Brake Assembly Thermal Monitoring for Dragging Brake Detection

The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with a thermal-based detection system. By using a temperature sensor to measure brake temperature and comparing it against a thermal model that predicts normal operating temperatures, the system detects dragging brakes through thermal anomalies rather than mechanical measurements, simplifying the overall system architecture while improving reliability

The thermal model acts as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and the detection logic. Instead of directly comparing raw temperature readings to fixed thresholds, the system uses the thermal model to predict expected temperatures under various operating conditions, then compares actual readings against these dynamic predictions, enabling more accurate detection while keeping the system manageable in complexity

The system performs temperature comparisons at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The controller monitors temperature readings from the sensor and compares them to thermal model predictions at defined time intervals or under specific triggering conditions, maintaining detection precision while reducing the energy consumption associated with constant processing

The system applies enhanced monitoring precision only when necessary - such as when temperature readings deviate from expected ranges or when specific operating conditions are detected. During normal operation, the system uses standard monitoring intervals, and only increases measurement and comparison frequency when anomalies are detected, balancing precision with energy efficiency