Heavy Vehicle Brake Temperature Monitoring for Hot Runner Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heavy vehicles are prone to the 'Hot Runners' phenomenon, where brake calipers lock up, causing continuous braking and overheating, leading to damage and safety risks, which existing braking systems fail to detect and prevent effectively.

Innovation Solution

A braking device for heavy vehicles equipped with temperature sensors and auxiliary piezoceramic sensors that compare temperatures in real-time, emitting alarms if thresholds are exceeded, and utilizing a central electronic control unit connected to the vehicle's CAN-bus to validate and communicate alerts, ensuring timely driver notification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature sensors are installed on rotating brake discs to monitor temperature, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but measurement complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature monitoring capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement complexity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a non-rotating brake component (such as the brake caliper or mounting bracket) as an intermediary to host the temperature sensor. This intermediary transfers the temperature measurement function from the rotating disc to a stationary component, eliminating the complexity of rotating sensor installation while maintaining accurate temperature monitoring of the brake system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple sensors and control units are added to detect and prevent hot runners, then braking system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking system reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single control unit that processes temperature data, compares readings against threshold values, validates alarm conditions, and communicates with the vehicle's CAN-bus system. This multi-functional approach improves reliability by comprehensive monitoring while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate control devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors brake temperature, compares it with pre-set threshold values, and provides feedback through alarm signals when abnormal conditions are detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enhances braking system reliability by enabling real-time detection and warning of hot runner conditions, allowing timely corrective action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 effectively prevents the initial phases of the 'Hot Runners' phenomenon by providing timely warnings, enhancing road safety and preventing damage from overheating brakes.

Implementation Method 1

integrating at least a piezoceramic sensor operating at high temperatures and designed to emit an electrical signal when subjected to mechanical stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoceramic effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

at least a temperature sensor provided between said friction block and said support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentEP3350466B1Braking device for a heavy vehicle and a method for preventing overheating of the brakes of a heavy vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 ITT ITAL SRL
  • EP3350466B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3350466B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3350466B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The braking device (1) for a heavy vehicle, comprising brakes, each comprising at least a brake pad (2) or brake shoe exhibiting a support (3) and a friction block (4) acting on a brake disc or brake drum associated to a wheel of the heavy vehicle, at least one temperature sensor (5) provided between the friction block (4) and the support (3), and a safety device for preventing overheating of the brakes, the safety device comprising emitting means (10) of an alarm and control means (11, 12) communicating with the sensor (5) and with the emitting means (10), the control means (11, 12) comprising a memory (14) containing at least a first threshold temperature, and a comparator (14) configured to validate the emission of the alarm if the temperature detected in at least a brake pad (2) or brake shoe is greater than the first threshold temperature and if the temperature detected in at least another brake pad (2) or brake shoe is lower than the first threshold temperature.