Boosted Brake Hydraulic Layout for Smaller Master Cylinders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic brake control arrangements for work vehicles, such as agricultural vehicles, require over-dimensioned master brake cylinders to actuate both rear and front brakes, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, especially when front brakes are not present in all vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic arrangement with a master brake cylinder module for each rear brake, featuring a three-way proportional actuation valve and an 'AND' valve for parallel fluid flow, allowing for separate control of rear and front brakes using a shared fluid source, reducing the need for large master cylinders and enabling cost-effective, compact, and lighter designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If master brake cylinders are over-dimensioned to actuate both rear and front brakes, then both brakes can be actuated, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to actuate rear and front brakesVSAvoidmaster brake cylinder size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic system is segmented into separate circuits: a first hydraulic circuit with a first master brake cylinder dedicated to rear brakes, and a second hydraulic circuit with a second master brake cylinder dedicated to front brakes. This segmentation allows each master brake cylinder to be optimally sized for its specific function rather than requiring one oversized cylinder to handle both brake systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pedal actuation mechanism serves multiple functions: it can actuate the first brake circuit independently for rear brake only operation, and it can simultaneously actuate both brake circuits for combined front and rear brake operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuation systems while maintaining the benefits of segmented master cylinders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If master brake cylinders are over-dimensioned to accommodate front brakes, then front brakes can be actuated, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefront brake actuation capabilityVSAvoidmaster brake cylinder weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the brake system into separate hydraulic circuits with dedicated master brake cylinders, each cylinder is sized only for its intended function. The first master brake cylinder for rear brakes and the second master brake cylinder for front brakes are both smaller than a single oversized cylinder would be, reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If master brake cylinders are over-dimensioned to accommodate front brakes, then front brakes can be actuated, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefront brake actuation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Segmenting the brake system allows for smaller, more efficiently manufactured master brake cylinders. Each cylinder can be produced to precise specifications for its dedicated function, reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity compared to producing one oversized cylinder that must accommodate both front and rear brake requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides dynamic flexibility through the pedal actuation mechanism that can selectively engage either the first brake circuit alone or both brake circuits simultaneously. This dynamic capability allows the vehicle to operate with reduced braking capacity (rear brakes only) if needed, while maintaining full braking capacity when both circuits are actuated, providing manufacturing and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient activation of both rear and front brakes with reduced pedal pressure, allowing for smaller master brake cylinders and cost savings, while maintaining the option for a secondary braking line without modifying the pedal stroke for rear brake activation.

Implementation Method 1

configured to move a piston making part of a master brake cylinder which consequently push a high pressure fluid into a respective brake

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4157685B1Improved boosted brake control hydraulic arrangement for work vehicles

Publication Date: 2024.07.10 CNH IND ITALIA SPA

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

Hydraulic arrangement (1) for controlling front and rear brakes (22; 2a, 2b) of a work vehicle comprising a master brake cylinder module (3) and a source (10; 12) of fluid in pressure, said master brake cylinder module (3) comprising master brake cylinders (4a, 4b), actuation valves (5a, 5b) for controlling these latter, the hydraulic arrangement (1) further comprising a shuttle valve (21) fluidly interposed between the actuation valves (5a, 5b) and the front brakes (22).