Agricultural Braking Device with Abutment-Mediated Pressure Limiting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural machine braking devices face challenges in managing braking pressure, as high pressure required for steering can destabilize the vehicle during service braking, potentially causing rear wheels to lift and overturn.

Innovation Solution

A braking device with a connection element and abutment means that allows independent operation of thrust elements, regulating braking pressure by limiting the stroke and pressure during simultaneous operation of both pedals, enabling differentiation between steering and service braking pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If high braking pressure is applied to block the wheels for steering assistance, then the curvature radius is reduced and steering is improved, but the vehicle stability deteriorates and rear wheels may lift during service braking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering assistanceVSAvoidvehicle stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system is segmented into two independent pressure circuits: a first pressure source for steering assistance and a second pressure source for service braking. This segmentation allows each circuit to operate independently with optimized pressure levels, preventing the instability caused by applying high steering pressure during service braking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts braking pressure based on operating conditions through the connection element and abutment means. When both pedals are pressed, the connection element limits the stroke of thrust elements to prevent excessive pressure buildup, automatically adjusting pressure levels to maintain vehicle stability while preserving steering capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the same braking pressure is used for both steering and service braking, then the device structure is simplified, but the vehicle cannot be stabilized during service braking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking device structureVSAvoidvehicle stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A single braking device structure serves multiple functions through the connection element and abutment means mechanism. The same mechanical components that enable independent pedal operation also automatically regulate pressure to prevent vehicle instability, eliminating the need for separate complex control systems for steering and service braking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the thrust elements can operate independently for each pedal, then steering and service braking can be differentiated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking pressure differentiationVSAvoidbraking device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the two independently operable thrust elements. It provides mechanical coupling that allows independent operation while automatically regulating pressure through the abutment means, achieving pressure differentiation without requiring complex electronic control systems or additional regulatory components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device automatically adjusts braking pressure according to vehicle operating conditions, preventing excessive pressure during service braking and ensuring stable vehicle operation.

Implementation Method 1

Between the body (2) and each thrust element (3) elastic means (6) are placed such as, e.g., a helical spring, suitable for contrasting the shift of the thrust elements themselves from the idle configuration towards the braking configuration.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

braking device for agricultural machines... suitable for interacting with relative valves to brake at least a right wheel and at least a left wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2851248B1Braking device for agricultural machines
Publication Date: 2018.05.16 SAFIM
  • EP2851248B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2851248B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2851248B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A braking device (1) for agricultural machines comprising a body (2) which supports in a sliding way at least two thrust elements (3) operatively connectable to relative valves (4) for the braking of a right wheel and of a left wheel of a vehicle and associable with respective braking pedals that can be operated by an operator, the thrust elements (3) being mobile along a sliding direction (5) between an idle configuration and a maximum braking configuration, and comprises at least a connection element (7) having at least two connection areas (8), each of which is associated at least in a rotating way with a relative thrust element (3) to connect them reciprocally and to allow the independent operation of the braking pedals and by the fact that it comprises abutment means (9) suitable for contacting the connection element (7) during the translation of both the thrust elements (3) to limit their forward movement towards the maximum braking configuration, the connection element (7) and the abutment means (9) being reciprocally mobile along the sliding direction (5).