Brake Caliper Guide Pin Wireless Transmitter Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake pad wear sensing systems in vehicles face challenges due to the need for wireless transmission, which is affected by heat generated from brake and bearing components, leading to battery degradation and unreliable communication, especially in autonomous vehicles where operator feedback on brake wear is diminished.
Innovation Solution
A multiple function brake caliper guide pin arrangement with a wireless transmitter system is introduced, where the transmitter is attached to the guide pin, providing a cool environment for the electronic wear sensor unit, allowing for reliable wireless communication of brake pad wear status without the need for long wiring runs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wireless wear sensors are used to transmit brake pad condition information, then the need for long wiring runs and flexible connections is eliminated, but the batteries in the wireless sensors degrade rapidly due to heat from brake and bearing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the wireless transmitter from the traditional wheel end location to the brake caliper guide pin area, effectively moving the component to a different spatial dimension within the brake assembly. This dimensional relocation places the battery in a cooler environment away from the primary heat sources (brake rotor and bearing), thereby extending battery life while maintaining wireless transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The brake caliper guide pin serves as an intermediary structure that hosts the wireless transmitter. By using the existing guide pin as a mounting location, the patent creates an intermediate platform that is thermally isolated from the hottest parts of the brake assembly while still being functionally connected to the brake pad wear sensing system
2Measurement precision
If wireless components are placed near the wheel end for brake wear sensing, then brake pad condition can be monitored, but the heat from brakes and bearings causes battery degradation and loss of transmission capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension within the brake assembly by mounting the wireless transmitter on the brake caliper guide pin, which is positioned away from the rotating brake rotor and bearing assembly. This spatial arrangement creates thermal separation while maintaining functional proximity for accurate wear detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by selecting a specific location (brake caliper guide pin area) that has different thermal characteristics compared to the overall wheel end environment. This localized mounting strategy exploits the thermal gradient within the brake assembly to protect the battery while maintaining sensing accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple function brake caliper guide pin for use with a wireless transmitter to transmit brake wear data is disclosed. The pin is part of a brake assembly that includes a brake caliper, a caliper yoke for supporting the caliper in relation to the rotor, opposed brake pads, a wear sensor, and a brake wear sensing assembly comprising a brake caliper guide pin and a wireless transmitter system. The guide pin may be either of a two-piece or a one-piece design and includes a transmitter system attachment end and a yoke attachment end. The transmitter system includes a sensor for sensing brake pad wear and a wireless transmitter for transmitting the sensed wear to a receiver in the vehicle. The sensor may include a tether attached to a brake pad or may include a transmitter and magnet assembly fitted to one or the other of the caliper or the yoke.