Hydraulic Brake Cooling Circuit Using Shuttle Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brake cooling systems face complexity and diagnostic challenges due to reliance on electronic signals and software, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, particularly in managing brake cooling flow when the brake is not engaged.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication control circuit that uses brake pressure to hydro-mechanically pilot a spool valve, controlling cooling flow to the brake, eliminating the need for electronic signals and software, with a proportional valve and shuttle valve system that allows full cooling flow only when brake pressure is applied, and returns to full lube flow when pressure is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic signals and software are used to control brake cooling flow, then the system can precisely manage cooling when the brake is released, but the system complexity increases and diagnostic difficulty arises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic control system with a purely mechanical hydraulic control system. The brake pressure itself is used to pilot the spool valve through hydraulic pressure, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, controllers, and software. This mechanical substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining precise control capability while dramatically reducing system complexity and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the brake pressure signal itself to automatically control the cooling flow without external electronic intervention. When brake pressure is applied, it directly pilots the spool valve to divert cooling flow to the brake. When pressure is released, the spring automatically returns the spool to its original position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate electronic control systems, reducing complexity while maintaining precise control.
2Measurement precision
If electronic controllers and valves are added to manage brake cooling, then cooling control precision improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic principles to achieve precise cooling flow control using the existing brake pressure signal. The hydraulic spool valve responds proportionally to brake pressure, providing precise control without requiring expensive electronic components. This approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating electronic controllers, sensors, and associated wiring.
3Reliability
If brake cooling is kept on when the brake is released, then cooling effectiveness is maintained, but power loss and windage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts cooling flow based on real-time brake pressure conditions. The spool valve automatically shifts position in response to brake pressure, directing cooling flow to the brake only when needed. When the brake is released and pressure drops, the valve dynamically redirects flow back to the final drive circuit. This dynamic adaptation maintains cooling effectiveness during braking while eliminating unnecessary power loss during non-braking conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses brake pressure as a feedback signal to automatically control cooling flow distribution. The hydraulic spool valve continuously responds to brake pressure levels, creating a closed-loop control system without electronic components. When brake pressure is detected, cooling flow is directed to the brake; when pressure is released, flow returns to the final drive circuit. This feedback mechanism ensures cooling effectiveness is maintained only when required, minimizing energy loss.
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 solution simplifies the system, reduces costs, and enhances diagnostic ease by using brake pressure to manage cooling flow, ensuring efficient lubrication and cooling only when needed, thereby minimizing power loss and windage when the brake is not engaged.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure control pilot line is operable to urge the pressure control valve member to its second position
Implementation Method 2
A control valve biasing member urges the pressure control valve member to its first position
Implementation Method 3
The shuttle valve pilot line urges the shuttle valve member to its second position
Implementation Method 4
A resilient member is biased to urge the shuttle valve member to its first position
Data Source
AI summary
In a vehicle having a brake line communicating a brake pressure to a brake, a lubrication control circuit controls flow of lubrication fluid to a brake cooling circuit. The lubrication control circuit includes a lube pressure control proportional valve and a shuttle valve. The lube pressure control valve communicates lube fluid to an inlet of the shuttle valve when lube pressure is above a threshold. When the brake is applied, brake pressure in a pilot line operates on the shuttle valve and the shuttle valve communicates lube fluid to the brake cooling circuit and blocks lube flow to other cooling or lube circuits.