Vehicle Brake System with Dynamic Differential Braking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural tractor brake systems with separate pedals for left and right brakes are inefficient at higher on-road speeds, leading to loss of control due to unbalanced brake pressures, and single pedal systems restrict differential braking necessary for tight turns at lower speeds.
Innovation Solution
A brake control system with a main valve, solenoid-operated turn valves, and an electronic control unit (ECU) that manages communication between brake units based on brake input, vehicle speed, and turn angle sensors to enable differential braking at low speeds and disable it at higher speeds, using a single manually operated brake pedal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate left and right brake pedals are used, then differential braking is enabled for tight turns at low speeds, but brake pressure balance is lost at higher on-road speeds leading to loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between differential braking mode (at low speeds) and balanced braking mode (at high speeds) using solenoid-operated turn valves controlled by the ECU based on vehicle speed and steering angle inputs, allowing the brake system to adapt its behavior to current operating conditions
2Reliability
If a single brake pedal is used, then brake pressure balance is maintained at higher speeds, but differential braking is prohibited during tight slow speed turns
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU acts as an intermediary between the single brake pedal input and the brake units, using sensors (brake position sensor, turn angle sensor, vehicle speed sensor) to detect operating conditions and controlling solenoid valves to automatically provide either balanced or differential braking as needed
3Reliability
If manual locking of brake pedals is required, then brake pressure balance is achieved, but operator workload increases and control is lost if forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically maintaining brake pressure balance through the ECU-controlled solenoid valves based on sensor inputs, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention to lock pedals together while ensuring proper brake balance is maintained
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 system ensures balanced brake pressure for stable operation at higher speeds and allows differential braking at lower speeds, enhancing control during turns and preventing tractor pull to one side, while disabling differential braking at transport speeds for safety.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid operated normally open left turn valve controls communication between the main brake valve and the left brake unit. A solenoid operated normally open right turn valve controls communication between the main brake valve and the right brake unit. A solenoid operated normally open balance valve controls communication between the left and right brake units.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake control system is provided for a vehicle having steerable front wheels, left and right brake units for braking left and right rear wheels, and a single manually operated brake input device. A main brake valve has a supply port, a return port, an outlet and a valve spool for controlling communication therebetween. The valve spool is coupled to a brake input device. A normally open left turn valve controls communication between the outlet and the left brake unit. A normally open right turn valve controls communication between the outlet and the right brake unit. A normally open balance valve controls communication between the left and right brake units. The system includes a brake input device sensor, a turn angle sensor and a vehicle speed sensor. A control unit controls the left and right turn valves and the balance valve as a function of signals from the sensors.