U.S. patent application number 11/265820 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-03 for brake flush machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Phoenix Systems, L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Jon A. Petty.
Application Number | 20070095422 11/265820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37994707 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070095422 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Petty; Jon A. |
May 3, 2007 |
Brake flush machine
Abstract
A fluid-distribution system includes a plurality of
fluid-distribution nodes with three-way ports attached to
bleed/flush lines and alternate ports attached to vacuum lines. A
first pump is used to draw new brake fluid from a new fluid
container, push it through the manifold and ports, and through the
bleed/flush lines. Fluid flow through the ports is selectively
controlled by a computing device. In this manner, a vehicle's brake
system including individual brake lines and ABS systems, may be
flushed in a prescribed sequence. The vacuum lines are connected to
a second pump via alternate ports of the sequential control valve
manifold and may be used evacuated air and contaminated brake fluid
from the vehicle's bleeder valves or master cylinder. Additionally,
the bleed/flush lines may be connected to the alternate ports
during priming or purging of the system. This also facilitates
storage of the bleed lines as it prevents brake fluid from spilling
and prevents air from entering the system.
Inventors: |
Petty; Jon A.; (Loa,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUARLES & BRADY LLP
ONE SOUTH CHURCH AVENUE, SUITE 1700
TUCSON
AZ
85701-1621
US
|
Assignee: |
Phoenix Systems, L.L.C.
Tucson
AZ
|
Family ID: |
37994707 |
Appl. No.: |
11/265820 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60T 17/222
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/098 |
International
Class: |
B65B 3/04 20060101
B65B003/04 |
Claims
1. A fluid-distribution system for a brake-flush machine,
comprising: a first manifold, a second manifold, and a third
manifold; a plurality of first lines adapted for coupling to
discrete fluid-flow elements; a plurality of first valves for
alternatively placing each of said plurality of first lines in
fluid communication with the first manifold or the second manifold;
a first pump connecting a source of fluid to the third manifold; a
second line connecting the second and first manifolds; and a third
line for coupling the third manifold to an additional discrete
fluid-flow element.
2. The system of claim 1, further including an additional first
line connecting the system to a waste disposal unit.
3. The system of claim 2, further including an additional first
valve for alternatively placing said additional first line in fluid
communication with the first manifold or the second manifold.
4. The system of claim 1, further including a second valve coupled
to said second line for alternatively placing the second manifold
or the third manifold in fluid communication with the first
manifold.
5. The system of claim 1, further including a third valve coupled
to said first pump for alternatively placing the first pump in
fluid communication with the second or third manifold.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said discrete fluid-flow elements
include bleeder valves and an anti-lock valve of a vehicle's brake
system, and said additional discrete fluid-flow element is the
vehicle's master cylinder.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein said discrete fluid-flow elements
include bleeder valves and an anti-lock valve of a vehicle's brake
system, and said additional discrete fluid-flow element is the
vehicle's master cylinder.
8. The system of claim 1, further including a second pump in said
second line, said second pump being adapted to pressurize the first
manifold.
9. The system of claim 4, further including a second pump in said
second line, said second pump being adapted to pressurize the first
manifold.
10. The system of claim 1, further including an additional valve in
said second line, said additional valve being adapted to expel
fluid from the system.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein said first, second and third
manifolds are part of an integral structure.
12. The system of claim 1, further including a fourth manifold
adapted for fluid coupling to at least some of said first plurality
of lines and to said third manifold.
13. The system of claim 1, further including an additional first
valve for alternatively placing an additional first line in fluid
communication with the first manifold or the second manifold; a
second valve coupled to said second line for alternatively placing
the second manifold or the third manifold in fluid communication
with the first manifold; a third valve coupled to said third line
for alternatively placing the first pump in fluid communication
with the second or third manifold; a second pump in said second
line, said second pump being adapted to pressurize the first
manifold; and an additional valve in said second line, said
additional valve being adapted to expel fluid from the system;
wherein said first, second and third manifolds are part of an
integral structure.
14. The system of claim 13, further including a fourth manifold
adapted for fluid coupling to at least some of said first plurality
of lines and to said third manifold.
15. A priming device for use with a brake-flush machine having a
plurality of lines adapted for connection to a vehicle's brake
system and an additional line for connection to the vehicle's
master cylinder, the priming device comprising: a priming manifold;
a plurality of ports and associated couplers for releasably
connecting the priming manifold to said plurality of lines; and an
additional port and an associated coupler for releasably connecting
the priming manifold to said additional line.
16. A method of flushing a vehicle's brake system comprising the
following steps: providing a brake-flush machine that includes a
first manifold, a second manifold, and a third manifold; a
plurality of first lines adapted for coupling to bleeder valves of
a vehicle's brake system; a plurality of first valves for
alternatively placing said plurality of first lines in fluid
communication with the first manifold or the second manifold; a
first pump connecting a source of fluid to the third manifold; a
second line connecting the second and first manifolds; a third line
for coupling the third manifold to a master cylinder of the
vehicle's brake system; and an additional first line connecting the
system to a waste disposal unit; connecting said plurality of first
lines to said bleeder valves of the vehicle's brake system;
connecting said third line to said master cylinder of the vehicle's
brake system; operating said plurality of first valves to provide
fluid connection between the first manifold and at least one of
said bleeder valves of the vehicle's brake system and between the
second manifold and the balance of said bleeder valves; and
activating said first pump.
17. The method of claim 16, further including the steps of
providing an additional line adapted for coupling to an anti-lock
valve of the vehicle's brake system and an additional valve for
alternatively placing the additional line in fluid communication
with the first manifold or the second manifold, connecting the
additional line to said anti-lock valve, and operating said
plurality of first valves and said additional valve to provide
fluid connection between the first manifold and at least one of
said bleeder and anti-lock valves of the vehicle's brake system and
between the second manifold and the balance of said bleeder and
anti-lock valves.
18. The method of claim 16, further including the step of providing
a second pump in said second line, said second pump being adapted
to pressurize the first manifold; and activating said second
pump.
19. The method of claim 18, further including the steps of
providing an additional line adapted for coupling to an anti-lock
valve of the vehicle's brake system and an additional valve for
alternatively placing the additional line in fluid communication
with the first manifold or the second manifold, connecting the
additional line to said anti-lock valve, and operating said
plurality of first valves and said additional valve to provide
fluid connection between the first manifold and at least one of
said bleeder and anti-lock valves of the vehicle's brake system and
between the second manifold and the balance of said bleeder and
anti-lock valves.
20. A method of bleeding a vehicle's brake system comprising the
following steps: providing a brake-flush machine that includes a
first manifold, a second manifold, and a third manifold; a
plurality of first lines adapted for coupling to bleeder valves of
a vehicle's brake system; a plurality of first valves for
alternatively placing said plurality of first lines in fluid
communication with the first manifold or the second manifold; a
first pump connecting a source of fluid to the third manifold; a
second line connecting the second and first manifolds; a third line
for coupling the third manifold to a master cylinder of the
vehicle's brake system; a second pump in said second line, said
second pump being adapted to pressurize the first manifold; and an
additional valve for connecting the system to a waste disposal unit
downstream of said second pump; connecting said plurality of first
valves to said bleeder valves of the vehicle's brake system;
operating said plurality of first valves to provide fluid
connection between the second manifold and said bleeder valves of
the vehicle's brake system; and activating said second pump.
21. The method of claim 20, further including the steps of
providing an additional line adapted for coupling to an anti-lock
valve of the vehicle's brake system and an additional valve for
alternatively placing the additional line in fluid communication
with the first manifold or the second manifold, connecting the
additional line to said anti-lock valve, and operating said
plurality of first valves and said additional valve to provide
fluid connection between the first manifold and at least one of
said bleeder and anti-lock valves of the vehicle's brake system and
between the second manifold and the balance of said bleeder and
anti-lock valves.
22. The method of claim 20, further including the step of
connecting one of said plurality of first valves to said anti-lock
valve of the vehicle's brake system.
23. The method of claim 21, further including the step of
connecting one of said plurality of first valves to said anti-lock
valve of the vehicle's brake system.
24. A method of priming a brake-flush machine that includes a
plurality of lines adapted for coupling to bleeder valves of a
vehicle's brake system; an additional line for coupling to a master
cylinder of the vehicle's brake system; and a pump for circulating
fluid through the brake-flush machine, the method comprising the
following steps: providing a priming manifold with a plurality of
ports and associated couplers for releasably connecting the priming
manifold to said plurality of lines, and an additional port and an
associated coupler for releasably connecting the priming manifold
to said additional line; connecting said priming manifold to said
plurality of lines and to said additional line; and activating said
pump of the brake-flush machine.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the brake-flush machine also
includes an anti-lock line adapted for coupling to an anti-lock
valve of the vehicle's brake system, and further comprising the
step of connecting the priming manifold to said anti-lock line.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention is related in general to the field of
automotive maintenance systems. In particular, the invention
consists of a brake flush machine that allows sequential flushing
of a vehicle's brake lines and anti-lock braking system
("ABS").
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Anti-lock brake system (ABS) design utilizes multiple
hydraulic passageways and valving that restricts fluid movement.
This means that fluid flowing through the system will be limited
and may take excessive time to properly flush the system. The
pressure that can be exerted on the system is limited by the master
cylinder reservoir adapter. The adapter connects the pressurized
fluid from a brake flush machine to the master cylinder reservoir
to the brake system. Most reservoirs are a composite or plastic
material and cannot be exposed to pressures above 20 psi without
deforming the shape of the reservoir and causing leakage. Most
brake flush machines limit master cylinder reservoir pressure to
12-18 psi to prevent leakage. The low pressure also makes removing
brake fluid contamination more difficult.
[0005] In addition, the fluid does not move through each wheel
system equally, but it will take the path of least resistance. Some
brake flush machines flush all the wheels at the same time. A
machine designed to flush all the wheels at the same time may
experience an unequal system flush. This means that one part of the
system may experience minimal fluid flow, which will not provide a
proper flush.
[0006] Isolated flush machines isolate different parts of the
system to control fluid flow. This allows the machine to force
fluid though the more restrictive circuits. The downside is that
the flush time is lengthened because the flow is isolated to a part
of the system and not all the wheels at the same time. A properly
isolated flush could take 2-3 times longer to move the same amount
of fluid as an all-wheel flush, keeping in mind that the all-wheel
flush also experiences an unequal system flush.
[0007] Empirical testing using Strip Dip.RTM. brake fluid test
strips has shown that it takes approximately 1/2 gallon of brake
fluid flushed equally through the system at sufficient pressure and
flow to attain a proper flush to remove contaminants. Most all
wheel flush machines use 1/2 gallon fluid container and operate for
10-12 minutes. The last minute or two of the cycle removes whatever
fluid is left in the container and dumps it into the waste
container so that the service uses 1/2 gallon of brake fluid each
time. This does not mean the 1/2 gallon of brake fluid was flushed
through the system, but only that 1/2 gallon of brake fluid was
consumed. The actual flush may have used 1 quart of fresh fluid and
the other quart was dumped into the waste. The reason this is done
is to complete the flush within the allotted time period and
consume 1/2 gallon of brake fluid per service regardless of the
quality of flush.
[0008] There is also a low/no pressure area in many master cylinder
designs that is isolated from the normal fluid pathway during a
flush. This leaves an area of old fluid that can contaminate the
new brake fluid after the flush has been performed. Even if 1/2
gallon of brake fluid is flushed through the system, the isolated
low pressure area can contaminate the brake fluid once the brake
pedal is depressed a few times. Depressing and holding the brake
pedal exposes the new fluid to the low pressure area. This has been
demonstrated again by the use of FASCAR.RTM. Strip Dip brake fluid
test strips. A candidate vehicle was tested with Strip Dip.RTM.,
demonstrating a FASCAR.RTM. rating of 100. The brake flush was
performed using 1/1/2 gallon of brake fluid using proper sequencing
and isolation and the brake fluid was immediately tested after the
service, which results in a FASCAR.RTM. rating of 0. The vehicle is
then driven in which the brake pedal is depressed several times
during normal braking and a Strip Dip.RTM. retest is performed,
which results in a FASCAR.RTM. rating of 25. It is not a problem
with the test strip, but the low/no pressure area was not cleaned
during the flush process and the old fluid contaminated the rest of
the system.
[0009] To attain a proper brake system flush, approximately 1/2
gallon of brake fluid must be flushed through the system at
sufficient pressure, circuit isolation, and flow to remove
contaminates. In addition, the low/no pressure area of the master
cylinder must be exposed to fluid flow to flush that portion of the
system to prevent future contamination. An isolated brake flush
machine could take as long as 30 minutes to properly introduce 1/2
gallon of brake fluid sequentially through the system, while
current all wheel flush machines operate for 10-12 minutes and
waste the unused fluid. Each brake flush machine design has severe
design flaws, first is the time to perform service or, second, the
quality of the service performed.
[0010] There are different classifications and standards for brake
fluid, D.O.T. 3, 4, 5, and 5.1 (synthetic). D.O.T. 3, 4, and 5.1
brake fluids can be mixed together and perform to at least the
minimum specification of the primary fluid. The seals in the brake
system are compatible with these fluids. D.O.T. 5 is a silicone
based fluid and cannot be mixed with any other type of brake fluid
and will void many original equipment brake part warranties if used
in a vehicle. D.O.T. 5 is primarily used for off-road use like
racing and in motorcycle brake systems.
[0011] In addition, there are several manufacturers of brake fluids
in the same D.O.T. class that have varying performance criteria.
Many original equipment manufacturers have their own formulation of
brake fluid. Therefore, it is desirable to have a brake flush
machine that can be used with various manufacturers' specifications
of brake fluid. It is therefore important for the brake flush
machine to be able to purge the brake flush machine with fluid used
in the last service and prime the brake flush machine with the
desired fluid for the next service. This feature gives the user the
ability to service a variety of vehicles each with the original
equipment manufacturer's brand of brake fluid.
[0012] Most late model anti-lock braking systems ("ABS") require
the use of a scan tool to properly bleed and flush the brake
system. There are no current brake flush machines that allow the
user to use a scan tool while the automated brake flush is
performed. It is therefore desirable to have an interface which
allows the user to perform various bleed/flush tasks as prompted by
the scan tool.
[0013] Accordingly, it is desirable to have a brake flush system
that primes brake fluid into a brake flush machine's bleed/flush
lines in a manner that removes air and different types of fluid
from these bleed lines and introduces the correct type of brake
fluid. Additionally, it is desirable to have a system of
sequentially flushing various bleed lines and ABS systems. It is
also desirable to have an easy-to-use interface such as a graphical
user interface or combination of graphic symbols or letters,
lights, lamps, LEDs, buzzers, and speakers. A method of quickly
connecting and disconnecting bleed lines and preventing fluid from
flowing in the wrong direction is desirable as well. Other
desirable features include utilizing a dual-pump manifold system to
pressurize some fluid lines while providing vacuum on others;
notifying a user when a low-flow, fluid empty, or system leak
situation occurs; utilizing OEM scan tools such as GM Tech 2.RTM.;
providing troubleshooting and diagnostics for the brake fluid
machine; and performing reverse fluid injection, vacuum bleeding,
pressure bleeding, and test-bench bleeding using the same bleed
lines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The invention disclosed herein utilizes a fluid-distribution
system including one or more pumps, a plurality of
fluid-distribution nodes, an onboard computer, and bleed/flush
lines to sequentially flush a vehicle's brake system. A purge cycle
allows the brake flush machine to remove air, old fluid, or the
wrong type of fluid from the machine's manifold and bleed lines.
The plurality of fluid-distribution nodes includes solenoids that
are controlled by the onboard computer that allow for sequentially
flushing of various bleed lines and the vehicle's ABS system, if
present. Additionally, the fluid-distribution system is capable of
closed-loop priming with fluid for the next service.
[0015] A graphical user interface displays various information and
may include a touch screen input device. Alternatively, a user
interface may include a combination of graphic symbols or letters,
lights, lamps, LEDs, buzzers, and speakers to communicate
information to a technician.
[0016] Quick connect fittings are added to the bleed lines to allow
the quick connecting and disconnecting from bleed valves. An
optional check valve in each bleed/flush line prevents fluid from
flowing in the wrong direction, preventing air or waste fluid from
back-flowing into the vehicle's brake system.
[0017] A dual-pump sequential control manifold allows the system to
pressurize some fluid lines while providing vacuum on others, if
desired. This decreases the time necessary to flush the brake
system and increases the brake flush machine's ability to remove
contaminants from the vehicle.
[0018] Another feature of the invention involves utilizing a
notification system of graphical screens, lights, lamps, LEDs,
buzzers or speakers to notify a user when a low-flow, fluid empty,
or system leak situation occurs. Yet another feature is an
interface that allows the fluid-distribution system to utilize OEM
scan tools such as GM Tech 2.RTM.. Another aspect of the invention
is a memory device for storing vehicle user manuals or bleed
sequences that may be displayed on the GUI. The invention also
includes troubleshooting and diagnostics systems for the brake
fluid machine itself.
[0019] Various other purposes and advantages of the invention will
become clear from its description in the specification that follows
and from the novel features particularly pointed out in the
appended claims. Therefore, to the accomplishment of the objectives
described above, this invention comprises the features hereinafter
illustrated in the drawings, fully described in the detailed
description of the preferred embodiments, and particularly pointed
out in the claims. However, such drawings, description, and claims
disclose just a few of the various ways in which the invention may
be practiced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a fluid-distribution
system including one or more pumps, a plurality of
fluid-distribution nodes, an onboard computer, a user-interface, a
waste receptacle, and a plurality of bleed/flush lines.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main menu of the
user-interface of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an optional master cylinder
cleanout screen of the user-interface of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an optional safety screen of
the user-interface of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an optional test result input
screen of the user-interface of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an optional system prime menu
of the user-interface of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a fluid-distribution system of
the user-interface of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a brake flush help menu of the
user-interface of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a brake flush status screen of
the user-interface of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a event notification screen of
the user-interface of FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a second brake status
screen.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a scantools interface.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a brake flush algorithm
utilizing the fluid-distribution system of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a fluid-distribution
system including one or more pumps, a first, second, and third
distribution node, a plurality of three-port valves, and a
plurality of bleed/flush lines according to the invention.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a table indicating the status of the pumps and
three-port valves of the fluid-distribution system illustrated in
FIG. 15 during various disparate procedures.
[0035] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the
fluid-distribution system of FIG. 15 with an additional
fluid-distribution node to facilitate priming the
fluid-distribution system and specifically the bleed/flush
lines.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] This invention is based on the idea of using a
fluid-distribution system to selectively flush brake lines, master
cylinders, and anti-lock brake ("ABS") systems or other hydraulic
brake components in a vehicle. For the purposes of this
application, bleed lines, flush lines, and bleed/flush lines are
used interchangeably. Additionally, a manifold or distribution node
is used interchangeably to refer to a volume including multiple
ports. A three-port valve is used herein to indicate a valve that
includes at least three ports. A common port may alternatively be
connected to either of the other two ports. Connections may be made
from the fluid-distribution system to the vehicle via the vehicles
bleed valves and master cylinder, referred to herein as discrete
fluid-flow elements.
[0037] Referring to figures, wherein like parts are designated with
the same reference numerals and symbols, FIG. 1 is a block diagram
illustrating a fluid-distribution system 10 including one or more
pumps 12,13, a plurality of fluid distribution nodes 14, a
computing device 16, a user-interface 18, a waste receptacle 20,
and a plurality of bleed/flush lines 22 and vacuum lines 23. The
primary purpose of the fluid-distribution system 10 is to introduce
new brake fluid into a master cylinder and brake lines of a vehicle
in a manner designed to force air and contaminated brake fluid out
of the master cylinder, calipers, or other hydraulic brake
components and brake lines. To aid in the evacuation of air and
contaminated fluid, the vehicle's brake lines typically include
bleed valves. Modem vehicles may also include anti-lock braking
systems ("ABS") for varying the pressure of the brake fluid
delivered to each brake caliper located at each wheel. These ABS
systems may also include bleeder valves for evacuating air and
contaminated brake fluid from the ABS system. The pumps 12,13 are
used to provide positive pressure and/or a vacuum to the plurality
of fluid distribution nodes 14.
[0038] Various vehicle manufacturers recommend specific brake flush
sequences tailored to different makes and models. Using the brake
flush machine 10, isolated brake flush procedures may be performed
according to a desired sequence. Independent control of each
solenoid valve 28 allows the brake flush machine 10 to isolate
individual brake lines, ABS systems, and the master cylinder during
the flush procedure. In this way, the fluid-distribution system 10
may better flush air and contaminants from specific portions of the
vehicle's brake system.
[0039] The computing device 16 may be an embedded processor.
Alternatively, the computing device may be a micro-processor, a
field-programmable gate array ("FPGA"), an application-specific
integrated circuit ("ASIC"), general purpose computer ("CPU"), or
programmable logic device ("PLD"). The user interface 18 (FIG. 1)
preferably includes a video display 19 such as a cathode ray tube
("CRT") or computer monitor or any of a variety of graphical touch
screens. The user interface 18 may also include an input device
such as a keyboard 42 or keypad, a mouse 44, or a touch-screen
monitor 46. Alternatively, the user interface 18 may include a set
of graphics and textual information, lamps, light-emitting diodes
("LEDs"), buttons, and switches.
[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the user interface 18
illustrated by the block diagram of FIG. 2 includes a graphical
user interface ("GUI") 50 including information display screens 52,
menus 54, and selectable areas or graphical buttons 56. The
graphical user interface 50 is a visual representation of a
software application 57 stored in a memory device 17 and accessed
by the computing device 16 of FIG. 1. If the video display 19
includes a touch-screen monitor 46, a user may select a displayed
item from one of the menus 54 or one of the graphical buttons 56
simply by placing an object or finger in the general area of the
displayed item. Alternatively, a user may move a graphical cursor
or pointer to the desired location using the keyboard 42 or mouse
44 and depress a switch to indicate the intended choice.
[0041] The display screen 52 of FIG. 3 is the main menu 57 of the
preferred embodiment of the graphical user interface 50 of the
fluid-distribution system 10 including graphical buttons for master
cylinder cleanout 58, master cylinder fill 60, utilities 62, help
64, and brake flush 66. Selecting the master cylinder cleanout
graphical button 58 invokes the information display screen 52 of
the master cylinder cleanout menu 68 as illustrated by the block
diagram of FIG. 3.
[0042] The master cylinder cleanout menu 68 includes graphical
buttons 56 and additional textual information 70 to assist a user
in using the brake flush machine 10 properly. Once an activity as
been selected, such as initiating a master cylinder cleanout
procedure by selecting the start button 72, optional information
screens may be displayed. In FIG. 4, the optional information
safety screen 74 includes textual information 70 and a graphical
compliance indicator button 76 for affirming compliance with proper
safety procedure. The fluid-distribution system 10 may be adapted
to prevent a user from continuing a brake flush procedure until he
has positively indicated his compliance.
[0043] Additionally, optional data input screens such as the
stripdip menu 78 of FIG. 5 may require that a technician or other
user input specific information before proceeding with a brake
flush procedure. Here, the stripdip menu 78 includes graphical
buttons 56 for indicating the results of a stripdip test that
gauges the amount of contaminants in a vehicle's brake system. This
information may be used by the fluid-distribution system 10 to
adjust the length of time dedicated to a brake flush procedure. A
lower contaminant level may allow for a more perfunctory brake
flush, while a high contaminant level may require a more extensive
brake flush procedure. The system prime menu 80 illustrated by the
block diagram of FIG. 6 includes textual information 70 and
graphical buttons 56 for initiating or bypassing a priming
procedure.
[0044] Once all information safety screen and data input screens
have been managed properly, the computing device 16 will initiate a
procedure such as priming the sequential control valve manifold 14,
evacuating a master cylinder, or flushing contaminants from a
vehicle's brake lines. This is accomplished by the computing device
16 sending control signals to the pumps 12,13 and the solenoid
valves 28 (FIG. 1). By regulating which pumps are operative and
which solenoid valves are open or closed, the fluid-distribution
system 10 can perform any of a multitude of brake flush procedures,
as previously indicated.
[0045] Referring back to the main menu 57 illustrated by FIG. 2,
selecting the brake flush graphical button 66 invoke the brake
flush menu 82 illustrated by FIG. 7. Selecting the help graphical
button 84 invokes the brake flush help menu of FIG. 8 which
includes additional textual information 70 to aid a technician in
the proper use of the fluid-distribution system 10.
[0046] The block diagram of FIG. 9 indicates a brake flush status
screen 88 including a dynamic graphical status display 90 and a
stop graphical button 92 for interrupting a brake flush procedure.
Event notification screens 94, such as the one illustrated in FIG.
10, are displayed when the computing device 16 detects an anomalous
condition and temporarily interrupts a brake flush procedure. In
this example, a user may either terminate the brake flush
procedure, resume the procedure, or correct the problem and resume
the procedure. A second brake flush status screen 96, as
illustrated by the block diagram of FIG. 11, includes additional
textual information 70 and graphical buttons 56 for completing a
brake flush procedure.
[0047] Selecting the utilities graphical button 62 (FIG. 2) from
the main menu 57 may invoke optional procedures such as a scan tool
interface 98, as illustrated in FIG. 12. Vehicle manufactures
sometimes develop automated diagnostic applications called
scantools. The fluid-distribution system 10 is designed to
interface with these scantools. In an exemplary interface of the
invention with scantools, a scantool will prepare the vehicle's
engine and brake controller for a brake system flush. Using input
signals from the scantool application, the computing device 16 may
prompt the user to flush new brake fluid through isolated branches
of the vehicle's brake system according to a sequence and schedule
dictated by the manufacturer.
[0048] Vehicle manufacturers have created a protocol for
communicating with the vehicle's computer. The tool used to
communicate with the vehicle computer is commonly referred to as a
scan tool. A scan tool may also be bidirectional, meaning it can
directly control or initiate procedures. One such procedure is
preparing the ABS system for bleeding and flushing.
[0049] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a brake flush algorithm
100 utilizing the brake flush machine of FIG. 1. In step 102, a
user initiates a closed-circuit priming procedure. In step 104, the
user selects a brake flush procedure such as master cylinder
cleanout, master cylinder fill, or brake flush. Optional steps 106
and 108 include acknowledging proper safety procedures and
inputting test result data, respectively. In step 110, the
computing device 16 initiates a brake flush procedure by
selectively activating pumps 12,13 and opening ports 34 and
alternate ports 35. In optional step 112, abnormal conditions such
as low pressure or low fluid flow are displayed as event
notifications screens and in step 114, completion procedures are
displayed for the technician.
[0050] Other features of the fluid-distribution system 10 include
the ability to transfer contaminated brake fluid from the waste
receptacle 20, test the pumps 12,13, and troubleshoot problems with
the solenoid valves 28. Additionally, the fluid-distribution system
10 may be integrated with a brake flush accelerator as described in
U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/981060 which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0051] In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG.
14, a fluid-distribution system 200 includes a first distribution
node 202 connected to a first plurality of three-port valves
204,206,208,210,212,214. These three-port valves may include
solenoid valves that create a first path for fluid flow from their
top ports 204a,206a, 208a,210a,212a, 214a and their common ports
204b,206b,208b210b,212b when the solenoid valves are not energized.
In this embodiment of the invention, the first paths may be closed
off and second paths created from the common ports to the bottom
ports 204c,206c,208c,210c,212c,214c which are, in turn, connected
to a second distribution node 216 when the solenoid valves are
energized. A second plurality of three-port valves 218,220 connect
the second distribution node 216 to a third distribution node
222.
[0052] A new fluid container 224 is connected to a first pump 226
which is, in turn, connected to the common port 218b. The common
port 220b is connected to a second pump 228 which is connected
through an optional three-port valve 231 for expelling brake fluid
from the system to the first distribution node 202.
[0053] The common port 214b is connected to a waste container 230
that stores contaminated fluid during normal use. When it is
desirable to empty the waste container 230, the waste container 230
may be purged through the fluid-distribution system 200 and
expelled through the optional three-port valve 231. Alternatively,
the waste container 230 may be drained or poured into a container
which is external to the fluid-distribution system 200.
[0054] The common ports 204b,206b,208b,210b are connected by
bleed/flush lines 22 to a vehicles bleeder valves (also not shown).
The common port 212b is optionally connected to a vehicle's ABS
system (not shown). The third distribution node 222 is connected by
an optional master/cylinder adapter 232 to a vehicle's master
cylinder 234 Alternatively, the master/cylinder adapter 232 may be
replaced with an evacuate gun 236 designed to suck fluid and
contaminants from the master cylinder
[0055] Using this fluid-distribution system 200, an operator may
perform a variety of functions without having to reconfigure hoses
and bleed/flush lines, as illustrated in the table of FIGS. 15. In
the first row, the valves of the brake flush machine are configured
so that an operator may evacuate a vehicle's master cylinder.
First, the evacuate gun 236 is placed on a bleed/flush line 22
attached to the third distribution node 222. Solenoid 220 is not
energized, creating a path from the third distribution node 222 to
the second pump 228. Solenoid 214 is energized creating a path from
the first distribution node 202 to the waste container 230. The
second pump 228 is turned on. In this manner, a vacuum is created
at the master cylinder 234 which pulls brake fluid and contaminants
from the master cylinder, through the evacuate gun 236, through the
third distribution node 222, solenoid 220, the second pump 228, the
optional three-port valve 231, the first distribution node 202, the
solenoid 214, to the waste container 230. It is noted for
completeness that solenoids 204,206,208,210,212,216 are energized
and the first pump 226 is turned off removing the associated
bleed/flush lines, the vehicle's bleeder valves, and the new fluid
container 224 from the evacuation procedure.
[0056] The second row of the table of FIG. 15 indicates the
procedure for filling the master cylinder 234 with new brake fluid
from the new fluid container 224. The first pump 226 is turned on
drawing new fluid from the new fluid container 224 through the
non-energized solenoid 218, the third distribution node 222, and
the master/cylinder adapter 232 to the master cylinder. This
procedure may also be used to flush a master cylinder when it is
disconnected from the vehicle, as in a bench bleed.
[0057] To flush a single brake line on the vehicle, the procedure
of the third row is implemented. The first pump 226 is on, drawing
new fluid from the new fluid container 224 through the solenoid
218, through the third distribution node 222, to the vehicles
master cylinder. The fluid is forced through the vehicles brake
system, through a bleed/flush line 22, through the solenoid 204,
the first distribution node 202, and another solenoid 214 to the
waste container 230. Likewise, flushing a vehicle's other brake
lines and ABS system, if present, are illustrated in rows four
through seven. To flush all of the vehicles brake lines and ABS
system simultaneously, the procedure of row 8 is used.
[0058] To empty contaminated fluid from the waste container 230,
the procedure illustrated in the ninth row is implemented.
Solenoids 214,220 are energized and the second pump 228 is active
drawing the contaminated fluid through solenoid 214, the second
distribution node 216, the solenoid 220, the second pump 228, and
the three-port valve 231. In this instance, the three-port valve
231 is turned so as to expel ("expel") the fluid from the system,
rather than allowing it to pass through ("P/T").
[0059] The tenth row of the table of FIG. 15 illustrates a
procedure for vacuuming fluid from the brake lines. In this
instance, the first pump 226 is on, pumping new fluid from the new
fluid container 224 through solenoid 218, through the third
distribution node 222, and into the master cylinder 234. The fluid
is forced through the vehicle's brake lines (not shown) and is
extracted from the bleeder valves by a vacuum created by the second
pump 228. Here, the second pump draws the brake fluid through
solenoid valves 204,206,208,210,212, through the second
distribution node 216, and the solenoid valve 220. The fluid is
then forced into the first distribution node 202 and solenoid valve
214 into the waste container 230. This procedure may be
alternatively performed without the aid of the pressure supplied by
the first pump 226, as well.
[0060] Row 12 of FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-flush process where
fluid is introduced into a line and extracted from another line.
The second pump 228 simultaneously applies vacuum to the second
distribution node 216 and pressurizes the first distribution node
202 in order to pressurize some lines while simultaneously applying
vacuum to others. For example, new brake fluid may be introduced
through the first pump 226, solenoid valve 218, and the third
distribution node 222. This fluid is evacuated through solenoid
valves 204,208,210,212 (but not 206), partly recirculated through
solenoid valve 206 to cross-bleed through the vehicle and partly
sent to the waste container 230 through solenoid valve 214. Many
variations of this cross-bleed process may be used to pressurize
and vacuum individual wheel lines. Alternatively, this process may
be executed with the first pump 226 off.
[0061] Row 13 of the table of FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate
cross bleed procedure. New brake fluid may be introduced into the
vehicle through the first pump 226, solenoid valve 218, the second
distribution node 216, and solenoid valve 204. This fluid is
evacuated through solenoid valves 206,208,210,212 and the first
distribution node 202 and sent to the waste container 230 through
solenoid valve 214.
[0062] If the second pump is powered on during the alternate cross
bleed procedure, a vacuum is applied to the master cylinder through
the third distribution node 222. The fluid extracted from the
master cylinder will be sent to the first distribution node 202
where it is combined with the fluid arriving through solenoid
valves 206,208,210,212 and sent to the waste container 230 through
the solenoid valve 214.
[0063] An optional fourth distribution node 240 is shown in the
illustration of FIG. 16. Here, the bleed/flush lines are connected
from the common ports 204b,206b,208b, 210b,212b to the fourth
distribution node 240 and the priming procedure of the fourteenth
row of the table of FIG. 15 is implemented to prime the
fluid-distribution system 200 and the bleed/flush lines 22 with new
fluid. Solenoid 218 is not energized and the first pump 226 is
activated, drawing new brake fluid from the new fluid container 224
into the third distribution node 222. A hose 242 connects the third
distribution node 222 to the fourth distribution node 240, allowing
the new fluid to flow to the bleed/flush lines 22, through the
solenoids 204,206,208,210,212, through the first distribution node
202, through solenoid 214, to the waste container 230. A valve
prevents outflow through the bleed/flush line for the waste
cylinder.
[0064] All of these procedures may be facilitated by either
removing the check valves 36 or using an improved check valve 36.
While a traditional check valve maybe used to prevent fluid from
flowing from the line as it is removed from the wheel and dropped
to the floor, a specialized check valve may prevent reverse fluid
flow only when under low pressure. For example, this improved check
valve may prevent reverse flow until pressure reaches 1 or 2 psi
and then becomes unseated, allowing reverse fluid flow.
[0065] Those skilled in the art of making fluid-distribution system
may develop other embodiments of the present invention. However,
the terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoing
specification are used therein as terms of description and not of
limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and
expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and
described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope
of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims which
follow.
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