Method and apparatus for monitoring brake conditions of a motor vehicle

摘要

The method and apparatus provides an improved system for monitoring air brakes of a motor vehicle and providing the operator with a signal when brake adjustment or repair is required. A permanent magnet is mounted to a slack adjuster or push rod for air brakes of the vehicle and the magnet is moveable with the rod. A housing containing a magnetically actuated switch, a power supply and an audible single generator is fixedly mounted relative to the push rod. As the magnet on the push rod is moved within a predetermined distance of the fixed housing, the magnetically actuated switch actuates the audible signal generator to produce a warning signal indicating that brake adjustment is required. The system has its own electrical power supply which operates independently from other electrical systems in the vehicle and therefore does not depend upon the electrical power of the vehicle itself for proper operation. The system may include additional circuitry to delay actuation of the audible signal or to deactuate the audible signal after a predetermined period of time for the purpose of conserving the independent power supply.