Construction Machine Brake Beam Actuation for Multi-Position Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction machines with higher maximum speeds, such as rubber-tired rollers, require additional braking systems beyond hydrostatic brakes due to insufficient braking effect, which complicates the design and operation, especially when operator positions vary, leading to increased production and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible actuation device for the brake assembly featuring a longitudinally extending brake beam that can be operated by foot from multiple side positions, eliminating the need for multiple brake pedals and actuators, and incorporating a spring-loaded return mechanism for automatic resetting and a spring break sensor for enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional brake assembly is added to provide sufficient braking effect for high-speed construction machines, then braking performance is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple brake assemblies and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple brake assemblies (hydrostatic brake and additional brake) into a unified brake system controlled by a single actuation device. The brake beam integrates control for both brake assemblies, merging what would otherwise be separate control systems into one coordinated unit, thereby improving braking performance without proportionally increasing control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The brake beam serves multiple functions: it controls both the hydrostatic brake and the additional brake assembly, and can be operated from multiple side positions. This multi-functional design allows a single actuation device to manage multiple braking functions, reducing the need for separate actuators for each brake assembly
2Ease of operation
If multiple brake pedals and actuators are provided for different operator positions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake beam is designed as a universal actuation element that can be operated from multiple side positions (left and right sides of the operator platform). This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple position-specific pedals and actuators, maintaining ease of operation from various positions while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The brake beam is designed with rotational freedom about a vertical axis, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different operator positions. The beam can be approached and operated from either side of the operator platform, providing dynamic accessibility without requiring fixed position-specific controls, thereby simplifying the actuation device architecture
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operator seat is made adjustable to various side positions, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of carrying along actuation elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake beam acts as an intermediary element between the operator and the brake assemblies. Rather than directly coupling the adjustable operator seat to multiple actuators, the brake beam mediates the control input, receiving actuation force from whichever side the operator is positioned and transmitting it to both brake assemblies. This intermediary approach simplifies the guidance requirements for actuation elements
Solution Approach 2:
The brake beam serves as a universal control interface that works with the adjustable operator seat configuration. It provides a single actuation point that remains functional regardless of which side position the operator occupies, eliminating the need to carry along and guide multiple position-specific actuation elements with the moving operator seat
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 a simple, cost-effective, and reliable braking system that can be operated from various positions on the operator platform, reducing complexity and maintenance, while ensuring efficient braking and operational safety across different operator positions.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a spring-loaded return mechanism for automatic resetting
Implementation Method 2
brake assembly for braking the construction machine
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a construction machine, said construction machine comprising a brake assembly for braking the machine, as well as an operator platform. The operator platform comprises at least one operator seat with a total of at least two operating positions for a machine operator at opposite ends of the operator platform, and an actuation device for foot actuation of the brake assembly. According to essential aspects of the present invention, the actuation device for the brake assembly comprises a brake beam which extends transversely to the working direction of the construction machine and which can be operated by foot from said two operating positions, and the actuation device further comprises an actuator for the brake beam, which is arranged below the brake beam.