Brakes – With condition indicator – Wear
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-18
2001-07-10
Schwartz, Christopher P. (Department: 3613)
Brakes
With condition indicator
Wear
C188S00111E
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257374
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention is directed to systems and methods for monitoring brake pad wear within vehicle brake systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Brake systems are employed in various types of vehicles such as automobiles and aircraft, to slow and subsequently stop vehicles. A brake system that is used in a vehicle typically employs high friction brake pads that are connected to a vehicle suspension or frame component so as to prevent rotation of the pads. When a braking force is desired, each pad is moved into engagement with a smooth rotor that is typically in the form of a disk. Specifically, a caliper assembly of the brake system squeezes the rotor between a pair of pads.
The pads are typically made of a composite material and the rotor is typically made of metal. The friction between the non-rotating pads and the rotor provides the braking force. The friction surface of each pad is gradually worn away until the pad is consumed and must be replaced.
Naturally, replacement of pads within a vehicle braking system is a periodic necessity. However, a determination as to when pads are in need of replacement is an inexact science. Failure to replace pads in a timely manner may result in damage to the rotor or other components within the brake system. Typically, repair expense to correct damage to the rotor or other brake system structure is greater than the cost of timely pad replacement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a brake pad wear sensing system for a vehicle brake system having a rotor rotatable about an axis and a pad moveable parallel to the axis to engage the rotor for creating braking force. A magnet provides a magnetic field. A Hall effect sensor senses the magnetic field and outputs an electrical signal indicative of the sensed magnetic field. Means mounts one of the magnet and the sensor with the pad for movement parallel to the axis. Means mounts the other of the magnet and the sensor at a location along the axis such that the signal from the sensor is indicative of pad wear.
A method of sensing brake pad wear for a vehicle brake system having a rotor rotatable about an axis and a pad movable parallel to the axis to engage the rotor for creating braking force. Mounting one of a magnet and a Hall effect sensor with the pad for movement parallel to the axis. Mounting the other of said magnet and said sensor at a location along the axis such that the signal from said sensor is indicative of pad wear, wherein the magnet provides a magnetic field, and wherein the Hall effect sensor senses the magnetic field and outputs an electrical signal indicative of the sensed magnetic field. Sensing the magnetic field during operation of the brake system and providing the signal indicative of pad wear.
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Strzelczyk Anthony
Williams Alexander K.
Schwartz Christopher P.
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
TRW Inc.
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