AU2006230649A1

AU2006230649A1 - Green Disc Brake Pad Wear and Warning Device

Info

Publication number: AU2006230649A1
Application number: AU2006230649A
Authority: AU
Inventors: George Green
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-10-18
Filing date: 2006-10-18
Publication date: 2008-05-08

Description

AIR BRAKE SERVICES SAFET, QUALITY, AFFORDABILITY The Green Disc Brake Pad Wear Warnintz Device Invented by George Green Air Brake Services Ply. Ltd.

1 166 Beatty Road Archerfield QLD 4108 Ph. 07 -3274 6046 Fax. 07 3274 6048 Mob.0422 447 528 E-mail: airbrakeservices(-abivrpond.com ABN 69 109 049 112 18'1 October 2006 ED KNORR-BREMSE Ociuhix BRAKE SPECIALISTS AIR BRAKE SERVICES PTY LTD Michasl Greien I,'ector ABN 69109 049112~ ~Original Situation The normal operation of a disc brake system is by supplying pressurized air to the brake actuator which then operates the disc brake callipers that hold the disc brake pads. When air is supplied, the stationery disc brake pads will be pushed against the disk rotor which is fixed to the rotating axle drum thus creating the brake force.

The disc brake pads are made from a non-asbestos material (industry standard) and of course do wear with prolong use. The disc brake pads inside the calliper are of such a design that they are easily replaceable when the pads are worn.

However, no indication is given to the operator WHEN these brake pads are worn. A visual check needs to be performed on a regular basis. This is a cumbersome procedure as it is not easily achievable. In some instances the wheels and tyres have to be removed to perform a proper visual check. As with every human interaction that demands effort, this can easily be forgotten or be dismissed as "not necessary at this time".

Competitors Design An electrical system is designed whereby electrical sensors are fitted inside the brake pads. Once worn, the sensors are activated and via the necessary electronics an electrical signal is provided to a light mounted in the truck cab. This is a warning sign to the operator that his brake pads need replacing.

The above system is cumbersome as lots of componentry is required, Truck, trailer or bus needs to be fitted with extra electrical equipment. In case of a prime mover towing a trailer, the prime mover needs to be fitted with an extra connection and therefore this prime mover needs to be dedicated to the trailer. Also, electrical systems are receptive to many faults and are unreliable in the heavy duty road transport industry.

c~l 0 0 c~l The normal operation of a disc brake system is by supplying pressurized air to the brake actuator which then operates the disc brake callipers that hold the disc brake pads. When air is supplied, the stationery disc brake pads will be pushed against the disk rotor which is fixed to the rotating axle drum thus creating the brake force.

However, no indication is given to the operator WHEN these brake pads are worn. A visual check needs to be performed on a regular basis. This is a cumbersome procedure as it is not easily achievable. In some instances the wheels and tyres have to be removed to perform a proper visual check. As with every human interaction that demands effort, this can easily be forgotten or be dismissed as "not necessary at this time" Competitors Design An electrical system is designed whereby electrical sensors are fitted inside the brake pads. Once worn, the sensors are activated and via the necessary electronics an electrical signal is provided to a light mounted in the truck cab. This is a warning sign to the operator that his brake pads need replacing.

The above system is cumbersome as lots of componentry is required. Truck, trailer or bus needs to be fitted with extra electrical equipment. In case of a prime mover towing a trailer, the prime mover needs to be fitted with an extra connection and therefore this prime mover needs to be dedicated to the trailer. Also, electrical systems are receptive to many faults and are unreliable in the heavy duty road transport industry.

Air Brake Services Pty. Ltd. Page 2 of 3 New Patented Design SThe Green Disc Brake Pad Wear Warning Device is a complete independent system and can be mounted on any truck, trailer or bus fitted with disc brake axles.

t.No electrical fittings are required or no external connection to prime mover is required. This system can also be retrofitted when required. This will take 0approximately 20 minutes per calliper and this includes removing of the wheels.

The system works by using liquid (standard glycol) filled sensors connected via reinforced and pressurized tubes to the whistle actuator. These sensors slide into a Oslot which comes standard with every existing disc brake pad. When the pads are worn down to 3mm, the disc brake rotor wears through a vein in the sensor pad which allows the fluid in the system to drain. This creates a pressure drop inside the M whistle actuator.

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This pressure drop allows a spring loaded piston to move thereby letting air escape into the whistle compartment of the whistle valve. The air is supplied by connecting a N simple T-piece into the existing supply line to the brake actuator.

The escaping air will actuate the whistle by letting it pop up. At the same time this same air will blow the whistle.

The noise emitted from the whistle alerts the driver to the fact that the pads are now worn and must be replaced. The pop out whistle also acts as a visual warning display as it is painted bright orange.

The escaping air is supplied by the trucks braking system at a pressure of approximately 8 bar. The whistle valve piston is spring loaded and pre-set in such a way that the air supply automatically shuts off when there is a 0.5 bar pressure drop thereby protecting the vehicles braking pressure.

Once the brake pads are replaced, new sensors and whistle valve need to be replaced too.

The system above allows for a completely independent system to monitor the wear on disc brake pads and alert the operator when replacement is needed.

Air Brake Services Pty. Ltd. Page 3 of 3