Accessory-Based Power Dissipation for Grade Retarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional friction braking systems are inadequate for slowing or stopping machines on inclines and can lead to brake fade, excessive wear, and increased replacement costs, necessitating supplementary retarding systems to manage power dissipation effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically dissipating power in propelled machines by setting a target speed, determining throttle position and grade, calculating internal machine resistance power, and engaging select accessories to maintain the machine within a set speed range, thereby minimizing brake usage and retarding power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction braking systems are used to slow or stop machines on inclines, then the machine can be controlled, but brake fade and excessive wear occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of gravitational force causing machine acceleration on inclines into a beneficial retarding force. By engaging accessories that create internal machine resistance, the system uses the machine's own powertrain and components to generate braking effect, thereby protecting the friction brake pads from excessive wear while maintaining reliable speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces accessories (such as hydraulic pumps, motors, or other power-consuming components) as intermediary elements between the machine's motion and the brake system. These accessories act as mediators that absorb excess energy and provide retarding force, reducing the load on friction brakes and preventing brake fade while extending brake pad life.
2Reliability
If friction brakes are used extensively for continuous periods, then the machine can be controlled on inclines, but brake fade occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful thermal energy generated during braking into useful work by engaging accessories that consume power. These accessories transform the kinetic energy that would otherwise heat the brakes into mechanical or hydraulic work, thereby reducing brake temperature and preventing brake fade while maintaining reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical friction braking system with a hybrid system that incorporates power-consuming accessories. These accessories provide an alternative mechanism for energy dissipation that does not rely on friction and heat generation, thereby substituting the thermal management burden from the brake system to the accessory system.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If accessories are engaged to provide retarding power, then brake wear is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a retarding system using existing machine accessories that serve multiple functions. These accessories can operate in different modes: providing useful work during normal operation and providing retarding force during downhill control or braking assistance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated retarding components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while extending brake pad life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the machine's own existing accessories and powertrain components to provide retarding force, rather than requiring entirely separate braking systems. The machine essentially serves itself by utilizing its own resources (hydraulic system, electrical system, or mechanical components) to create internal resistance and protect the brake pads, thereby minimizing additional complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances safety by reducing brake overheating and wear, minimizing brake usage, and maintaining control when traveling down inclines by effectively managing power dissipation through the sequential engagement of machine accessories, thus reducing the risk of brake fade.
Implementation Method 1
engaging select accessories to retard the machine
Implementation Method 2
engaging select accessories to retard the machine
Implementation Method 3
calculating an internal machine resistance power
Data Source
AI summary
A method of dissipating power on a propelled machine includes setting a target ground speed for the machine, and, if the throttle position is less than a first predetermined minimum and if the machine is on a negative grade in the direction of travel no greater than a second predetermined minimum, and the calculated machine resistance power is less than the calculated grade power, the method include engaging at least a portion of the energy-dissipating electrically or electrohydraulically controlled accessories to retard the machine to maintain the machine within a set range of a target speed.