Differential Master Cylinder for Agricultural Vehicle Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic braking systems for agricultural vehicles require complex electronic control circuits and speed sensors, making them unreliable, especially when transitioning from working to road conditions, and pose safety risks if pedals are not properly coupled.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic braking control system with a single brake pump actuated by one pedal, using normally open valves controlled by a unit with a speed sensor to enable selective braking of rear wheels and automatic coupling for higher speeds, allowing independent operation of pads on a rocker arm, ensuring safe braking without electrical assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two pedals are used for selective braking, then steering capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring two master cylinders or complex electronic control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two pedals and two master cylinders into a single pedal with a differential master cylinder. The differential master cylinder internally separates hydraulic circuits to provide selective braking to left or right rear brakes, eliminating the need for two separate pedals and master cylinders while maintaining steer-by-braking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pedal with differential master cylinder serves multiple functions: it can apply brakes to the left rear wheel, right rear wheel, or both rear wheels simultaneously. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required two separate pedals, reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Device complexity
If a single pedal with electronic control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to dependence on electrical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical differential master cylinder. The differential design uses mechanical pressure distribution to automatically control hydraulic valves, eliminating sensors, electronic controllers, and electrical circuits while improving reliability through fail-safe mechanical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential master cylinder automatically distributes hydraulic pressure to the appropriate brake circuits based on pedal operation, without requiring external electronic control or sensing systems. The system is self-regulating through its mechanical design, improving reliability by eliminating electronic dependencies.
3Reliability
If speed sensors and electronic control are added for safety, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates speed sensors and electronic control circuits by using a mechanical differential master cylinder that inherently provides safe braking operation. The mechanical design ensures proper brake application through pressure distribution, replacing complex electronic safety systems with simple, reliable mechanical principles.
4Ease of operation
If pedals are decoupled for working ways, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates when transitioning to road ways
Solution Approach 1:
The differential master cylinder automatically adapts to different operating conditions through its mechanical design. When the driver presses the pedal, the system self-regulates hydraulic pressure distribution to provide appropriate braking force, eliminating the need for manual coupling/découpling operations and preventing accidental pivot braking.
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 allows safe and efficient braking on agricultural vehicles by enabling single-pedal operation with speed-dependent control, reducing the need for complex electronics and ensuring safety across various driving conditions, including during electrical blackouts.
Implementation Method 1
a pedal, 101, arranged to operate a pump, 102, of the hydraulic type
Implementation Method 2
a pad, 109, 110, articulated on a rocker arm, 111, fastened to the pedal so that each pad can actuate the pedal independently of the other pad
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hydraulic braking control system for agricultural vehicles or the like, the system comprising a brake pump (102) actuatable by means of one pedal (101) and at least one first rear brake (25) and one second rear brake (26) arranged to be actuated by the brake pump (102). The brake pump is connected to the rear brakes (25, 26) through a branch and a pair of respective valves (15, 16). The valves (15, 16) are normally open valves, and the selective closing of one of the two valves (15, 16) is controlled by a braking control unit (30) of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a method of making a braking system for agricultural vehicles or the like.