Conductive Steering Brake Pedal Locking Pin
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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 effectively comply with regulatory requirements for preventing single wheel 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 detectors) are incorporated into brake pedals to detect locking status, then the locking status can be accurately detected, but additional components and cab space are required, increasing system complexity and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking pin and pedal structure into a single conductive assembly, where the locking pin itself serves as the electrical contact element. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensors, switches, or detectors, as the conductive path through the locking pin directly indicates locking status.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin performs dual functions: mechanically locking the pedals together and electrically indicating the locking status through conductivity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated sensing components, as the same component that provides the mechanical locking function also provides the electrical signal.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated sensor systems are incorporated into brake pedals, then locking status can be detected, but additional cab space is required to accommodate the new components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function into the existing locking pin structure, eliminating the need for separate sensor components that would occupy additional cab space. The conductive locking pin uses the same physical space already allocated for the mechanical locking function.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated sensor systems are incorporated into brake pedals, then locking status detection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking and sensing functions into a single conductive locking pin assembly, eliminating the need for separate sensors, switches, or detectors. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, sourced, and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin serves dual purposes as both a mechanical locking component and an electrical sensing element. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and associated manufacturing costs.
4Measurement precision
If existing pedal systems are redesigned to incorporate dedicated sensor configurations, then locking status can be detected, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function into the existing locking pin structure, requiring minimal modification to existing pedal systems. The conductive locking pin integrates with the current mechanical locking mechanism without requiring separate sensor installations or complex wiring harnesses.
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 brake pedals, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements by limiting vehicle speed when pedals are unlocked, thereby preventing single wheel braking and enhancing safety.
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
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AI summary
There is described a steering brake locking system for a vehicle, preferably an agricultural tractor. The locking system 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. Accordingly, the locking status of the pedals can be determined by measuring the electrical conductivity between the first and second pedals.