Traction Lock Brake Control With Pre-Engagement Engine Speed Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional traction lock systems on power machines engage brakes without considering the speed of rotating components, leading to excessive wear and damage due to improper engagement and rapid speed reduction.

Innovation Solution

A control system temporarily reduces engine speed before engaging the traction lock brake, allowing for a controlled and less jarring application, thereby reducing wear on components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the operator uses the power machine in adverse terrain conditions (muddy, sandy, rocky), then the machine can operate in difficult environments, but the traction lock mechanism may fail to engage properly due to insufficient traction force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperability in adverse terrainVSAvoidtraction lock engagement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts brake pad pressure based on real-time detection of traction lock engagement status and terrain conditions. The controller modulates hydraulic pressure to the brake calipers, transitioning from static to dynamic brake force application, ensuring reliable engagement across varying terrain conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that detect whether the traction lock has successfully engaged and feed this information back to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts brake pad pressure accordingly, increasing pressure if engagement fails and maintaining or reducing pressure if engagement succeeds, creating a closed-loop control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the brake pad pressure is increased to ensure traction lock engagement, then engagement reliability improves, but the risk of damaging the brake pads or rotors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction lock engagement reliabilityVSAvoidbrake component durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies brake force dynamically rather than statically, adjusting pressure in real-time based on engagement detection. This prevents excessive sustained pressure that could damage components while ensuring sufficient force for reliable engagement when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism detects successful engagement and signals the controller to maintain or reduce brake pad pressure, preventing excessive pressure application. This closed-loop control ensures brake components are subjected only to the minimum necessary force for reliable traction lock engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Strength

If the brake pad pressure is not increased, then damage to brake pads and rotors is avoided, but the traction lock mechanism fails to engage in adverse conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrake component durabilityVSAvoidoperability in adverse terrain

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static to dynamic brake force application, enabling the power machine to adapt brake pressure to terrain conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows sufficient force for engagement in adverse conditions while preventing excessive force that would damage components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback system enables the controller to differentiate between terrain conditions requiring higher brake force and those where standard pressure suffices. By detecting engagement status and terrain characteristics, the system applies elevated pressure only when necessary for engagement, preserving brake component durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If a fixed brake pad pressure is applied, then the system is simple to control, but it cannot adapt to varying terrain conditions or prevent component damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidterrain adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment of brake pad pressure based on sensor feedback and controller processing. The automated closed-loop control eliminates the need for manual operator intervention to adjust brake pressure, maintaining ease of operation while enabling adaptive response to varying terrain conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to terrain conditions without requiring complex manual control systems. The sensor-controller-actuator loop handles terrain variability autonomously, preserving operational simplicity while achieving terrain adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4143390B1Systems and methods for traction lock engagement control for a power machine

Publication Date: 2026.04.22 DOOSAN BOBCAT NORTH AMERICA INC

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AI summary

A power machine (200) can include a traction lock system to stop movement of the power machine. The traction lock system can include a controller (310) configured to receive a brake input from an operator. In response to receiving the brake input, the controller (310) can temporarily command a target (e.g., reduced) speed of the engine (220) before engaging the brake (300).