Tractor Flexible Cable Brake Load Cell Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible cable assemblies used in tractor hand brakes do not effectively indicate the force with which the secondary brake is actuated, as they rely on simple switches that do not account for the applied force, leading to inconsistencies due to varying operator strength and difficulty in measuring force on moving parts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a load cell connected between the tractor frame and the flexible cable housing, utilizing a U-shaped bracket to measure the load applied to the cable, allowing for proportional load indication and enabling the use of smaller load cells to measure higher loads, while protecting against overloading and environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple switch is used to indicate secondary brake engagement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of the brake actuation force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A load cell is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable housing and the frame to accurately measure the actuation force. The load cell serves as a mediator that converts mechanical force into a measurable signal, providing precise force measurement while maintaining system simplicity through its compact integration into the U-shaped bracket.
2Measurement precision
If a load cell is connected directly to measure cable housing load, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell is merged with the U-shaped bracket structure, where the bracket itself becomes part of the force measurement system. The first leg mounts to the frame and the second leg mounts to the cable housing, combining structural support and measurement functions into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped bracket serves multiple functions: it provides structural mounting for the cable housing, acts as a force transmission element, and integrates the load cell mounting structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall apparatus while maintaining measurement precision.
3Force
If a larger load cell is used to measure higher hand brake loads, then the measurement range is increased, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped bracket acts as a mechanical lever that creates a force multiplication effect. By positioning the load cell at a strategic location on the bracket, the system uses mechanical advantage to allow a smaller load cell to measure larger cable housing loads, effectively counteracting the need for a large-capacity load cell.
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
This solution provides accurate load indication for the secondary brake engagement, enabling safer operation by accounting for operator strength variations and allowing for modulation of trailer braking systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell for indicating the load applied to the flexible cable apparatus
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tractor (10) has a secondary brake apparatus (18) actuated by a flexible cable apparatus (22) through an operator controlled lever (36). The flexible cable apparatus (22) has a U-shaped bracket (48) connected between the tractor frame (12) and an end of the flexible cable housing (24) adjacent the hand lever (36). A load cell (64) mounted between the other leg (54) of the U-shaped bracket (48) and the frame (12) indicates the load between the leg (54) and the frame (12). The U-shaped bracket (48) has a given stiffness so that the load applied to the load cell (64) is less than the reaction load of the cable housing (24).