Brake Stroke Logger Mechanism for Pushrod Travel Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake stroke inspection methods for pneumatically operated systems require manual application of brakes for measurement, are inconvenient, and often result in inaccurate readings due to the need for a second person or use of parking brakes, which do not simulate full brake application.
Innovation Solution
A visual brake stroke logging indicator with a moveable logger that records the maximum pushrod travel distance without requiring brake application, allowing for a single inspection of initial and maximum positions without activating the brakes, using a modified clevis pin and sliding mechanism within a housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual brake application is used for inspection, then brake pushrod travel can be measured, but the inspection process becomes inconvenient and requires a second person or brake pedal jamming device
Solution Approach 1:
The logger is preliminarily positioned at the initial brake position and automatically records the maximum pushrod travel during normal brake operation without requiring manual intervention during inspection. The indicator is pre-configured to show maximum travel limits, eliminating the need for manual brake application during inspection.
2Ease of operation
If parking brakes are used for inspection, then brake application can be achieved, but the readings become inaccurate as parking brakes do not simulate full brake application
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system uses the vehicle's own service brakes during normal operation to generate the measurement data. The logger automatically records the maximum pushrod travel that occurs during regular braking, eliminating the need for separate parking brake applications and ensuring accurate readings that reflect actual service brake performance.
3Reliability
If regular inspection of pushrod travel distance is required, then brake operation within parameters can be ensured, but the inspection process becomes time-consuming and may not be performed regularly
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical inspection process is replaced with an automatic visual indication system. The logger and indicator automatically track and display maximum pushrod travel during normal vehicle operation, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual measurements and making regular inspection practical and efficient.
4Ease of operation
If a moveable logger is used to record maximum pushrod travel, then inspection can be performed without brake activation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement and recording function is extracted from the complex brake actuation system and placed in a separate, simple logger mechanism that passively follows pushrod movement. This isolated logger with its own indicator provides the measurement function independently, reducing the complexity burden on the main brake system while enabling convenient inspection.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake stroke logging indicator for determining brake stroke condition on a vehicle braking system comprising a moveable logger within a housing which logger can be moved within the housing from an initial position to a moved position, by the pressure from a brake pushrod. After the pressure from the brake pushrod has been released however, the logger remains in position in the housing. As such, the logger indicates the distance of the longest brake stroke traveled since the system was reset, without the need of a second person, or brake pedal jamming device. The indicating logger will always indicate the longest stroke traveled, where the driver has no need to hold the brake pedal down for inspection. Moreover, when the vehicle is stopped the indicating logger will indicate other mechanical problems that normally can be detected only when the vehicle is in motion.