Mechanically Released Brake for Mowing Machine Wheel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake assemblies for hydrostatic transmissions in mowing machines lack efficient mechanisms to restrict or permit rotation of wheels, often relying on friction or mechanical locking, which can be cumbersome and less effective in certain operational scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A brake apparatus featuring a brake member and a gripping member with a thrust link, allowing for engagement and disengagement of the brake member to control wheel rotation, utilizing a force-amplifying linkage to facilitate easy transition between braked and non-braked states, ensuring reliable and efficient braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional friction-based brake mechanism is used, then the brake can restrict rotation of the wheel, but the braking efficiency and responsiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional friction-based braking with a mechanically released brake system that uses a spring-loaded gripping member to directly engage and lock the brake member to the rotatable member, eliminating reliance on friction alone and providing more reliable and responsive braking
Solution Approach 2:
The brake assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a spring-loaded gripping member for engagement, a mechanically actuated release mechanism, and a brake member fixed to the rotatable member, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function and improving overall braking performance
2Reliability
If a mechanical locking mechanism is used to prevent wheel rotation, then the brake torque is sufficient, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring-loaded gripping member and the mechanical release mechanism into a single integrated assembly that works together through a simple linkage system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining sufficient brake torque through the combined action of spring force and mechanical advantage
Solution Approach 2:
A linkage mechanism serves as an intermediary between the operator's input and the gripping member, translating small input movements into the larger movements needed to engage or disengage the brake, thereby simplifying the overall control mechanism while maintaining effective brake torque
3Device complexity
If a friction-based brake is used, then the structure is simple, but the braking performance and operational control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based braking with a mechanical locking system where a gripping member directly engages the brake member, eliminating the need for complex friction control mechanisms while improving braking performance through positive mechanical engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded gripping member automatically engages the brake member when release force is applied, using the spring's stored energy to perform the braking action without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while improving braking performance
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 brake apparatus provides a reliable and efficient means to restrict or permit wheel rotation, enhancing operational control and safety in mowing machines by using a force-amplifying linkage to ensure effective engagement and disengagement, thereby improving braking performance.
Implementation Method 1
a friction member engages the hub to restrict motion through frictional brake torque
Implementation Method 2
a linkage assembly configured to convert an input force to the linkage assembly into a greater output force at the gripping member to disengage the gripping member
Data Source
AI summary
A brake apparatus for restricting rotation of a rotatable member of a mowing machine, thereby controlling rotation of a wheel of the mowing machine, includes a brake member fixable on the rotatable member, and a gripping member for engaging and disengaging the brake member for restricting or permitting rotation of the rotatable member. A thrust link is coupled to the gripping member such that movement of the thrust link causes the gripping member to engage or disengage a radially outer surface of the brake member. For example, the gripping member may be biasedly engaged with at least a partial circumferential extent of the brake member such that actuation of the thrust link causes disengagement of the gripping member from the brake member.