Automatic Hydraulic Brake Adjuster Modulation

Solution Overview

Problem

Drum-type braking systems in large, off-road vehicles require frequent calibration adjustments, leading to decreased vehicle availability and increased maintenance costs due to shifting forces affecting brake system calibration.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle braking system retrofit package is developed, incorporating an automatic hydraulic brake adjuster (AHBA) with a valve and valve spring to modulate the braking mechanism to predetermined positions, reducing the need for frequent calibration by automatically adjusting the brake shoes' position relative to the brake drum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If drum-type braking systems are used in large off-road vehicles, then braking force is sufficient for heavy-duty applications, but frequent calibration adjustments are required due to shifting forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking forceVSAvoidcalibration stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automatic hydraulic brake adjuster that dynamically adjusts brake shoe position in response to changing forces during operation. The system transitions from static brake calibration to dynamic self-adjustment, allowing the braking system to adapt to varying load conditions and maintain optimal performance without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic hydraulic brake adjuster enables the braking system to self-regulate and self-adjust. The system automatically detects when brake shoes require repositioning and performs the adjustment autonomously using hydraulic actuation, eliminating the need for manual calibration and reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If frequent calibration adjustments are made to maintain brake performance, then stopping action remains above threshold level, but vehicle availability decreases and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrake performanceVSAvoidvehicle availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic hydraulic brake adjuster enables the braking system to self-regulate and self-adjust. The system automatically detects when brake shoes require repositioning and performs the adjustment autonomously using hydraulic actuation, eliminating the need for manual calibration and reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the hydraulic adjuster continuously monitors brake shoe position and braking performance. When performance degradation is detected, the system automatically initiates correction by adjusting the brake shoe position, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If manual calibration adjustments are performed frequently, then brake system performance is maintained, but labor time and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrake calibration precisionVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic hydraulic brake adjuster enables the braking system to self-regulate and self-adjust. The system automatically detects when brake shoes require repositioning and performs the adjustment autonomously using hydraulic actuation, eliminating the need for manual calibration and reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated hydraulic adjustment system. The mechanical process of manual measurement and adjustment is substituted with a hydraulic actuation system controlled by performance feedback, reducing both time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution decreases maintenance time and labor costs, increasing the in-service time of vehicles by maintaining optimal brake performance with reduced calibration needs, applicable to heavy vehicles with wedge or S-Cam brakes.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one AHBA also includes at least one valve spring coupled to the valve, wherein the at least one valve spring induces a third bias

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The second bias and the third bias cooperate with the first bias to facilitate modulating a radial position of the at least one brake shoe radially outer surface with respect to the least one brake drum radially inner surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8505695B2Method and apparatus for facilitating performance of vehicle braking systems

Publication Date: 2013.08.13 DONELSON BRAKE SYST

AI summary

A method of assembling a vehicle braking system retrofit package includes assembling a braking mechanism having a first bias. The method also includes assembling at least one automatic hydraulic brake adjuster (AHBA) having a second bias and a third bias. The method further includes coupling the at least one AHBA in flow communication with the braking mechanism such that the second bias and the third bias cooperate with the first bias to facilitate modulating the braking mechanism to predetermined positions.