Spring-Loaded Brake for Circle Drive Gear Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Earthmoving machines, such as motor graders, are susceptible to component failure due to forces transmitted from impacting immovable objects like rocks, which can cause failure of the driving arrangement components.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pump, an implement control valve, a bi-directional hydraulic motor, and a brake, where the brake engages with the output shaft using spring force and disengages with fluid pressure, providing a holding torque to mitigate the impact of such forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the moldboard impacts immovable objects during operation, then the machine can maintain its grading function, but the driving arrangement components are exposed to damaging forces that cause component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is pre-configured to automatically engage when impact forces are detected, providing protective cushioning to the hydraulic motor and circle drive gear before damage can occur. The spring-loaded brake mechanism is ready to activate, creating a protective barrier against impact forces from immovable objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system acts as an intermediary protective element between the moldboard and the driving arrangement components. When the moldboard encounters an immovable object, the brake intervenes by engaging the output shaft, preventing the full impact force from being transmitted to the hydraulic motor and circle drive gear.
2Reliability
If a brake system is added to protect against impact forces, then component reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system is designed to be self-actuating through the hydraulic pressure already present in the circle drive system. When impact forces occur, the hydraulic pressure automatically activates the brake mechanism without requiring external sensors or control systems, making the protection system self-regulating and minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system utilizes the existing hydraulic fluid and pressure from the circle drive system to activate the brake mechanism. This hydraulic integration allows the brake to be controlled by the same fluid power system that drives the moldboard, eliminating the need for separate pneumatic or electric brake actuation systems and reducing overall complexity.
3Strength
If the brake engages to provide holding torque during impacts, then component damage is prevented, but energy is dissipated through the brake system
Solution Approach 1:
The brake engages periodically only when impact forces are detected rather than continuously. This periodic activation means the brake dissipates energy only during brief impact events rather than continuously, minimizing overall energy loss while providing protection exactly when needed during transient impact conditions.
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 system reduces the risk of component failure by providing a holding torque, enhancing the reliability of the circle drive gear and reducing downtime and costs associated with component replacement and repair.
Implementation Method 1
The brake is configured to engage with the output shaft with the help of a spring force for reducing a rotational speed of the output shaft in a brake engage state
Implementation Method 2
operatively disengage from the output shaft in a brake release state with the help of fluid pressure in at least one of the first delivery line and the second delivery line
Implementation Method 3
The pump is configured to output pressurized fluid therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A system for operating a circle drive gear of a machine includes a pump configured to output pressurized fluid, an implement control valve fluidly coupled to the pump, a bi-directional hydraulic motor located downstream of the implement control valve and fluidly coupled to the implement control valve via a first delivery line and a second delivery line. The hydraulic motor has an output shaft that is configured to be rotatively driven by pressurized fluid output by the pump. A brake is disposed on the output shaft of the hydraulic motor and engages with the output shaft with the help of a spring force for reducing a rotational speed of the output shaft in a brake engage state. The brake operatively disengages from the output shaft in a brake release state with the help of fluid pressure in at least one of the first delivery line and the second delivery line.