VEHICLE WHEEL TEMPERATURE MONITORING SYSTEM

• US 3,691,523 A
• Filed: 06/03/1971
• Issued: 09/12/1972
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Millard O. Helms, R.F.D. 2, Oris G. Dunbar, 817 Reservoir
• Original Assignee: Millard O. Helms, R.F.D. 2, Oris G. Dunbar, 817 Reservoir
• Inventors: Millard O. Helms, R.F.D. 2, Oris G. Dunbar, 817 Reservoir
• Primary Examiner(s): Alvin H. Waring
• Application Number:
  US05/149,728
• Time in Patent Office: 467 Days
• Field of Search: 340/52,52B,57,58,227,231,228,233
• US Class Current: 340/449
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/20 Devices for measuring or signalling tyre temperature only
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 17/22 Devices for monitoring or checking brake systems; Signal devices
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 2066/001 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 2066/006 without direct measurement of the quantity monitored, e.g. wear or temperature calculated form force and duration of braking
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 66/00 Arrangements for monitoring working conditions, e.g. wear, temperature
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 66/021 using electrical detection or indication means
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/20 Compensating for effects of temperature changes other than those to be measured, e.g. changes in ambient temperature
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 13/08 in rotary movement

Abstract

A temperature-compensated system for monitoring excessive heat build-up at any wheel of a vehicle includes first and second temperature sensitive elements mounted on either side of each wheel backing plate. The pairs of sensors are connected in circuit with each other and with the vehicle'"'"''"'"'s battery to generate an alarm in the vehicle cab when excessive heat is sensed at any wheel, irrespective of the cause of the excessive heat. A light indicates in which wheel the trouble occurred.

Claims

1. A monitoring System for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels, each wheel including a backing plate, comprising:

first and second temperature sensitive elements mounted on either side of each backing plate;

a vehicle battery;

circuit means connecting each pair of temperature sensitive elements in a balanced bridge circuit energized by said battery;

switching means associated with each of said bridge circuits energized when its associated bridge circuit is unbalanced;

audible alarm means energized when any of said switching means is energized; and

an indicator lamp associated with each wheel and energized only when the switching circuit associated with that wheel is energized.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said temperature sensitive elements are disc-shaped thermistors and further comprising means for mounting said thermistors respectively to the outside of said associated backing plate and to the inside thereof within the brake drum, said mounting means comprising insulating connector means and means for conductively coupling one terminal of each of said thermistors to ground.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a console adapted to be mounted beneath the dashboard of said vehicle and housing said audible alarm means and said indicator lamps.

4. The system of claim 3 further comprising an on/off switch connected in series with said battery and adapted to selectively couple power to said circuitry.

5. The system of claim 4 further comprising a pilot light having its filament connected in circuit with said on/off switch to indicate when said system is operative.

6. In a system for monitoring the temperature of a wheel of a vehicle having a rigid backing plate partially defining the brake drum area for said vehicle, the combination of first and second temperature sensitive elements;

means for mounting said elements respectively to the inside and to the outside of said vehicle backing plate wherein one terminal of each element is in conductive relation with said vehicle backing plate to provide a common ground; and

a conductive wire for each of said elements, said vehicle backing plate further defining an aperture for receiving the wire of said element mounted to the inside of said backing plate; and

balanced bridge circuit means including said temperature sensitive elements for generating a signal when one of said elements senses a temperature rise relative to the other of said elements.