Brake Assembly Status Detection Using Proximity Sensor Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle brake systems lack an efficient method to detect the status of manually actuated brake mechanisms, leading to potential damage when the brake is unknowingly left applied, as existing detection systems require replacement of the entire brake mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor trigger and sensor, with a controller determining the status of the brake assembly based on the detected proximity, allowing for communication of the brake status to the operator without needing to replace the brake mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detection system is implemented on an existing vehicle brake mechanism, then the brake status can be detected to prevent damage, but the entire brake mechanism must be replaced with a new one incorporating the detection system
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into separate functional modules: a sensor mounted on the brake cylinder, a trigger mounted on the piston rod, and a controller. This segmentation allows the detection functionality to be added without replacing the entire brake mechanism, resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A proximity sensor and trigger act as intermediaries between the moving piston rod and the control system. The sensor detects the position of the trigger without requiring direct mechanical connection, enabling status detection while maintaining the original brake mechanism structure
2Loss of information
If instrumentation is assembled directly onto the hand or manually actuated brake mechanism, then detection capability is achieved, but the brake mechanism must be completely replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor and trigger are designed as pre-assembled units that can be independently mounted onto the brake mechanism components. The sensor is mounted on the brake cylinder and the trigger on the piston rod before final assembly, allowing detection capability to be added without replacing the entire mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The detection functionality is extracted as a separate subsystem from the brake mechanism. The sensor and trigger are independent components that can be added to existing brake assemblies, eliminating the need to replace the entire brake mechanism and simplifying installation
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
Enables accurate detection and communication of the brake status, preventing damage by notifying operators of applied or released brakes, thus ensuring safe vehicle movement without costly damage to the vehicle or infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may detect a proximity of the sensor trigger with respect to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A brake assembly includes a first assembly component; a second assembly component that is movable with respect to the first assembly component; and a device for determining a status of the brake assembly. The device includes a sensor trigger disposed on the second assembly component; a sensor disposed on the first assembly component, the sensor being configured to detect a proximity of the sensor trigger with respect to the sensor; and a controller in communication with the sensor and configured to determine the status of the brake assembly based on the detected proximity of the sensor trigger with respect to the sensor.