Tractor Brake Apparatus Uphill Back-Rolling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tractors face challenges with back-rolling when braked uphill, requiring drivers to use the handbrake or awkward measures like slight acceleration to compensate for gravity's pull, which is inefficient and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled brake apparatus that automatically engages rear brakes when stationary uphill, using a combination of air-processing units, ABS modulators, speed sensors, and an electronic central control unit to manage air pressure and prevent back-rolling without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver uses the handbrake to prevent back-rolling uphill, then the tractor remains stationary, but the operation becomes awkward and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system automatically engages the parking brake on the downhill wheel when uphill motion is detected, eliminating the need for manual handbrake operation. The system self-regulates by monitoring vehicle orientation and wheel speeds to prevent back-rolling without driver intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical handbrake operation is replaced by an electronically controlled brake system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and automated control logic to detect uphill conditions and apply braking force automatically.
2Ease of operation
If the driver accelerates to compensate for backward pull uphill, then the tractor moves forward, but fuel consumption increases and control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary braking force to the downhill wheel before the tractor can roll backward, counteracting the gravitational force that causes back-rolling. This prevents the need for compensatory acceleration and reduces energy consumption.
3Extent of automation
If an electronically controlled brake system is implemented, then automatic uphill parking is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system performs multiple functions including normal braking, steer-by-brake maneuvering, and automatic uphill parking prevention using a unified electronic control architecture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit acts as an intermediary that receives inputs from various sensors (accelerometers, wheel speed sensors) and coordinates the brake actuators to achieve automatic uphill parking, simplifying the control logic while maintaining system complexity.
4Speed
If steer-by-brake function is activated during headland maneuvers, then turn radius is reduced, but brake system load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steer-by-brake function applies periodic or intermittent braking forces to the outer wheels during headland maneuvers, allowing the tractor to complete tight turns while managing brake system thermal load and power consumption through controlled pulsing rather than continuous braking.
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 seamless uphill starting without the handbrake, simplifies maneuvering in tight spaces, and improves traction on rough ground by automatically controlling brake distribution and torque transfer, enhancing safety and operational ease.
Implementation Method 1
pneumatic/hydraulic converter which converts the incoming energy, in the form of compressed air, to hydraulic energy to power a corresponding front right brake
Implementation Method 2
a compressor for supplying compressed air to an air-processing - substantially air-dehumidifying - unit
Implementation Method 3
air-processing - substantially air-dehumidifying - unit
Data Source
AI summary
An electronically controlled brake apparatus (10) for tractors. The apparatus (10) having: - devices (11, 12, 13a, 13b, 15, C1, C2) for producing and distributing compressed fluid; - a device (14) for braking and steer-by-braking (SBF) the tractor; and - compressed-fluid modulating devices (18, 19, 24, 25) for activating tractor brakes (21, 23, 27, 29). The modulating devices (18, 19, 24, 25) are connected electrically to a brake-control electronic central control unit (CNT). And the apparatus (10) also has a device (DS) for supplying high-pressure fluid to the rear modulating devices (24, 25) and selecting the maximum pressure of the fluid supply to the rear modulating devices (24, 25), depending on the function to be performed.