually accessing brake pads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the brake pad assembly and performs measurements on the image data rather than the physical object. By capturing the brake pad geometry through imaging and analyzing the digital representation, the system obtains accurate thickness measurements without physically interacting with or disassembling the actual brake components.
2Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used, then brake pad thickness can be measured, but service cost increases due to labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces labor-intensive manual measurement with an automated optical system. The camera and image processing software perform measurements automatically, eliminating the need for technicians to disassemble brake calipers and manually measure brake pads. This automation significantly reduces service labor time and associated costs while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the brake pad measurement function to serve itself by using the existing brake pad assembly structure as the measurement target. The imaging system captures the brake pads in their installed position, and the processing system automatically extracts thickness information without requiring human intervention for disassembly or manual measurement operations.
3Measurement precision
If brake pads are removed for measurement, then thickness can be measured accurately, but unnecessary replacement may occur increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical removal and handling of brake pads with non-contact optical measurement. The imaging system accurately measures brake pad thickness while the pads remain installed in the brake caliper assembly, preventing unnecessary removal and potential replacement decisions based on inaccurate or incomplete information from partial measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary visual inspection and measurement of brake pad thickness before any removal or replacement decisions are made. By obtaining accurate measurements of all brake pads in situ, the system enables informed decision-making about whether replacement is actually necessary, preventing unnecessary service interventions and associated costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake pad dimension estimation system includes a detecting device and an electronic controller. The detecting device is configured to obtain dimensional information from an image of a brake pad assembly. The electronic controller is in electronic communication with the detecting device to receive the dimensional information from the image of the brake pad assembly. The electronic controller is programmed to determine a dimension of the brake pad based on the image.