Pump and Roll Brake Control for Firefighting Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire fighting vehicles with pump-operated drive trains have limited mobility during fire suppression operations, requiring manual braking and distracting operators from firefighting tasks, and existing pump and roll systems either reduce pump speed or require additional operator actions to stop the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a pressurized fluid source and control device to automatically manage the vehicle's brakes, allowing movement during auxiliary equipment operation by releasing the brakes when the accelerator is actuated and applying the brakes when released, using a combination of full and reduced pneumatic pressures to control the parking brake cylinder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the drive train output is directed to the pump for fire suppression operation, then the pump can deliver fire fighting agent effectively, but the vehicle mobility is limited because power is not available for wheel drive
Solution Approach 1:
The drive train output is segmented into two separate power paths: one path directs power to the pump for fire suppression, while the other path directs power to the wheels for vehicle mobility. This segmentation allows both the pump and vehicle to operate simultaneously with adequate power distribution to each.
Solution Approach 2:
A power take-off (PTO) mechanism serves as an intermediary device that enables the drive train to simultaneously power both the pump and the wheels. The PTO acts as a mediator that distributes mechanical power from the engine to multiple outputs without compromising the power available to either the pump or the drive wheels.
2Ease of operation
If manual braking is required to stop the vehicle during pump operation, then the vehicle can be stopped, but the operator's attention is distracted from fighting the fire
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system operates autonomously without requiring operator intervention. The controller automatically detects when the accelerator pedal is released and activates the brakes accordingly, allowing the braking function to serve itself without distracting the operator from fire suppression duties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from the accelerator pedal position sensor to automatically control braking. When the controller detects that the accelerator has been released, it automatically applies the brakes to stop the vehicle, creating a closed-loop feedback system that eliminates the need for manual braking input.
3Speed
If the brakes are applied to stop the vehicle during pump and roll operation, then the vehicle stops moving, but the pump speed may be affected by the drive train configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission system is segmented into independent control paths for the pump and the drive wheels, allowing the brakes to stop the vehicle without affecting the pump's rotational speed. The pump continues to receive power from the drive train through the segmented power path while the braking action is isolated to the wheel drive path.
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
Enables smooth, controlled movement and stopping of the vehicle during pump and roll operations without manual braking, allowing operators to focus on firefighting while maintaining pump speed and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurized fluid source and a control device coupled to the pressurized fluid source and the brakes of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
using a pneumatic or hydraulic braking system with a controller to manage pressures and logic conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for permitting movement of a vehicle having brakes while an auxiliary component of the vehicle is operated by the vehicle. The system includes a pressurized fluid source. A control device is coupled to the pressurized fluid source and the brakes of the vehicle to release the brakes in response to a first signal and to at least partially apply the brakes in response to a second signal. A controller applies the first signal to the control device when at least one of a first set of conditions exist and applies the second signal to the control device when a second set of conditions exist.