Tractor Pedal Arrangement Preventing Accidental Simultaneous Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tractor steering and braking pedal arrangements are prone to dangerous situations due to the driver neglecting to activate the mechanical lock at high speeds, leading to sharp swerving or capsizing, and are incompatible with electronic brake systems like ABS.
Innovation Solution
A pedal arrangement with a central brake pedal connected to side pedals via hinges, where side pedals generate signals for steer-by-braking functions and are prevented from simultaneous activation by a device comprising helical springs and a connecting rod system, ensuring the steer-by-braking function can be applied to electronic brake systems while preventing accidental simultaneous pressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical lock device is used to connect brake pedals integrally, then safety is improved by preventing accidental single-pedal pressing, but device complexity increases and the system becomes incompatible with electronic brake systems
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal system is segmented into a central brake pedal and two separate steering pedals, each with distinct functions. The central pedal controls braking while the side pedals control steering, allowing independent operation without requiring mechanical interconnection locks.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical lock device connecting the pedals is replaced with an electronic control system that receives signals from the side pedals and activates corresponding brakes electronically, enabling compatibility with electronic brake systems like ABS while maintaining safety functions.
2Reliability
If the mechanical lock device is activated to connect pedals integrally, then safety is improved, but the steer-by-braking function cannot be applied to electronic brake systems
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection between pedals is replaced with electronic signal transmission. When a side pedal is pressed, it generates an electrical signal that the control system interprets to activate the corresponding brake, enabling full compatibility with electronic brake systems while maintaining the safety function of preventing unintended brake activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal arrangement is designed to serve multiple functions: the central pedal provides standard braking, the side pedals enable steer-by-braking functionality, and the electronic control system ensures compatibility with various brake systems including ABS, making the system universally adaptable.
3Ease of operation
If the mechanical lock is not activated, then ease of operation is improved by allowing steer-by-braking function, but safety deteriorates due to risk of accidental single-pedal pressing at high speed
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the side pedals and the brake system. It receives signals from the side pedals, validates them, and activates the corresponding brakes, preventing accidental single-pedal pressing while allowing intentional steer-by-braking operations without requiring mechanical locks.
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 prevents accidental simultaneous pressing of pedals, ensuring safe braking at high speeds and enables effective application of the steer-by-braking function in electronic brake systems, enhancing safety and compatibility with ABS systems.
Implementation Method 1
a device (14) between said connecting rods (12c, 13c) preventing rotation, in a given direction, of one of said side pedals (12, 13) when the other side pedal (13, 12) is foot-operated
Data Source
AI summary
A tractor steer-by-braking pedal arrangement. The pedal arrangement has a central brake pedal connected on one side to a right side pedal, and on the other side to a left side pedal. The central brake pedal acts on a brake system to produce the desired braking action. Each of the two side pedals when foot-operated by the driver, generates an activating signal to activate an electronic brake system, which only activates the brake required to steer-by-braking in the desired direction.