Tractor Hydraulic Braking Device with Independent Circuit Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tractor braking systems fail to ensure safe and reliable braking of all four wheels, especially in the event of hydraulic brake feed circuit failures, leading to 'total brake loss' and impaired braking performance.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic braking device with separate hydraulic and electric circuits for each pedal, featuring a compensating device that balances pressure between the circuits and engages the clutch for four-wheel braking, ensuring at least two wheels can be braked even if one circuit fails, and includes a trailer brake for additional safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single hydraulic circuit is used for braking all four wheels, then the system is simple, but braking safety is compromised in case of circuit failure
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic braking system is divided into two independent circuits: a first circuit connecting the left pedal to the left rear brake, and a second circuit connecting the right pedal to the right rear brake. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one circuit does not affect the other, maintaining braking safety while using simple, independent hydraulic paths for each rear wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
A compensating device is introduced as an intermediary between the two independent hydraulic circuits. This device includes a first compensating line connecting to the left circuit and a second compensating line connecting to the right circuit, which balances pressure differences between the circuits and enables automatic engagement of the clutch for four-wheel braking when both pedals are pressed.
2Reliability
If separate hydraulic circuits are used for each rear wheel, then braking reliability is improved, but the system cannot achieve balanced four-wheel braking
Solution Approach 1:
The compensating device acts as a mediator that enables coordinated operation between the two independent hydraulic circuits. When both pedals are pressed, the compensating device balances the pressure between the left and right circuits, allowing the clutch to engage automatically and achieve balanced four-wheel braking through the front brake lines connected to the compensating device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functionality of separate rear-wheel braking with four-wheel braking capability. The compensating device combines the hydraulic pressure from both independent circuits and directs it to the front brakes through the clutch mechanism, effectively combining the advantages of both separate and integrated braking systems.
3Power
If hydraulic power-assist braking is used, then braking performance is improved, but the clutch fails to engage in case of hydraulic pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch engagement system is designed to be self-activating based on hydraulic pressure conditions. When both pedals are pressed and hydraulic pressure is present, the compensating device automatically engages the clutch for four-wheel braking. In case of hydraulic pressure loss, the system self-adjusts by allowing direct mechanical operation of the brakes without requiring clutch engagement, ensuring braking functionality is maintained.
4Ease of operation
If a logic valve is used to divert pressurized oil, then braking control is improved, but total brake loss occurs in case of pipe failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the single logic valve configuration that creates a single point of failure. Instead, it uses two independent hydraulic circuits with a compensating device that has separate control paths. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one circuit or pipe does not affect the other circuit, preventing total brake loss while maintaining braking control through the independent circuit that remains functional.
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
The solution maintains separate control of rear wheels and enables balanced four-wheel braking, ensuring emergency braking of at least two wheels and automatic engagement of the clutch, even in case of hydraulic or electric malfunctions, thereby enhancing tractor safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
feed pressurised oil to a respective rear brake
Implementation Method 2
a compensating device that balances pressure between the circuits
Data Source
AI summary
A tractor braking device has a first hydraulic circuit for activating a rear left brake and a second hydraulic circuit for activating a rear right brake. Simultaneous activation of both hydraulic circuits actuates at least one front brake in addition to at least one rear brake.