Brake Sweeping Controller for Winter Ice Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle brakes, particularly those on trailers, face reduced effectiveness in wintry conditions due to snow and ice accumulation, which can prevent proper braking function until debris is melted or scraped away, potentially leading to unsafe driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic brake controller determines conditions indicative of snow and ice buildup, such as temperature, wheel torque, and turn angle, to schedule a brake sweeping procedure that applies gentle pressure to clear debris without affecting vehicle control, ensuring brake functionality when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brake sweeping procedure is performed to clear snow and ice from brakes, then brake effectiveness is improved, but vehicle control may be affected during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The brake sweeping procedure is performed in advance during periods when the vehicle is stationary or parked, clearing snow and ice buildup before it affects braking performance. This preliminary action ensures brakes are ready for effective operation without compromising vehicle control during active driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic brake sweeping procedures based on detected environmental conditions (snow, ice, temperature) and vehicle usage patterns. Rather than continuous operation, the brake sweeper activates at scheduled intervals or when specific conditions are met, clearing debris without continuously affecting vehicle control.
2Ease of operation
If the brake sweeping procedure is delayed when certain conditions are met, then vehicle control is maintained, but brake debris clearance is postponed
Solution Approach 1:
The brake sweeping procedure is made dynamic and adaptive, with the system continuously monitoring vehicle conditions, environmental factors, and driver behavior. The procedure can be delayed, advanced, or modified based on real-time conditions such as whether the vehicle is in motion, the driver's braking patterns, and current temperature, ensuring optimal balance between vehicle control and brake maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor vehicle operation and environmental conditions to determine the optimal timing for brake sweeping. Sensors detect parameters such as vehicle speed, brake usage, temperature, and precipitation, providing feedback that adjusts the brake sweeping schedule to maintain both vehicle control and brake effectiveness.
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 solution effectively clears snow and ice from vehicle brakes, maintaining braking efficiency and safety by automatically scheduling and executing a brake sweeping procedure based on environmental and driving conditions, thereby preventing brake slippage and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
The brakes operate by applying pressure from a pad or shoe to a rotating drum or disc
Implementation Method 2
snow and ice can accumulate on the brake disc or around the brake drum, thereby preventing the brake shoe or pad from contacting the brake drum or rotor
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatus to perform brake sweeping procedures on vehicle brakes are described herein. An example apparatus includes a controller to determine when a vehicle has made a turn, compare an angle at which the vehicle has turned to an angle threshold, and schedule a brake sweeping procedure based on the comparison.