Laser Triangulation for Brake Lining Geometric Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Visual inspection of brake pads in disc brake devices is inadequate for detecting assembly errors and manufacturing deviations, as it is two-dimensional and cannot reliably capture all details, leading to potential operational issues.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact optical laser triangulation method is used to detect geometric properties of brake pad components before initial operation, allowing for precise and reliable measurement of assembly errors by comparing components with specified target values, using a laser to project light and image reflected light onto a detector for triangulation-based evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If visual inspection is used to detect assembly errors, then the inspection process is simple and quick, but the detection precision and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidinspection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual inspection system with an automated optical measurement system using laser triangulation. The laser projector projects structured light patterns onto the brake pad components, and the camera captures the reflected light to automatically measure geometric properties, eliminating the limitations of human visual inspection while achieving high precision detection of assembly errors and manufacturing deviations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces laser light as an intermediary medium between the inspection system and the brake pad components. The structured light patterns serve as a mediator that interacts with the component surfaces, encoding spatial information that can be decoded by the camera system to extract precise geometric measurements, thereby enabling non-contact high-precision measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If visual inspection is used, then the inspection method is simple to implement, but it cannot detect defects perpendicular to the image plane

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional visual inspection to three-dimensional optical measurement. By projecting structured light patterns and capturing their deformation upon reflection from component surfaces, the system reconstructs three-dimensional geometric information, enabling detection of defects in all spatial directions including those perpendicular to the original image plane, thus achieving comprehensive defect detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If visual inspection is performed by production personnel, then no additional equipment is needed, but manufacturing deviations cannot be identified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing deviation detectionVSAvoidmeasurement equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces subjective human visual assessment with objective automated optical measurement. The laser triangulation system provides quantitative geometric data that can be directly compared against manufacturing specifications and target values, enabling precise identification of manufacturing deviations without relying on human judgment or experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method enables the detection of assembly errors and manufacturing deviations with high precision, ensuring correct assembly and preventing operational issues by providing detailed, three-dimensional analysis of brake pad components.

Implementation Method 1

a laser (25) projects a light point onto a brake pad (1, 1') or onto at least one component of the components of a brake pad (1, 1')

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the light reflected from this brake pad (1, 1') or from at least one component of the components of a brake pad (1, 1') in an observation direction (29) is imaged onto a light-receiving element (31)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

Based on the angle between the illumination direction (27) and the observation direction (29), the type of the brake pad component is determined through triangulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriangulation:

Data Source

PatentEP3568666B1Use of a contactlessly working optical laser triangulation method for determining geometric properties of a brake lining
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 KNORR BREMSE SYST FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
  • EP3568666B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3568666B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3568666B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a use of a contactlessly working optical laser triangulation method for detecting at least one geometric property of a brake lining (1, 1') of a disc brake of a vehicle and/or of at least one component of the components of the brake lining (1, 1') before an initial commissioning or before an assembly of the brake lining (1, 1') and/or the at least one component of the components of the brake lining (1, 1') in the disc brake.