S-Cam Profile Deviation Rate Analysis for Drum Brake Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for inspecting S-cams in drum brakes are time-consuming and inaccurate, failing to account for critical characteristics that affect the effective application of the S-cam, such as the rate of change in profile deviation, which can lead to uneven braking force and wear.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an electronic control unit to obtain angle and displacement values, determine the S-cam profile, compute deviations from a desired profile, and assess the rate of change in deviation, reducing the need for manual measurements and computations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual movement and measurements are used to inspect S-cams, then the inspection process is simple to perform, but the measurement accuracy and evaluation precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated measurement system that uses sensors and electronic control units to collect angle and displacement data. This substitution eliminates the limitations of manual measurement while achieving high precision profile deviation evaluation without requiring complex operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital representation (copy) of the S-cam profile by measuring angle and displacement values and generating profile data that can be compared against desired profile specifications. This digital copy enables accurate deviation analysis without repeatedly handling the physical component.
2Reliability
If conventional inspection methods are used, then the inspection process is quick to perform, but the evaluation is incomplete as it fails to account for rate of change in profile deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations by computing the rate of change in profile deviation as part of the measurement process. This preliminary action ensures that critical evaluation parameters are captured during the initial measurement phase, making the inspection both comprehensive and efficient without requiring additional separate measurement steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent continuously collects angle and displacement data throughout the S-cam rotation and continuously computes profile deviation and its rate of change. This continuous measurement and calculation process ensures complete evaluation of all critical characteristics without interrupting the inspection flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for evaluating characteristics of an S-cam are provided. The inventive method includes the step of obtaining angle values and displacement values indicative of an angle of rotation of the S-cam and displacement of a cam follower caused by rotation of a lobe of the S-cam. The method further includes the step of determining a profile for the lobe of the S-cam responsive to the angle values and the displacement values. The method further includes the steps of computing a deviation of the profile from a desired profile for the lobe of the S-cam and determining a rate of change in the deviation of the profile. In addition, the system and method may evaluate characteristics such as the concentricity of the S-cam and power transfer characteristics of the S-cam.