Communications: electrical – Land vehicle alarms or indicators – Internal alarm or indicator responsive to a condition of the...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-01
2001-10-30
Lefkowitz, Edward (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Land vehicle alarms or indicators
Internal alarm or indicator responsive to a condition of the...
C340S454000, C188S00111E
Reexamination Certificate
active
06310545
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to motor vehicle braking systems generally and more particularly to the detection of overheating of brakes, especially of trucks and other heavy vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Motor vehicles and especially trucks, trailers, buses and other heavy vehicles are subject to intensive use of their brakes. It is common practice for truck drivers to overuse their brakes. For example, when traveling downhill, drivers are apt to continually press the brake pedal instead of selecting a lower gear for braking to slow their vehicle. Continuous friction between the brake pad and its drum causes overheating which leads to a loss of efficiency in the braking system. Ultimately, overheating may lead to a partial or complete braking failure and subsequently to a major and fatal road accident.
Heavy vehicles are disproportionately responsible for road accidents. Among these road accidents a significant proportion are due to faulty or incorrect use of the vehicle's brakes. “Brake” accidents may be minimized by early detection and notification to the driver of any abnormal or dangerous situation, such as overheating. Furthermore, driving habits can be improved by tracking and monitoring a driver's braking performance.
Numerous brake detectors and systems for the surveillance of brakes are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,370 to Thompson describes a brake condition indicator which is attachable to a conventional brake shoe. U.S. Pat. No. 5,302,040 to Chen describes a motor vehicle brake detector which is fastened in the brake shoe and includes a blind hole formed in the brake shoe.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,057 to Berndt describes a method and apparatus for contactless measuring of the brake temperature of passing railroad cars by fixing sensor apparatus to the rail track to scan the passing wheels.
For maximum efficiency, such stationary detection equipment needs to be placed at regular intervals. Unfortunately, a high percentage of rail vehicles are missed and axle-journal breakages constantly recur.
The known prior art devices require modification of existing braking systems. Such modification tends to be costly and impractical for large vehicle fleets. Additionally, prior art devices are difficult to replace and maintain and are detrimentally affected by oil and dirt.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a brake temperature detection unit which overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of prior art units.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a brake temperature detection unit which is easily and quickly installed.
A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a brake temperature detection unit which does not require major modifications to the vehicle.
A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a brake temperature detection unit which uses radiation sensors.
A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a brake temperature detection unit which is automatically cleaned.
There is thus provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a brake monitoring system having at least one brake temperature detection unit externally attached to one of the brake assemblies of a vehicle. The brake temperature detection unit includes at least one sensor for detecting radiation from the corresponding brake assembly.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a brake temperature detection unit externally attached to one of the brake assemblies of a vehicle. The brake temperature detection unit includes at least one sensor for detecting radiation from the corresponding brake assembly and a processing unit coupled to the sensor for determining the temperature of the corresponding brake assembly from the detected radiation.
Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a processing unit for determining the temperature of the corresponding brake assembly from the detected radiation. The processing unit is coupled to each of the brake temperature detection units.
Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes control apparatus coupled to the brake temperature detection unit and to the a processing unit.
Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, upon the recorded temperature of the corresponding brake assembly exceeding a pre-determined level, the control apparatus causes the vehicle to be brought to a halt.
Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control apparatus includes means for indicating to the driver of the vehicle whenever the recorded temperature of the corresponding brake assembly exceeds a pre-determined level. The indication includes an audible alarm or at least one LED light corresponding to each of the at least one brake temperature detection units.
Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the brake temperature detection unit further includes a housing having an aperture formed in one side thereof. The brake temperature detection unit is fitted to the vehicle brake assembly so that the aperture is in alignment with the brakes of the vehicle brake assembly and the sensor.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the brake temperature detection unit further includes a heat source and a second sensor coupled to the heat source.
Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the brake temperature detection unit also includes a mirror shutter unit pivotally fitted to the brake temperature detection unit, whereby the mirror shutter unit is movable from a first position wherein the mirror shutter unit sealingly closes the aperture to a second position wherein the mirror shutter unit reflects radiation from the heat source.
Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mirror shutter unit is operable by means of an electromagnet attached to the mirror.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the brake temperature detection unit also includes filtration means.
Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control apparatus includes a black box device. The black box device includes a memory storage device coupled to the a processing unit, a processor connected to the memory storage device and a recording device connected to the processor.
Additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting an increase in temperature in a vehicle brake assembly having a brake temperature detection unit fitted thereto. The method includes the steps of:
a) determining the ambient temperature of the detecting unit;
b) determining the temperature of a heat source within the detecting unit, the detecting unit being sealed from any radiation from the brake assembly;
c) recording the temperature of the brake assembly;
d) comparing the recorded brake assembly temperature with the determined heat source temperature; and
e) indicating an alarm if the recorded brake assembly temperature exceeds a pro determined temperature.
Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pre-determined temperature is equal to the determined heat source temperature.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3691523 (1972-09-01), Helms et al.
patent: 4569600 (1986-02-01), Preniczny et al.
patent: 4649370 (1987-03-01), Thomason
patent: 4820057 (1989-04-01), Berndt
patent: 4887229 (1989-12-01), Weiss
patent: 5235399 (1993-08-01), Usui et al.
patent: 5246292 (1993-09-01), Gal et al.
patent: 5302940 (1994-04-01), Chen
patent: 5335995 (1994-08-01), Villar
patent: 5478151 (1995-12-01), Dührkoop
patent: 5581464 (1996-12-01), Woll et al.
patent: 5959365 (1999-09-01), Mantini et al.
paten
Eitan Pearl Latzer & Cohen-Zedek
Lefkowitz Edward
Opgal Optronic Industries Ltd.
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