Enhanced Safety Methods Using Computer Software Messaging Systems (CSMS) (05-Oct-2009)

Enhanced Safety Methods Using Computer Software Messaging Systems (CSMS)

Invention

Proposed is a method for keeping discs brakes dry using a temperature sensor and Computer Software Messaging Systems (CSMS). It is known that water changes state from liquid to gas at 100 Celsius at sea level. The proposed invention maintains moisture free disc brakes using several distinct methods. Methods include, but are not limited to, using a heating element or by slightly actuating the brake system. Potential moisture on brakes is communicated using CSMS to a central system within the car, then the proposed invention communicates to several car systems using CSMS, messages which are in turned used to invoke an apparatus or a method to remove the moisture from the brakes.

Note that the decision as to whether or not to invoke the moisture suppression system may also take into account information as to the state of brakes in neighboring cars on a road, as well as the state of their moisture and moisture-suppressing operations. For example, a small degree of inaccuracy may exist as to the amount of moisture associated with brakes of vehicle 1, or a small degree of inaccuracy may exist as to the need for moisture suppression for vehicle 1. To increase this accuracy, the brake moisture status and the number of times within a period of time T that a neighboring vehicle use a moisture suppressing system can be monitored via a wireless signal. For example, if 5 cars within a radius of 30 feet have used a moisture suppressing system within the past 5 minutes, it may be likely that vehicle 1 may benefit from moisture reduction, even if the sensing system on vehicle 1 has not yet triggered such an alert.

The proposed invention may be implemented using a set of methods and components. Examples methods and components are described in detail below. It should be noted that these are exemplary in nature and not intended to unduly limit the proposed invention.

Moisture Detection Methods

Multiple methods of moisture detection may be implemented. The proposed methods may be used independently or in combination. If moisture is detected, such detection is transmitted using the communication method described below.

Weather Sensors

Weather type sensors may be attached to the car to detect moisture. Sensors may be placed in the wheel well or near the brakes to detect when moisture is present on the breaking systems. In other embodiments, sensors may be deployed elsewhere on the vehicle, such as the roof to detect the presence of rain. In yet another embodiment, sensors that are used to automatically initiate wiper systems are used to detect rain or other moisture. These sensors are known to also detect how much rain is falling to adjust wiper speed. Such a system could transmit automatically detected rainfall conditions - and if such conditions exceed a predefined threshold drying methods are invoked.

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Weather Tran...