Conductive Steering Brake Pedal Locking Pin
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering brake systems for vehicles, particularly agricultural tractors, require additional components and space to detect the locking status of brake pedals, which is costly and inefficient, and do not meet the EU's "Mother Regulation" requirements for controlling vehicle braking at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A steering brake system with conductive pedals and a locking pin that forms a conductive path when locked, allowing the locked or unlocked status to be determined by monitoring electrical resistance, reducing the need for additional sensors and components and simplifying the detection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated sensor systems (pressure switches, position sensors, optical detector switches) are incorporated to detect locking status, then the locking status detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to additional components and cab space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism and detection function into a single integrated system. The locking pin itself serves as the detection element by forming a conductive path when locked, eliminating the need for separate sensors. This combines the mechanical locking function with the electrical detection function into one component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin performs multiple functions: it mechanically locks the pedals together and simultaneously serves as an electrical conductor for detection. The conductive material serves dual purposes as both structural component and sensing element, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If dedicated sensor systems are incorporated to detect locking status, then the locking status detection reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional components and redesign requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and detection function into a single integrated system. The locking pin itself serves as the detection element by forming a conductive path when locked, eliminating the need for separate sensors. This combines the mechanical locking function with the electrical detection function into one component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin performs self-detection through its own conductive properties. When the locking pin engages the second pedal, it automatically creates a conductive path that can be monitored electrically, without requiring external sensors or additional detection mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the locking pin forms a conductive path using conductive material, then the device complexity is reduced by eliminating dedicated sensors, but the electrical resistance monitoring system must be designed to account for variable resistance conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electrical resistance monitoring as a feedback mechanism to detect the locking status. The control unit continuously monitors the resistance between the first and second pedals, and based on the resistance value, determines whether the locking pin is engaged, providing real-time feedback on the braking system state.
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 provides a cost-effective and space-efficient method to determine the locking status of the pedals, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements by limiting vehicle speed when pedals are unlocked, thereby preventing single wheel braking at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
the locking pin forms a conductive path between a conductive portion of said first pedal and a conductive portion of said second pedal when in said locked position
Implementation Method 2
the locked or unlocked position of the locking pin is determined by monitoring the electrical resistance between said first and second pedals
Data Source
AI summary
A steering brake locking system for a vehicle, such as an agricultural tractor, has at least first and second adjacent steering brake pedals, and a locking pin arranged to selectively lock the pedals together. The locking pin and at least a portion of the first and second pedals are formed from a conductive material, such that an electrically conductive path is formed between the first and second pedals through the locking pin when the pin is used to lock the pedals together. The locking status of the pedals can be determined by measuring the electrical conductivity between the first and second pedals.