Electro-Hydraulic Brake Synchronization for Work Vehicle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Independent actuation of brakes on vehicles like tractors and harvesters can cause uneven braking and unintended turning when traveling above a certain speed, leading to loss of control.
Innovation Solution
An electro-hydraulic brake system that includes a speed sensor to detect vehicle speed and synchronize the actuation of both brake valves when exceeding a threshold speed, ensuring simultaneous engagement of both brakes to prevent turning issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent brake actuation is allowed at high speeds, then brake responsiveness and operator control are improved, but vehicle stability deteriorates due to uneven braking causing unintended turning
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between independent brake actuation mode (for low-speed operation and maneuverability) and synchronized brake actuation mode (for high-speed stability). The controller automatically adjusts the brake control strategy based on detected vehicle speed, allowing full independent control below the threshold speed while enforcing synchronized actuation above the threshold speed to prevent unintended turning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of brake actuation synchronization based on vehicle speed. Below the threshold speed, brakes can be actuated independently with different forces. Above the threshold speed, the system enforces equal actuation force on both brakes through the synchronized mode, preventing the vehicle instability that would result from differential braking at high speeds.
2Stability of the object's composition
If synchronized brake actuation is enforced at all speeds, then vehicle stability is maintained, but brake maneuverability and independent control capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the brake control strategy based on operating conditions. At low speeds where maneuverability is prioritized, the system allows independent brake actuation enabling tight turns and precise positioning. At high speeds where stability becomes critical, the system transitions to synchronized actuation to prevent unintended turning, thus optimizing performance for each operating regime.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed range is segmented into two distinct operating zones: a low-speed zone (below threshold) where independent brake control is permitted for maximum maneuverability, and a high-speed zone (above threshold) where synchronized actuation is enforced for stability. This segmentation allows the system to provide appropriate brake control characteristics for each speed regime without compromise.
3Stability of the object's composition
If speed-based synchronization is implemented, then high-speed stability is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional sensors and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a speed sensor to continuously monitor vehicle speed and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically determines whether to enable independent or synchronized brake actuation mode. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain high-speed stability through synchronized actuation when needed while keeping the control logic relatively simple and rule-based.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed sensor acts as an intermediary that provides objective vehicle state information to the control system. This intermediary component enables the controller to make automated decisions about brake actuation mode without requiring complex operator judgment, thereby improving high-speed stability while keeping the added complexity minimal and well-defined.
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 maintains vehicle stability by ensuring equal braking power on both sides when traveling at high speeds, preventing unintended turns and maintaining directional control.
Implementation Method 1
A speed sensor generates a speed signal indicative of a speed of the work vehicle
Implementation Method 2
A first valve releases a hydraulic fluid to control a first brake and a second valve that releases the hydraulic fluid to control a second brake
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-hydraulic brake system includes a first brake input that generates a first brake input signal and a second brake input that generates a second brake input signal. The system also includes a first valve that releases hydraulic fluid to control a first brake and a second valve that releases the hydraulic fluid to control a second brake. The system includes a speed sensor that generates a speed signal indicative of a speed of a work vehicle. A controller receives the speed signal, the first brake input signal, and the second brake input signal, determines the speed of the work vehicle based on the speed signal, and compares the speed of the work vehicle to a threshold speed. The controller synchronizes actuation of the first and second valves in response to the speed being in excess of the threshold speed to control the first and second valves.