| 摘要 |
<p>A brake lining wear indicator utilizes a temperature sensor assembly (36) embedded in a brake lining (26) of a drum brake assembly (10). The temperature sensor assembly (36) includes two temperature sensors (38, 40) with a first temperature sensor (38) located at a first distance (X) from the wear surface (32) of the brake lining (26) and a second temperature sensor (40) located at a second distance (X + d) from the wear surface (32). A timing device (48) measures the time period for the first temperture sensor (38) to reach a first predetermined temperature and measures the time period for the second temperature sensor (40) to reach a second predetermined temperature. The remaining useful thickness (X) of thebrake lining is determined based on the ratio of the respective time periods. Thus, the indicator provides a time-temperature based determination of when the brake linings should be replaced. This determination is easily monitored during the operation of the vehicle and can be made without requiring a physical measurement or visual inspection of the thickness of the brake lining on each brake shoe.</p> |
