Tractor Brake Pedal Linkage for Cruise Control Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles with cruise control function equipped with a pair of brake pedals on right and left lack a clear method to cancel cruise control, particularly when both pedals are used, leading to operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a work vehicle configuration where either the left or right brake pedal can cancel the cruise control by actuating a cancel mechanism via a wire or shaft, allowing for desirable operability and reduced part count, with a restriction mechanism preventing cruise control re-engagement during brake application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single brake pedal is used to cancel cruise control, then the structure is simple, but the operability is poor when a pair of brake pedals is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The cancel mechanism is designed to accept input from either the left or right brake pedal, making it universal. When either brake pedal is operated, the corresponding link mechanism transmits force to the same cancel mechanism, allowing cruise control cancellation through multiple equivalent paths without requiring separate mechanisms for each pedal
2Productivity
If electric signals are used to cancel cruise control, then the response is fast, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mechanical link mechanism to transmit brake pedal operating force directly to the cancel mechanism, replacing electronic sensors, wires, and control units. This mechanical substitution maintains adequate response speed for cruise control cancellation while significantly reducing system cost and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism acts as an intermediary that physically connects the brake pedal to the cancel mechanism. This mechanical intermediary transmits the operator's intent directly through force transmission, eliminating the need for electronic signal conversion and processing while keeping costs low
3Reliability
If the brake pedal stroke is adjusted, then the braking performance is optimized, but the cancel mechanism requires readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The cancel mechanism is designed with self-adjusting characteristics where the link mechanism automatically compensates for brake pedal stroke variations. The mechanical connection allows the system to self-accommodate to different pedal positions without requiring manual intervention to reset or readjust the cancel mechanism
4Ease of operation
If multiple link mechanisms are provided for left and right brake pedals, then the operability is improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cancel mechanisms for the left and right brake pedals are merged into a single shared mechanism. Both link mechanisms connect to the same cancel mechanism, which uses a common detent member and spring assembly. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the ability to cancel cruise control from either pedal position
Data Source
AI summary
A tractor includes rear wheels, a transmission, brake pedals (a left brake pedal and a right brake pedal), a brake device, a cruise control operating tool, and a cruise control device. The pair of rear wheels is provided on right and left. The transmission shifts the gear for the vehicle speed. The pair of brake pedals is provided on right and left. The brake device individually actuates brakes for the rear wheels on right and left when the brake pedal is operated. The cruise control device fixes the gear of the transmission when the cruise control operating tool is operated, cancels the fixed gear of the transmission when the left brake pedal is operated, and cancels the fixed gear of the transmission when the right brake pedal is operated.