Dual brake slack adjuster and systems, components, and methods thereof
By designing a tension adjuster comprising a base housing, a floating piston, and a sensing piston, the problem of pipe assembly connection caused by increased length was solved, enabling effective distribution and return of brake fluid and maintaining the efficiency and consistency of the braking system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CATERPILLAR INC
- Filing Date
- 2021-11-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
Smart Images
Figure CN116583684B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a tension adjuster for a mechanical braking system, and more particularly to a dual-brake tension adjuster and its system, components, and method. Background Technology
[0002] In some cases, the length of the dual brake tension adjuster can be increased to accommodate an increased sensing piston volume. However, this increase in length may affect the connection considerations of the tubing assembly connected to the dual brake tension adjuster. For example, depending on the increased length of the dual brake tension adjuster, a redesign or even re-construction of the tubing assembly may be expected. This could adversely affect the timing and costs associated with future parts management, manufacturing, service, and inventory losses.
[0003] U.S. Patent No. 5,685,399 (“'399 Patent”) describes a hydraulic brake tension adjuster. The '399 Patent describes a hydraulic brake tension adjuster that can be positioned between a brake valve and an actuator in a braking mechanism, and can have a first piston exposed to pressurized brake fluid from the valve end and a second, larger piston connected to the first piston for outputting brake fluid to the brake actuator, wherein the fluid output to the actuator is greater than the volume of the input fluid from the valve. According to the '399 Patent, it allows the use of a smaller pump while maintaining sufficient braking operating speed. Summary of the Invention
[0004] According to one aspect, a tension adjuster has been disclosed or implemented. The tension adjuster may include: a base housing defining an internal chamber extending along a longitudinal axis of the base housing and an inlet channel extending along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base housing; the internal chamber having a first chamber portion, a second chamber portion, and a central chamber portion; the central chamber portion intersecting the inlet channel and fluidly communicating with the first and second chamber portions of the internal chamber; a pair of floating piston assemblies respectively disposed in the first and second chamber portions; and a pair of sensing piston assemblies respectively connected to the pair of floating piston assemblies in the first and second chamber portions. The first and second chamber portions may be dimensioned in the direction of the longitudinal axis to respectively accommodate the entire sensing piston assembly, and the sensing piston assembly does not extend from the first and second chamber portions at least in a first position of each set of floating pistons and sensing piston assemblies.
[0005] In another aspect, a method has been disclosed or implemented. This method may include: arranging a dual tension adjuster assembly having an inlet port for receiving brake fluid, a first outlet port for selectively allowing brake fluid to pass through, and a second outlet port for selectively allowing brake fluid to pass through; and providing brake fluid within the dual tension adjuster assembly. The dual tension adjuster assembly may include: a base housing defining an internal chamber extending along a longitudinal axis of the base housing and an inlet channel extending from the inlet port along a transverse axis of the base housing perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the internal chamber having a first chamber portion, a second chamber portion, and a central chamber portion, the central chamber portion intersecting the inlet channel and in fluid communication with the first and second chamber portions; a pair of floating piston assemblies slidably disposed within the first and second chamber portions, respectively; and a pair of sensing piston assemblies supported on the floating piston assemblies, respectively. Providing brake fluid to the dual tension adjuster assembly allows each set of floating pistons and sensing piston assemblies to slide within the first and second chamber portions to one of a first and a second position, respectively. In the first position, each sensing piston assembly can be completely outside the central chamber portion of the internal chamber.
[0006] Furthermore, a multi-wheel braking system for a vehicle is disclosed or provided. This system may include: a hydraulic fluid source adapted to control the supply of hydraulic fluid in response to a braking input; and a dual tension adjuster having an inlet port for receiving hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid source, a first outlet port for selectively allowing hydraulic fluid to pass through to control braking of a first wheel of the vehicle, and a second outlet port for selectively allowing hydraulic fluid to pass through to control braking of a second wheel of the vehicle. The dual tension adjuster may include: a base housing defining an internal chamber extending along a longitudinal axis of the base housing and an inlet channel extending from the inlet port along a transverse axis of the base housing perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; at least one first return channel extending from the inlet channel in a first direction along the longitudinal axis; at least one second return channel extending from the inlet channel in a second direction along the longitudinal axis opposite to the first direction; a first sensing piston assembly associated with the first outlet port and a second sensing piston assembly associated with the second outlet port; and a first floating piston assembly associated with the first outlet port and a second floating piston assembly associated with the second outlet port. The internal chamber may include a first chamber portion associated with a first outlet port, a second chamber portion associated with a second outlet port, and a central chamber portion intersecting the inlet channel and located between the first and second chamber portions. The first chamber portion may accommodate a first floating piston assembly, and the second chamber portion may accommodate a second floating piston assembly, such that each of the first and second floating piston assemblies is movable to each of a first position and a second position within the first and second chamber portions, respectively. In the first position of the first floating piston assembly, the first sensing piston assembly may be entirely within the first chamber portion, and in the second position of the first floating piston assembly, the first sensing piston assembly may be partially within the central chamber portion. Furthermore, in the first position of the second floating piston assembly, the second sensing piston assembly may be entirely within the second chamber portion, and in the second position of the second floating piston assembly, the second sensing piston assembly may be partially within the central chamber portion. When the first and second floating piston assemblies are in each of the first and second positions, respectively, each of at least one first return channel and each of at least one second return channel may remain in the same position.
[0007] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0008] Figure 1 A braking system according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter is shown.
[0009] Figure 2It is a cross-sectional view of a tension adjuster according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The tension adjuster is in contact with Figure 2 The diagram shows cross-sectional views of the tension adjuster under different operating conditions.
[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The tension adjuster is in contact with Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram shows cross-sectional views of the tension adjuster under different operating conditions. Detailed Implementation
[0012] This invention relates to a tension adjuster for a mechanical braking system, and more particularly to a dual-brake tension adjuster and its system, components, and method.
[0013] Reference Figure 1 The braking system 100 of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter may include a tension adjuster 110. The braking system 100 may also include a brake fluid source 102 and a pair of brake assemblies 107, the brake fluid source 102 for supplying brake fluid, also referred to as hydraulic fluid, to the tension adjuster 110, and the pair of brake assemblies 107 for processing the brake fluid relative to the tension adjuster 110. The brake assemblies 107 are referred to herein as the first brake assembly 107 and the second brake assembly 107.
[0014] Typically, the brake fluid source 102 may include pumps, accumulators, and brake valves, etc., to selectively supply brake fluid (from the accumulator) to the tension adjuster 110 via brake line 104. The brake fluid may be pressurized and supplied in response to brake input (e.g., the pressure or non-pressure of the vehicle's brake pedal).
[0015] Figure 1 Each of the brake assemblies 107 in the form of a hydraulically actuated spring-release brake with an actuator is represented, but the brake assembly 107 according to the embodiment of the disclosed subject matter is not subject to Figure 1 The specific limitations shown are as follows. Braking assembly 107 can be a disc or drum-based braking assembly to control the braking of individual wheels of the vehicle.
[0016] Typically, braking control of the braking assembly 107 can be based on the input and output of brake fluid relative to the tension adjuster 110 and the direction of flow. In this respect, the tension adjuster 110 can selectively pass (i.e., output or not output) brake fluid to the braking assembly 107 to control the braking operation of the braking assembly 107. Similarly, the tension adjuster 110 receives brake fluid from the braking assembly 107. This can be referred to as backflow and can occur when the braking command decreases (including full brake release). Typically, the amount (including pressure) of pressurized brake fluid supplied to the braking assembly 107 from the tension adjuster 110 can be the same or substantially the same. This prevents or minimizes pull on one side or the other due to uneven supply of brake fluid.
[0017] The tension adjuster 110 may have an inlet port 112 and a pair of outlet ports 114. These outlet ports 114 may be referred to herein as the first outlet port 114 and the second outlet port 114. The inlet port 112 may receive brake fluid from the brake line 104, and the outlet ports 114 may allow brake fluid to pass through and from the brake assembly 107. Because the brake fluid can be output intermittently from the outlet ports 114, or because the flow direction of the brake fluid can be changed, the treatment of the brake fluid at the outlet ports 114 can be characterized as selective.
[0018] The tension adjuster 110 may include a base housing 120. The base housing 120 may define or otherwise include an inlet port 112 and an outlet port 114. According to one or more embodiments, the base housing 120 may include a central base 124 and a pair of end caps 127. The end caps 127 may be referred to herein as a first end cap 127 and a second end cap 127. Figure 1 As shown, each end cap 127 may have or otherwise define a corresponding one of the outlet ports 114, and the central base 124 may have or otherwise define an inlet port 112. Optionally, the central base 124 may threadedly receive the end cap 127 at its opposite end. That is, the end cap 127 may be threadedly connected to the central base 124. This connection can form a seal to prevent brake fluid from leaving the tension adjuster 110 via these interfaces.
[0019] The base housing 120 may also define or otherwise include an internal chamber extending along a longitudinal axis 121 of the base housing 120 and an inlet passage 130 extending along a transverse axis 122 of the base housing 120 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 121. Optionally, the longitudinal axis 121 and the transverse axis 122 may be considered or characterized as the longitudinal and transverse axes of the tension adjuster 110 (and not only the base housing 120). Figure 1As shown, the entrance channel 130 can extend from the entrance port 112. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the entrance channel 130 may be defined or otherwise disposed in the central base 124.
[0020] The internal chamber may have or otherwise be characterized as having a pair of chamber portions 125 and a central chamber portion 126. The chamber portions 125 may be referred to herein as a first chamber portion 125 and a second chamber portion 125. The first chamber portion 125 may be associated with one of the outlet ports 114, and the second chamber portion 125 may be associated with the other of the outlet ports 114. Additionally, as will be discussed in more detail below, each chamber portion 125 may have or otherwise define an inlet chamber 135 and an outlet chamber 136.
[0021] At least in some operating states of the tension adjuster 110, a central chamber portion 126 formed in the central base 124 may be between and in fluid communication with the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion 125. According to one or more embodiments, the central chamber portion 126 may be considered as a hole in the central base 124 and may be cylindrical (circular in cross-section). The central chamber portion 126, which may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis 121, may intersect with an inlet channel 130, which may extend in the direction of the transverse axis 122. In this respect, alternatively, as... Figure 1 As shown, a portion of the inlet passage 130 can extend from the opposite side of the central chamber portion 126.
[0022] According to one or more embodiments, the base housing 120 may include one or more channels 132 extending from the inlet channel 130 away from the transverse axis 122. For example, the channel 132 may extend away from the transverse axis 122 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 121. Figure 1 As shown, the central base 124 may define or otherwise have a channel 132. According to one or more embodiments, each of the channels 132 may extend from the inlet channel 130 to their respective chamber portion 125 without passing through the central chamber portion 126. More specifically, each of the channels 132 may be in fluid communication with a respective inlet chamber 135 of the corresponding chamber portion 125.
[0023] One or more channels 132 extending toward one of the end caps 127 may be referred to herein as first channel 132, while one or more channels 132 extending toward another of the end caps 127 may be referred to herein as second channel 132. Additionally, as Figure 1As shown, multiple channels 132 may be disposed on the first side of the longitudinal axis 121 closest to the inlet port 112, and / or multiple channels 132 may be disposed on the second side of the longitudinal axis 121 furthest from the inlet port 112. As discussed in more detail below, in one or more operating states of the tension adjuster 110, brake fluid may be caused to flow from the inlet chamber 135 of the chamber portion 125 to the inlet channel 130, wherein such flow may be referred to as recirculation. Therefore, channel 132 may be referred to as recirculation channel 132 (or first recirculation channel 132 and second recirculation channel 132).
[0024] The tension adjuster 110 may include a pair of floating piston assemblies 150 and a pair of sensing piston assemblies 170. One of the floating piston assemblies 150 and one of the sensing piston assemblies 170 may be associated with one of the outlet ports 114, and the other of the floating piston assembly 150 and the other of the sensing piston assembly 170 may be associated with the other of the outlet ports 114. The associated floating piston assembly 150 and sensing piston assembly 170 may be referred to as a set of floating piston and sensing piston assemblies. Therefore, the tension adjuster 110 may have two sets of floating piston and sensing piston assemblies.
[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, each channel 132 extends from the inlet channel 130 to its respective chamber portion 125 without crossing or passing through the sensing piston assembly 170 associated with the chamber portion 125. A portion of the chamber portion 125 between the floating piston assembly 150 and the central base 124 may correspond to the inlet chamber 135, and a portion between the floating piston assembly 150 and the outlet port 114 may correspond to the outlet chamber 136.
[0026] A floating piston assembly 150 may be disposed in each of the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion 125. The floating piston assembly 150 may be accommodated in the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion 125 so as to be movable from a first position to a second position and vice versa. More specifically, the floating piston assembly 150 may be slidably disposed in the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion 125. Therefore, the floating piston assembly 150 may be slidable from a first position to a second position and vice versa. The first position and the second position may be referred to as, or denote, different operating states of the tension adjuster 110. Figure 1 Two floating piston assemblies 150 in a second position are shown according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Incidentally, when the floating piston assembly 150 moves from the first position to the second position, the channel 132 may remain stationary, and vice versa. In other words, the channel 132 may be fixed.
[0027] Optionally, such as Figure 1As shown, when the floating piston assembly 150 is in the second position, no part of the floating piston assembly 150 is disposed in the central chamber portion 126. In fact, in the first position, the second position, and positions between the first and second positions, no part of the floating piston assembly 150 extends into the central chamber portion 126.
[0028] The sensing piston assembly 170 may be at least partially disposed in the respective chamber portions of the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion 125. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, in the second position of the floating piston assembly 150, the sensing piston assembly 170 may be partially within the chamber portion 125 and partially within the central chamber portion 126. In other words, when the floating piston assembly 150 is in the second position, a portion of the sensing piston assembly 170 may extend into the central chamber portion 126. As discussed in more detail below, the sensing piston assembly 170 may be completely outside the central chamber portion 126, at least in the first position of the floating piston assembly 150. In other words, the chamber portion 125 may be dimensioned in the direction of the longitudinal axis 121 to accommodate all of the sensing piston assembly 170, such that the sensing piston assembly 170 does not extend from the chamber portion 125 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 121, at least in the first position of the floating piston assembly 150.
[0029] As described above, each sensing piston assembly 170 can be associated with a corresponding floating piston assembly 150. For example, the sensing piston assembly 170 can be disposed on or otherwise connected to the floating piston assembly 150. According to one or more embodiments, the sensing piston assembly 170 can be supported by the floating piston assembly 150 such that both can move uniformly (e.g., from a first position to a second position within the internal cavity of the floating piston assembly 150, and vice versa). For example, the sensing piston assembly 170 and the floating piston assembly 150 can be secured to each other using retaining rings.
[0030] Optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, the floating piston assembly 150 may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis 121 beyond half the length of the piston or cage of the sensing piston assembly 170. In other words, although the piston or cage of the sensing piston assembly 170 may protrude from the floating piston assembly 150, the amount by which the piston or cage of the sensing piston assembly 170 protrudes from the floating piston assembly 150 may be less than the amount by which the piston or cage of the sensing piston assembly 170 does not protrude from the floating piston assembly 150 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 121.
[0031] According to one or more embodiments, a pair of springs 160 may be provided to bias the respective floating piston assembly 150 and sensing piston assembly 170 away from the lateral axis 122 (and toward their respective outlet ports 114). The pair of springs 160 may be referred to herein as the first spring 160 and the second spring 160.
[0032] A spring 160, which may be positioned around a portion of the sensing piston assembly 170 (e.g., a cage or piston portion), may be adjacent to the central base 124, such as... Figure 1 As shown, and furthermore, it can act directly on the sensing piston assembly 170. Optionally, the spring 160 can be considered as part of the sensing piston assembly 170. Because the floating piston assembly 150 and the sensing piston assembly 170 can move in unison, the spring 160 acting directly on the sensing piston assembly 170 can also bias the associated floating piston assembly 150.
[0033] Industrial applicability
[0034] As described above, the present invention relates to a tension adjuster for a mechanical braking system, and more particularly to a dual-brake tension adjuster and its system, components, and method.
[0035] Tension adjusters according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, such as tension adjuster 110, can typically utilize the differential piston principle to provide a larger output flow to a braking assembly (such as braking assembly 107) relative to the input flow of braking fluid from a braking fluid source (such as braking fluid source 102). Furthermore, tension adjusters according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be used to maintain a minimum clearance between the stationary and rotating elements of braking assembly 107.
[0036] For example, the tension adjuster according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can compensate for brake disc wear over time by using the volume of brake fluid in the outlet chamber 136 to control the disc operating clearance, thereby maintaining sufficient braking operating speed. In other words, when the brake disc wears, the volume of brake fluid in the chamber of brake assembly 107 can be increased to compensate for the wear and keep the disc operating clearance close to a non-wear state. When the fluid replenishment valve 176 is closed and the floating piston assembly 150 (and sensing piston assembly 170) is in the first position, the additional volume of brake fluid can come from the tension adjuster 110 and will be trapped in the chamber of brake assembly 107.
[0037] Now refer to Figure 2-4 These figures are provided to illustrate the operation of the tension adjuster 110 according to various operations (modes or states) of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Since the operation of the other side of the tension adjuster 110 can be the same, only the operation of one side of the tension adjuster 110 is described. The operation of the tension adjuster 110 according to various operations is shown below.
[0038]
[0039] Figure 2 A tension adjuster 110 according to the first operating conditions is shown. Figure 2 The operating state shown corresponds to scenario 2 in the table above. That is, as indicated by the arrow representing the exemplary brake fluid flow, brake fluid under pressure can be supplied to inlet port 112 in response to the activation of the brake input (e.g., activation of the brake pedal). The brake input may result in the brake not being fully applied.
[0040] Initially, in order to achieve Figure 2 As shown, brake fluid can enter inlet channel 130 and then enter central chamber portion 126. From central chamber portion 126, brake fluid can act on the opposing working areas / surfaces 172 of sensing piston assembly 170, causing sensing piston assembly 170 and floating piston assembly 150 to be pushed towards outlet port 114 and finally reach the first position of floating piston assembly 150, as shown. Figure 2 As shown. In embodiments with one or more channels 132, braking fluid can also flow from inlet channel 130 through channel 132 and into the inlet chamber 135 of chamber portion 125. One or more channels 132 can supplement the flow volume provided by the central chamber portion 126 to move the floating piston assembly 150 (and sensing piston assembly 170) to a first position. Figure 2 As shown, in the first position, the floating piston assembly 150 can abut against the end wall 128 of the end cap 127. The sensing piston assembly 170 can also be completely outside the central chamber portion 126. Moving to... Figure 2 The position shown allows the brake fluid between the floating piston assembly 150 and the outlet port 114 (i.e., in the outlet chamber 136) to be pushed to the brake assembly 107.
[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, brake fluid can flow through one or more channels 174 through the sensing piston assembly 170. This flow can be direct from the inlet chamber 135 of the chamber portion 125 through one or more channels 174. However, the closure of the fluid replenishment valve 176 prevents brake fluid from advancing into the channel 154 of the floating piston assembly 150 and towards the outlet port 114.
[0042] Now refer to Figure 3When the pressure of the brake fluid increases sufficiently to move the piston of the fluid replenishment valve 176, causing the fluid replenishment valve 176 to open, the normally closed fluid replenishment valve 176 can be opened. More specifically, the fluid replenishment valve 176 can open because the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid acting on the fluid replenishment valve 176 overcomes the mechanical force of the compression spring behind the sensing piston of the sensing piston assembly 170. Additionally, when air is compressed, the hydraulic pressure needs to overcome the air force generated by the dry air behind the piston of the sensing piston assembly 170. The brake fluid can then proceed from the chamber between the sensing piston assembly 170 and the floating piston assembly 150 through the passage 154 in the floating piston assembly 150 to the outlet port 114 and then through the outlet port 114 to the brake assembly 107. Figure 3 This corresponds to scenario 3 in the table above.
[0043] When the brake input is stopped (e.g., the brake pedal is released), the tension adjuster 110 can return to its original position. Figure 2 The position shown. This state corresponds to case 4 in the table above. Here, the fluid replenishment valve 176 can be closed and the floating piston assembly 150 (and the sensing piston assembly 170) is in the first position, thereby capturing the volume of brake fluid from the tension adjuster 110 in the chamber of the brake assembly 107. Figure 2 This can also correspond to scenario 4 in the table above.
[0044] Now refer to Figure 4 In the absence of braking, brake fluid from brake assembly 107 can be supplied to outlet port 114 of tension adjuster 110. Although this brake fluid can be at a relatively high pressure (compared to the brake fluid in inlet chamber 135 of chamber portion 125), this pressure may not be sufficient to open fluid replenishment valve 176. However, with fluid replenishment valve 176 closed, the pressure can be sufficient to move the floating piston assembly 150 and sensing piston assembly 170 inward toward the central base 124 to a second position of the floating piston assembly 150, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Figure 4 The position shown can correspond to case 5 in the table above.
[0045] If provided, the brake fluid between the central base 124 and the floating piston assembly 150 and the sensing piston assembly 170 can be returned through the central chamber portion 126 and through the channel 132. Depending on the specific flow area of the central chamber portion 126, the channel 132 can be configured to accommodate sufficient return of the brake fluid to accommodate the return of the brake fluid.
[0046] Compared to the resistance provided by the spring of the fluid replenishment valve 176, the spring 160 associated with the combined movement of the floating piston assembly 150 and the sensing piston assembly 170 can provide relatively little resistance to the brake fluid from the outlet port 114. Therefore, when the brake input is disengaged, the back pressure of the brake fluid on the brake side of the tension adjuster 110 generated by the service brake return spring can keep the floating piston assembly 150 retracted.
[0047] In view of the foregoing, the tension adjuster 110 according to the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can achieve an appropriate volumetric displacement of the brake fluid according to its compact longitudinal profile. Therefore, redesigning and rebuilding the pipe assembly to connect with the outlet port 114 of the tension adjuster 110 may not be necessary.
[0048] While various aspects of the invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments can be contemplated by modifications to the disclosed machines, components, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims and any equivalents.
Claims
1. A tension adjuster (110), comprising: A base housing (120) defines an internal chamber extending along a longitudinal axis (121) of the base housing (120) and an inlet channel (130) extending along a transverse axis (122) of the base housing (120) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (121). The internal chamber has a first chamber portion, a second chamber portion, and a central chamber portion (126). The central chamber portion (126) intersects the inlet channel (130) and is in fluid communication with the first and second chamber portions of the internal chamber. A pair of floating piston assemblies (150) are respectively disposed in the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion; A pair of sensing piston assemblies (170) are respectively connected to the pair of floating piston assemblies (150) in the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion; as well as A pair of channels (132) extend from the inlet channel (130) to the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion of the internal chamber, respectively, without passing through the sensing piston assembly (170). The first chamber portion and the second chamber portion are dimensioned in the direction of the longitudinal axis (121) to accommodate the entire sensing piston assembly (170) at least in a first position of each set of floating piston assemblies (150) and sensing piston assemblies (170), and the sensing piston assemblies (170) do not extend from the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion.
2. The tension adjuster according to claim 1, wherein in the first position, each floating piston assembly (150) is adjacent to the respective end wall (128) of the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion.
3. The tension adjuster according to claim 1, wherein in the first position, each of the sensing piston assemblies (170) is completely outside the central chamber portion (126) of the internal chamber.
4. The tension adjuster according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of channels (132) remains in the same position when the pair of floating piston assemblies (150) moves to and from the first position.
5. The tension adjuster according to claim 1, wherein each set of the floating piston assembly (150) and the sensing piston assembly (170) is movable to a second position, whereby a portion of the sensing piston assembly (170) extends into the central chamber portion (126) of the internal chamber.
6. The tension adjuster according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of springs (160) that respectively bias corresponding sets of floating piston assemblies (150) and sensing piston assemblies (170) away from the lateral axis (122), wherein the base housing (120) comprises: The first end cap has a first outlet port. The second end cap has a second outlet port, and The central base (124) has an inlet port (112), the inlet channel (130), and a plurality of return channels extending from the inlet channel (130).
7. A method of operating a dual tension adjuster assembly, comprising: The dual tension adjuster assembly has an inlet port (112) for receiving brake fluid, a first outlet port for selectively allowing the brake fluid to pass through, and a second outlet port for selectively allowing the brake fluid to pass through. as well as The brake fluid is supplied to the dual tension adjuster assembly. The dual tension adjuster assembly includes: A base housing (120) defines an internal chamber extending along a longitudinal axis (121) of the base housing (120) and an inlet channel (130) extending from the inlet port (112) along a transverse axis (122) of the base housing (120) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (121). The internal chamber has a first chamber portion, a second chamber portion, and a central chamber portion (126), the central chamber portion (126) intersecting the inlet channel (130) and in fluid communication with the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion. A pair of floating piston assemblies (150) are slidably disposed in the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion, respectively. A pair of sensing piston assemblies (170), respectively supported on the floating piston assembly (150), and A pair of channels (132) extend from the inlet channel (130) to the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion of the internal chamber, respectively, without passing through the sensing piston assembly (170). The brake fluid is supplied to the dual tension adjuster assembly to cause each set of floating piston assemblies (150) and sensing piston assemblies (170) to slide to one of a first position and a second position, respectively, within the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion. In the first position, each of the sensing piston assemblies (170) is completely outside the central chamber portion (126) of the internal chamber.
8. The method according to claim 7, In the second position, each of the sensing piston assemblies (170) extends into the central chamber portion (126) of the internal chamber, and The provision of the braking fluid includes, for each set of floating piston assemblies (150) and sensing piston assemblies (170), allowing the braking fluid to flow directly from the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion through the sensing piston assembly (170), respectively.
9. The method according to claim 7, The dual tension adjuster assembly further includes a pair of return channels extending from the inlet channel (130) to the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion, respectively. The provision of the brake fluid includes, for each set of floating piston assemblies (150) and sensing piston assemblies (170), allowing the brake fluid to flow directly from the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion through the return channel to the inlet channel (130), respectively. The provision of the braking fluid includes, for each set of floating piston assemblies (150) and sensing piston assemblies (170), causing the braking fluid to flow from the first outlet port and the second outlet port to the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion, respectively.