Method and apparatus for measuring cable tension in a parking brake assembly
US4373402A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 1981 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20678
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Tension in a cable of a parking brake assembly is measured by way of a force measuring transducer device which is removably attachable to the lever arm bracket of the assembly located in the cabin of the automobile. The lever arm is lifted and the transducer device is positioned such that the arm presses against the load receiving surface of the transducer, such pressure being a function of the cable tension. Preferably, the transducer includes at least one flexure element connected to the load receiving surface operative to convert the force applied by the lever arm to electrical signals as a function thereof. The transducer device incorporates a retractable pin which engages an opening in the mounting bracket for the lever arm. The transducer is thus wedged between portions of the bracket and a pawl on the lever arm in a predetermined orientation such that the forces exerted by the pawl are applied generally perpendicularly to the flexure element. The invention finds particular utility in the manufacture of automobiles where the parking brake cable is not accessible underneath the body of the car.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.