Brake Stroke Measurement Tool with Movable Indicator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring brake stroke in brake assemblies lack accuracy and versatility, particularly when using traditional tools like tape measures, which can be cumbersome and not suitable for various brake configurations.
Innovation Solution
A measurement tool is installed on a brake actuator's clevis, actuated with a lever tool, and features a movable measurement unit on a scale mounted proximate the brake actuator's housing, allowing precise measurement of brake stroke by detecting movement along the scale as the clevis is actuated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tools like tape measures are used to measure brake stroke, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is poor and the tool is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement tool is divided into separate modular components: a clevis mount that attaches to the actuator shaft, a scale component with measurement markings, and a movable indicator assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall measurement precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a clevis as an intermediary component that connects the measurement tool to the brake actuator shaft. This intermediary provides a stable mounting point for the scale and indicator, enabling precise measurement of brake stroke while isolating the measurement mechanism from the complexity of the brake assembly itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed measurement tool is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different brake configurations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement tool is designed with universal mounting capabilities through the clevis assembly that can attach to various actuator shaft configurations. The scale component can be positioned at different locations along the clevis, and the indicator assembly can measure different stroke distances, allowing a single tool to adapt to multiple brake assembly types and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator assembly is designed to move dynamically along the scale component during brake stroke measurement. This dynamic positioning capability allows the tool to accommodate different brake configurations and measurement ranges without requiring multiple fixed measurement devices, thereby improving versatility while maintaining manageable complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a movable measurement unit on a scale is used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to initialization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process requires preliminary initialization where the indicator is positioned at the zero mark on the scale before measurement begins. This preliminary action ensures that the movable indicator starts from a known reference point, enabling precise measurement of brake stroke while providing a clear, systematic procedure that reduces operational errors despite the additional step.
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement tool and a method of measuring brake stroke of a brake assembly. The method may include installing the measurement tool on the brake assembly. An actuator shaft may be actuated with a lever tool. The measurement tool may measure the brake stroke when the actuator shaft is actuated.