Dual-Circuit Braking Device with Automated Safety Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braking devices for work machines often have a single-circuit structure, making them vulnerable to malfunctions such as leaks or defective valves, which can lead to unintended brake actuation or failure, and lack effective corrective mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A braking device with at least two independent brake circuits, a safety valve upstream of the control valves, and a computing unit that can control both the control valves and safety valve, along with an operating circuit for manual control, to ensure reliable braking even in the presence of leaks or malfunctions, and prevent unintentional brake actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-circuit braking structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to leaks and valve defects
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is divided into two independent brake circuits instead of a single circuit. Each circuit has its own control valve and hydraulic pathways, so that a malfunction in one circuit does not affect the other. This segmentation ensures that at least one functional circuit remains available even when one circuit fails, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and reliable operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automatic braking control is added to monitor parked state, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases with additional computing unit and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The computing unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors the parked state, detects leaks in either brake circuit, controls both control valves for automatic braking, and manages the safety valve. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves enhanced adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If a safety valve is added upstream of control valves, then the reliability is improved by preventing unintended actuation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety valve is positioned upstream of the control valves and is activated in advance to prevent unintended brake actuation before it can occur. The computing unit monitors system parameters and preemptively closes the safety valve when potential malfunctions are detected, blocking hydraulic flow before it reaches the control valves. This preliminary protective action enhances reliability while integrating smoothly into the existing valve structure.
4Reliability
If independent control of two brake circuits is implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic leak detection and automatic braking activation through the computing unit, which continuously monitors system parameters and autonomously responds to malfunctions. When a leak is detected in one circuit, the system automatically activates the safety valve and controls the appropriate control valve without requiring manual intervention from the operator, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving reliable independent circuit control.
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 ensures that the braking system can function correctly even with a leak in one circuit and reduces the likelihood of unintended brake actuation by requiring simultaneous failure of both control and safety valves, thus enhancing reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure supply (4, P1), wherein the two control valves (6, 7) are controllable or regulatable by the computing unit (8)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device (1) has front brakes (10, 11) and back brakes (13, 14), where each brake includes brake circuits (9, 12) to be actuatable by using one of the control valves (6, 7). The control valves are independently controlled and/or regulated by using a computing unit (8). The brake circuits are manually controlled and/or regulated by using a control circle (2), where the control valves are controlled and/or regulated under predetermined conditions of the computing unit. An independent claim is also included for a method for actuating a braking device for working machines.