Brake Rotor Temperature-Based Power Limiting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional friction-based braking systems in vehicles suffer from wear and reduced effectiveness over time, leading to brake fade and failure, with existing methods failing to adequately address these issues or provide timely alerts for maintenance, and non-friction systems are often too expensive for widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a processor and sensors to determine the temperature of the brake rotor and adjust the vehicle's power output based on threshold levels, reducing energy consumption to prevent brake fade and extend the life of braking components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If friction-based braking systems are used to slow down the vehicle, then the vehicle can be effectively decelerated, but the brake components experience wear and heat buildup leading to reduced effectiveness over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by monitoring rotor temperature and proactively limiting power output before brake fade occurs. The processor continuously determines rotor temperature and, upon detecting temperatures above thresholds, preemptively reduces power from the power source, preventing the braking system from entering a degraded state rather than reacting after performance loss occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring rotor temperature and using this information to adjust power output. The processor receives temperature data, compares it against predefined thresholds, and dynamically modifies power delivery to the vehicle, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts braking conditions in real-time.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If power output is limited to prevent brake fade, then the life of braking components is extended, but the vehicle's power generation or output capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making power output adjustable rather than fixed. The processor dynamically modifies power delivery based on real-time rotor temperature conditions, allowing full power when brakes are cool and reducing power when brakes are hot. This dynamic adaptation optimizes both component life and power availability according to actual braking system state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements parameter changes by modifying power output levels in response to temperature variations. The processor changes the power parameter from maximum to reduced levels based on rotor temperature thresholds, creating a variable power delivery system that adapts to thermal conditions and extends brake life without permanently sacrificing power capability.
3Loss of information
If conventional brake monitoring methods are used, then alerts are provided when maintenance is recommended, but these alerts only appear when braking performance has already significantly deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by providing maintenance alerts based on accumulated brake usage and temperature history before significant performance deterioration occurs. The processor tracks braking events and rotor thermal exposure over time, generating proactive maintenance recommendations that prevent brake fade rather than reacting to performance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring rotor temperature and braking patterns, providing real-time information about brake system stress and wear. This feedback loop enables timely maintenance alerts that reflect actual thermal and mechanical loading conditions, allowing maintenance to be performed at optimal intervals before performance degradation.
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
The system effectively extends the life of braking equipment by automatically reducing power output when the rotor temperature exceeds certain thresholds, mitigating brake fade and failure while being cost-effective and integrated with existing vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
determining, using the processor, an instantaneous temperature of the rotor of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
determining, using the processor, an instantaneous temperature of the rotor of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A brake rotor temperature determination or estimation system and method for controlling output power of a power source in a vehicle. The system includes a brake rotor, a processor, a memory, a speed sensor and a temperature sensor. The speed sensor senses a speed of the vehicle. The temperature sensor senses a temperature of a brake rotor or ambient air in a vicinity of the brake rotor. Based upon data stored in the memory and inputs from the speed sensor or the temperature sensor, the processor determines if an output power of the power source should be limited based on rotor temperature thresholds. The power limits may be defined as discrete power limits corresponding to the particular thresholds of rotor temperature or may be defined as interpolated data values along a linear or nonlinear ramp or slope.