Heavy-Duty Brake Temperature Estimation Using Axle Airflow Geometry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for brake temperature estimation in heavy-duty vehicles assume a fixed cooling rate, which is inadequate due to varying chassis configurations, leading to inaccurate temperature estimations.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that receives brake chamber pressure, vehicle speed, ambient temperature, and wheel axle data, including geometrical attributes affecting airflow, to estimate brake temperature more accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed cooling rate is assumed for brake temperature estimation, then the estimation method is simple to implement, but the accuracy deteriorates for heavy-duty vehicles with varying chassis configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static fixed cooling rate assumption to a dynamic cooling rate model that adapts to different chassis configurations. The system determines cooling rates based on real-time geometric attributes of wheel axles and their interaction with airflow, allowing the estimation to dynamically adjust to varying vehicle conditions and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for temperature estimation from a single fixed cooling rate value to multiple variable parameters including geometric attributes of wheel axles, airflow conditions, and vehicle speed. This allows the system to account for the complex interactions between chassis configuration and brake cooling efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If geometrical attributes of wheel axles are taken into account, then the accuracy of brake temperature estimation is improved, but the complexity of the estimation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes existing sensor data from the vehicle (wheel axle position sensors, speed sensors, temperature sensors) to automatically determine geometric attributes and airflow conditions. The estimation algorithm self-adjusts based on the current chassis configuration without requiring manual input or complex external measurements, allowing the system to leverage already-available vehicle data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex physical measurement systems with computational modeling. Instead of installing additional temperature sensors or airflow measurement devices, the system uses computational algorithms to model heat transfer based on geometric attributes and airflow conditions, substituting mechanical/physical measurement complexity with software-based estimation.
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 provides a more accurate brake temperature estimation by considering the unique geometrical attributes of each heavy-duty vehicle, improving the accuracy of heat build-up and heat exchange calculations.
Implementation Method 1
brake chamber pressure data indicative of a determined pressure in brake chambers... relate to the magnitude of the braking and thus heat generation
Implementation Method 2
vehicle speed (which relates to the flow rate of air passing through the brakes and thus heat dissipation)... airflow to the brakes
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system for brake temperature estimation for a heavy-duty vehicle. The computer system including processing circuitry configured to receive brake chamber pressure data indicative of a determined pressure in brake chambers of the heavy-duty vehicle. The processing circuitry further configured to receive vehicle speed data indicative of the current speed of the heavy-duty vehicle and receive ambient temperature data indicative of a determined ambient temperature at the heavy-duty vehicle. The processing circuitry further configured to receive wheel axle data which include information about geometrical attributes of one or more wheel axles of the heavy-duty vehicle, which geometrical attributes affect airflow to brakes, and estimate a brake temperature based on said received brake chamber pressure data, said vehicle speed data, said ambient temperature data, and said wheel axle data.