Integrated Hydraulic Braking Control for Dual-Pedal Vehicles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing braking systems for vehicles with two pedals, such as farm tractors and earthmovers, are cumbersome and costly due to a high number of components and complex mounting requirements, which increases the likelihood of failures.

Innovation Solution

Integrating the balancing duct, valves, and communication passages within the body of the master cylinders, along with a brake booster and a pressure limiting valve, to create a compact control device that reduces the number of components and simplifies mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the balancing duct and valves are located externally of the master cylinders, then the mounting is simplified, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the balancing duct and valves directly into the body of the master cylinders, merging previously separate external components with the cylinder assembly. This integration reduces the total number of components and simplifies mounting by eliminating the need for separate external ducts and valve assemblies, directly resolving the technical contradiction between mounting simplicity and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If the balancing valves are integrated into the body of the master cylinders in series, then the device complexity is reduced, but the longitudinal overall size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidlongitudinal overall size
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a longitudinal integration approach (series connection increasing length) to a transverse integration approach, where the balancing duct and valves are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the master cylinder. This dimensional change allows the components to be housed within the existing longitudinal footprint of the cylinder, reducing the overall longitudinal size while maintaining component integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a high number of components are used in the braking system, then the functionality is comprehensive, but the failure probability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking control functionalityVSAvoidfailure probability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple braking control functions (balancing, pressure regulation, front brake disconnection, trailer brake control) into a single integrated master cylinder assembly. By merging these functions into one unified component rather than using separate external valves and ducts, the system reduces the total number of potential failure points while maintaining comprehensive braking control functionality across all wheels and trailers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution results in a more compact, cost-effective, and reliable braking system with reduced complexity and failure probability, while maintaining balanced braking performance across all wheels, including trailers.

Implementation Method 1

passages (36) for transmitting the control pressure to the valves (14, 15, 16) and from the valves to outlets (22, 75) connected to the various braking systems

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure transmission: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentEP2616296B1Hydraulic device for controlling braking in vehicles with two braking pedals
Publication Date: 2016.08.03 VHIT SPA
  • EP2616296B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2616296B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2616296B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3A

AI summary

A device for controlling braking in vehicles with two braking pedals (PS, PD), such as farm tractors, earthmovers and the like, comprises a body (30) in which there are formed: a pair of master cylinders (12S, 12D) with an associated brake booster (13S, 13D); a duct (18) for balancing braking of the rear wheels; seats (4, 5, 6) for a pair of balancing valves (14), a trailer brake valve (15) and a valve (16) for disabling braking of the front wheels; as well as passages (36, 46, 47, 62, 72) for transmitting a control pressure from the master cylinders to the valves and from the valves to outlets from the device (1) connected to the braking systems of the wheels of the vehicle and of a trailer, if any.