Axle Assembly Braking Layout for Backlash and Thermal Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems for working vehicles, particularly those with wet brakes, face issues of reduced braking capacity and thermal management due to space constraints and rocking/backlash caused by torsion and backlash in gear arrangements, especially when applying braking force to the driveshaft.
Innovation Solution
An axle assembly with a service brake applied to the driveshaft and an auxiliary brake applied to the wheel driving element, combined with a control system to manage braking modes, mitigates rocking and backlash while enhancing braking capacity and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the service brake applies braking force to the driveshaft, then braking capacity and thermal management are improved, but rocking and backlash occur due to torsion and gear backlash
Solution Approach 1:
The braking function is segmented into two independent brakes: service brake acting on driveshaft for high-power braking, and auxiliary brake acting on wheel driving element for stability control. This segmentation allows each brake to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between braking capacity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary brake acts as an intermediary component that compensates for the instability caused by service brake operation. By applying braking force at the wheel driving element level, it mediates the backlash and torsion effects, eliminating rocking while allowing the service brake to maintain high braking capacity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the service brake applies braking force to the wheel driving element, then rocking and backlash are reduced, but braking capacity and thermal management are reduced due to space constraints in the wheel hub
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is divided into two functional segments: the service brake located in the axle casing provides high-power braking capacity, while the auxiliary brake located in the wheel hub provides stability control. This segmentation allows the wheel hub to focus on stability without being constrained by space limitations for high-power braking.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking function is distributed across different spatial dimensions: service brake in the axial direction within the axle casing, and auxiliary brake in the radial direction at the wheel hub. This dimensional distribution allows each brake to optimize for its specific function without space constraints limiting performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If an auxiliary brake is added to the wheel driving element, then rocking and backlash are mitigated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary brake is designed with multi-functionality: it provides rocking mitigation during service brake operation, enables independent braking capability, and can function as a parking brake. This universality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary brake integrates multiple functions into a single component: stability control, independent braking, and parking brake capabilities are merged into one system at the wheel driving element, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate components for each function.
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 provides increased braking capacity and thermal management by utilizing an auxiliary brake to address rocking and backlash, ensuring effective braking performance and extended brake component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a service brake configured to apply a braking force to the driveshaft
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary brake configured to apply a braking force to the wheel driving element
Implementation Method 3
the braking components of the wet brake are lubricated and cooled with the fluid
Implementation Method 4
the braking components of the wet brake are lubricated and cooled with the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An axle assembly for a working vehicle is provided. The axle assembly comprises an axle comprising a casing and a driveshaft located within the casing. The axle assembly also comprises a wheel hub for mounting a wheel thereto, wherein the wheel hub is located at an outboard end of the axle and comprises a wheel driving element which is coupled to the driveshaft by a gear arrangement. The axle assembly also comprises a brake system comprising a service brake configured to apply a braking force to the driveshaft, and an auxiliary brake configured to apply a braking force to the wheel driving element.