DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to brake systems in vehicles and more particularly, to a brake control system in an agricultural vehicle for automatically actuating brake units to assist turning of an agricultural vehicle in agricultural fields.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, field operations like inter cultivation in orchards, vineyard, row crop applications and pudding applications require tractors or other similar vehicles to make frequent sharp turns. It is very difficult to take a sharp turn to achieve the accurate turning circle radius every time of tractor turning specially when working in a small field for long hours of operations. Since, tractors or other similar vehicles are subjected to sharp turns during field operations, there is a need for frequent braking of tractor wheel corresponding to turning direction. Therefore, high skilled operators are required to operate the tractor to make frequent sharp turns such that the operator needs to apply braking at the appropriate time and with optimum force. Further, the skill of braking during turning differs with different operators and hence there is no consistency of performance. Frequent braking while making turns leads to among others operator’s fatigue and leads to loss of production time. Furthermore, when tractors or other similar vehicles are operated by low skilled operator it leads to poor turns thereby damaging the crops and soil.
[003] Steering manoeuvre in tractor results in a poor vehicle steering performance, particularly if the tractor is engaged in pulling draft implement and/or sharp cornering on soft or slippery soils, because of dragging which arises due to very high rolling resistance and very low lateral force. Further, it is also been observed that the higher steering angle from the tractor results in higher dragging of the tractors especially in soft soil conditions due to the interplay of lateral forces and rolling resistance, and direction of dynamic power of the tractor.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for brake control system for a vehicle, which automatically actuates brake units of the vehicle to assist turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields. Further, there also exists a need for a braking control system for a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a brake control system for a vehicle, which automatically actuates the brake units of the vehicle to assist turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a brake control system for a vehicle, which is semi-automatic.
[007] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a brake control system for a vehicle, which enables reduction of drag of the front wheels of the vehicle.
[008] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an automatic brake control system for a vehicle, which assists turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields.
[009] Yet, another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a brake control system for a vehicle, which assists in making accurate sharp turns during field operations.
[0010] A further object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a brake control system for a vehicle, which enhances the driving comfort of the operator driving the vehicle.
[0011] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0013] Fig. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a brake control system for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of a first brake actuator unit, a second brake actuator unit, a left side brake unit, a right side brake unit and a plurality of brake pedals, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of a first brake actuator unit, a second brake actuator unit, a left side brake unit, a right side brake unit and a single brake pedal, according to another embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0016] Fig. 4 depicts a schematic diagram of a controller unit of the brake control system configured to receive inputs from a steering angle control means, brake force control means, brake pedal de-coupling switch, steering angle sensor, control switch, ignition key and range position sensor, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0018] The embodiments herein achieve a brake control system for a vehicle, which automatically actuates the brake units of the vehicle to assist turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 4, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0019] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a brake control system 100 for a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the vehicle (not shown) includes a brake control system 100, at least one left side brake unit 10, at least one right side brake unit 12, a range lever 14, a power source 16, a left hand brake pedal 18, a right hand brake pedal 19, an ignition key (not shown), at least one left side braking wheel (not shown), at least one right side braking wheel (not shown) and may include other standard components/system as present in a standard vehicle. In an embodiment, the brake control system 100 includes at least one steering angle control means 102, at least one brake force control means 104, at least one steering angle sensor 106, a range position sensor 108, a controller unit 110, a control switch 112, a brake pedal decoupling switch 114, a first brake actuator unit 116 and a second brake actuator unit 118. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the brake control system 100 is explained herein below with reference to be provided in an agricultural vehicle such as tractor and other similar vehicles. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to implement/practice brake control system 100 in a constructional vehicle, an off-road vehicle and/or any other type of vehicle without otherwise deterring the intended function of the brake control system 100 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0020] In an embodiment, the steering angle control means 102 is configured to be moved (turned) by the operator (user) to select and set at least one first steering angle threshold and at least one second steering angle threshold, and accordingly provides an output signal/ information to the controller unit 110. The first steering angle threshold which is selected and set by the steering angle control means 102 is the initial steering angle at which the controller unit 110 activates least one brake actuator unit (116 and 118) to regulate the flow of brake fluid from at least one brake actuator unit (116 and 118) to corresponding at least one brake unit (10 and 12) to provide braking force to at least one braking wheel (not shown) in accordance to a first brake force preset value when the measured steering angle reaches the first steering angle threshold. The steering angle of at least wheel of the vehicle is measured by the steering angle sensor 106. The second steering angle threshold which is selected and set by the steering angle control means 102 is the maximum or final steering angle at which the controller unit 110 activates least one brake actuator unit (116 and 118) to regulate the flow of brake fluid from at least one brake actuator unit (116 and 118) to corresponding at least one brake unit (10 and 12) to provide braking force to at least one braking wheel (not shown) in accordance to a second brake force preset value when the measured steering angle reaches the second steering angle threshold. The steering angle control means 102 is provided in communication with the controller unit 110. The steering angle control means 102 is provided onto an instrument panel of the vehicle. The instrument panel (not shown) is also called as dashboard or instrumental cluster. In an embodiment, the steering angle control means 102 is at least a steering angle control knob. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide steering angle control means 102 in form of a lever, buttons, switches or any other selecting means for selecting the first steering angle threshold without otherwise deterring the intended function of the steering angle control means 102 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0021] In an embodiment, the brake force control means 104 is configured to be moved by the operator to select and set at least one first brake force preset value (initial braking force) and at least one second brake force preset value (maximum braking force), and accordingly provides an output signal/ information to the controller unit 110. The first brake force preset value which is selected and set by the brake force control means 104 is the initial braking force provided to at least one wheel through at least one brake unit (10 and 12) when the measured steering angle reaches the first steering angle threshold. The second brake force preset value which is selected and set by the brake force control means 104 is the maximum or final braking force provided to at least one wheel (not shown) through at least one brake unit (10 and 12) when the measured steering angle reaches the second steering angle threshold. The brake force control means 104 is provided in communication with the controller unit 110. The brake force control means 104 is provided onto the instrument panel (not shown) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the brake force control means 104 is at least a brake force control knob. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide the brake force control means 104 in form of lever, buttons, switches or any other selecting means for selecting the first brake force preset value and the second brake force preset value without otherwise deterring the intended function of the brake force control means 104 as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0022] The steering angle sensor 106 is used to measure (sense) the steering angle/ angular position of at least one wheel of the vehicle, and accordingly provides an output signal/ information to the controller unit 110. The steering angle sensor 106 is provided in communication with the controller unit 110. The steering angle sensor 106 is mounted onto at least one kingpin (not shown) of the front axle (not shown) of the vehicle.
[0023] The range position sensor 108 is provided in communication with the controller unit 110. In an embodiment, the range position sensor 108 is adapted to detect/sense the range position of the range lever 14 and accordingly provides an output signal/ information to the controller unit 110. The range position of the range lever 14 detected by the range position sensor 108 is at least one of a low range position and a medium range position.
[0024] The controller unit 110 is provided in communication with the steering angle control means 102, the brake force control means 104, steering angle sensor 106, the range position sensor 108, the control switch 112, the brake pedal decoupling switch 114, the first brake actuator unit 116, the second brake actuator unit 118 and the power source 16. The controller unit 110 is adapted to receive the information from steering angle control means 102, the brake force control means 104, steering angle sensor 106, the range position sensor 108, the control switch 112 and the brake pedal decoupling switch 114. The controller unit 110 is adapted to activate or energize at least one brake actuator unit (116 and 118) therein to regulate the brake pressure of the hydraulic fluid from at least one brake actuator unit (116 and 118) to corresponding at least one brake unit (10 and 12) therein to regulate the braking force applied to corresponding at least one braking wheel (not shown) through at least one brake unit (10 and 12) in accordance to at least one of the first brake force preset value and the second brake force preset value thereby assisting the turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields when the measured steering angle reaches at least one of the first steering angle threshold and the second steering angle threshold respectively, and when the range position of the range lever 14 is at at least one of low range position and medium range position. The controller unit 110 is an electronic control unit.
[0025] The control switch 112 is provided in communication with at least one of the ignition key, steering angle control means 102, the brake force control means 104 and the controller unit 110. The control switch 112 is configured to be moved by the operator between the ON position and the OFF position to activate and de-activate the system 100 respectively. The control switch 112 is provided onto the instrument panel (not shown) of the vehicle.
[0026] The brake pedal decoupling switch 114 is provided in communication with the controller unit 110. The first brake actuator unit 116 is provided in communication with the controller unit 110. The first brake actuator unit 116 is provided in fluid communication with the left side brake unit 10. The first brake actuator unit 116 is used to actuate the left side brake unit 10 by regulating the flow of brake fluid from the first brake actuator unit 116 to the left side brake unit 10 based on the input received from the controller unit 110 to regulate braking force applied to the left side braking wheel through the left side brake unit 10 in accordance to at least one of the first brake force preset value and the second brake force preset value thereby assisting left turning of the vehicle in agricultural vehicle when the measured steering angle reaches at least one of the first steering angle threshold and the second steering angle threshold respectively and when the position of the range lever 14 is at at least one of the low range position and the medium range position. The first brake actuator unit 102 is adjacent to the left side brake unit 10.
[0027] The second brake actuator unit 118 is provided in communication with the controller unit 110. The second brake actuator unit 118 is provided in fluid communication with the right side brake unit 12. The second brake actuator unit 118 is used to actuate the right side brake unit 12 by regulating the flow of brake fluid from the second brake actuator unit 118 to the right side brake unit 12 based on the input received from the controller unit 110 to regulate braking force applied to the right side braking wheel through the right side brake unit 12 in accordance to at least one of the first brake force preset value and the second brake force preset value thereby assisting right turning of the vehicle in agricultural vehicle when the measured steering angle reaches at least one of the first steering angle threshold and the second steering angle threshold respectively and when the position of the range lever 14 is at at least one of the low range position and the medium range position. The second brake actuator unit 104 is adjacent to the right side brake unit 10.
[0028] In another embodiment, the brake control system 100 is an automatic brake control system 100 in which the system 100 includes a module (not shown) configured to receive information about at least one of soil condition of the agricultural fields, weather condition, type of agricultural implement coupled to the vehicle, type of head land operation, operating speed of the vehicle, expected cornering radius during cornering ballast condition of vehicle, at least one operating parameter of the vehicle and other factors/parameters that influence turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields through at least one of an electronic device, a computing means, a smartphone and sensors provided to the vehicle. The module provides an output signal to the controller unit 110 and accordingly the controller unit 110 is configured to select and set at least one first steering angle threshold, at least one second steering angle threshold, at least one first brake force pre-set value and at least one second brake force pre-set value based on the input received from the module.
[0029] In another embodiment, the controller unit 110 of the brake control system 100 is configured to receive directly information information about at least one of soil condition of the agricultural fields, weather condition, type of agricultural implement coupled to the vehicle, type of head land operation, operating speed of the vehicle, expected cornering radius during cornering, ballast condition of vehicle, at least one operating parameter of the vehicle and other factors/parameters that influence turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields through at least one of at least one electronic device, at least one computing means, at least one smartphone and sensor arrangement provided to the vehicle and accordingly the controller unit 110 is configured to select and set at least one first steering angle threshold, at least one second steering angle threshold, at least one first brake force pre-set value and at least one second brake force pre-set value.
[0030] The working of the brake control system 100 is as follows. The operator moves (turns) the steering angle control means 102 to select and set the first steering angle threshold and the second steering angle threshold and accordingly steering angle control means 102 provides an output signal (information) to the controller unit 110. Thereafter, the operator moves (turns) the brake force control means 104 to set/select the first brake force preset value and the second brake force preset value and accordingly brake force control means 104 provides an output signal (information) to the controller unit 110. Now, when the driver engages the steering wheel (not shown) of the vehicle to steer the vehicle along a left turn, the steering angle sensor 106 detects the steering angle (angular position) of the left side wheel (not shown) and accordingly provides an output signal (not shown) to the controller unit 110. Thereafter, the controller unit 110 activates (energize) the first brake actuator unit 116 to regulate the brake pressure of the hydraulic fluid from the first brake actuator unit 116 to the left side brake unit 10 thereby regulating the braking force applied to the left side braking wheel (not shown) through the left side brake unit 10 in accordance to the first brake force preset value thereby assisting the left side turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields when the measured steering angle reaches the first steering angle threshold, and when the range position of the range lever 14 sensed by the range position sensor 108 is at at least one of the low range position and a medium range position. As the steering of the vehicle along the left turn progress, the first brake actuator unit 116 regulates the brake pressure of the hydraulic fluid from the first brake actuator unit 116 to the left side brake unit 10 to regulate the braking force applied to the left side braking wheel (not shown) through the left side brake unit 10 in accordance to the second brake force preset value thereby assisting the progressing left side turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields when the measured steering angle (angular position) reaches the second steering angle threshold.
[0031] Now, when the driver engages the steering wheel (not shown) to steer the vehicle along a right turn, the steering angle sensor 106 detects the steering angle (angular position) of the right side wheel (not shown) and accordingly provides an output signal (not shown) to the controller unit 110. Thereafter, the controller unit 110 activates (energize) the second brake actuator unit 118 to regulate the brake pressure of the hydraulic fluid from the second brake actuator unit 118 to the right side brake unit 12 to regulate the braking force applied to the right side braking wheel (not shown) through the right side brake unit 12 in accordance to the first brake force preset value thereby assisting the right side turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields when the measured steering angle reaches the first steering angle threshold, and when the range position of the range lever 14 sensed by the range position sensor 108 is at at least one of the low range position and medium range position. As the steering of the vehicle along the right turn progress, the second brake actuator unit 118 further regulates the brake pressure of the hydraulic fluid from the second brake actuator unit 118 to the right side brake unit 12 to regulate the braking force applied to the right side braking wheel (not shown) through the right side brake unit 12 in accordance to the second brake force preset value thereby assisting the progressing right side turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields when the measured steering angle reaches the second steering angle threshold.
[0032] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We claim,
1. A brake control system 100 for a vehicle, said system 100 comprising:
a controller unit 110;
at least one steering angle control means 102 adapted to be moved to select and set at least one first steering angle threshold and at least one second steering angle threshold and accordingly provides an output signal to said controller unit 110;
at least one brake force control means 104 adapted to be moved to select and set at least one first brake force preset value and at least one second brake force preset value and accordingly provides an output signal to said controller unit 110;
at least one steering angle sensor 106 adapted to sense the position of at least one wheel of the vehicle and accordingly provides an output signal to said controller unit 110;
at least one first brake actuator unit 116 adapted to be provided in communication with said controller unit 110;
at least one second brake actuator unit 118 adapted to be provided in communication with said controller unit 110,
wherein
said controller unit 110 is adapted to activate said at least one brake actuator unit (116 and 118) to regulate the brake pressure of the hydraulic fluid from said at least one brake actuator unit (116 and 118) to corresponding at least one brake unit (10 and 12) therein to provide braking force to corresponding at least one wheel through corresponding at least one brake unit (10 and 12) in accordance to at least one of the first braking force preset value and the second braking force preset value when the measured steering angle reaches at least one of the first steering angle threshold and the second steering angle threshold respectively.
2. The brake control system 100 as claimed in claim 1 comprising a range position sensor 108 adapted to sense the range position of a range lever 14 and accordingly provides an output signal to said controller unit 110,
wherein
said controller unit 110 is adapted to activate said at least one brake actuator unit (116 and 118) when the position of the range lever 14 is at at least one of a low range position and a medium range position.
3. The brake control system 100 as claimed in claim 2 comprising a control switch 112 adapted to be moved between an ON position and an OFF position to activate and de-activate the system 100 respectively.
4. The brake control system 100 as claimed in claim 4 comprising a brake pedal decoupling switch 114 adapted to be provided in communication with said controller unit 110.
5. The brake control system 100 as claimed in claim 3 wherein at least first steering angle threshold, the second steering angle threshold, the first brake force preset value, the second brake force preset value are selected and set in accordance to at least one of soil condition of the agricultural fields, weather condition, type of agricultural implement coupled to the vehicle, type of head land operation, operating speed of the vehicle, expected cornering radius during cornering, ballast condition of vehicle, at least one operating parameter of the vehicle and other factors/parameters that influence turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields.
6. The brake control system 100 as claimed in claim 5, wherein said steering angle control means 102 is at least a steering angle control knob.
7. The brake control system 100 as claimed in claim 6, wherein said brake force control means 104 is at least a brake force control knob.
8. The brake control system 100 as claimed in claim 7 is configured to assist turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields.
9. An automatic brake control system 100 for a vehicle, said system 100 comprising:
a controller unit 110;
at least one steering angle sensor 106 adapted to sense the position of at least one wheel of the vehicle and accordingly provides an output signal to said controller unit 110;
at least one first brake actuator unit 116 adapted to be provided in communication with said controller unit 110;
at least one second brake actuator unit 118 adapted to be provided in communication with said controller unit 110,
wherein
said controller unit 110 is adapted to activate said at least one brake actuator unit (116 and 118) to regulate the brake pressure of the hydraulic fluid from said at least one brake actuator unit (116 and 118) to corresponding at least one brake unit (10 and 12) therein to provide braking force to corresponding at least one wheel through corresponding at least one brake unit (10 and 12) in accordance to at least one of at least one first braking force preset value and at least one second braking force preset value when the measured steering angle reaches at least one of a first steering angle threshold and a second steering angle threshold respectively.
10. The system 100 as claimed in claim 9 comprising a module configured to:
receive information about at least one of soil condition of the agricultural fields, weather condition, type of agricultural implement coupled to the vehicle, type of head land operation, operating speed of the vehicle, expected cornering radius during cornering, ballast condition of vehicle, at least one operating parameter of the vehicle and other factors/parameters that influence turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields through at least one of at least one electronic device, at least one computing means, at least one smartphone and sensor arrangement provided to the vehicle; and
provide an output signal to said controller unit 110.
11. The system 100 as claimed in claim 10, wherein said controller unit 110 is configured to select and set at least one first steering angle threshold, at least one second steering angle threshold, at least one first brake force pre-set value and at least one second brake force pre-set value based on the input received from said module.
12. The system 100 as claimed in claim 11, wherein said controller unit 110 is configured to:
receive directly information information about at least one of soil condition of the agricultural fields, weather condition, type of agricultural implement coupled to the vehicle, type of head land operation, operating speed of the vehicle, expected cornering radius during cornering, ballast condition of vehicle, at least one operating parameter of the vehicle and other factors/parameters that influence turning of the vehicle in agricultural fields through at least one of at least one electronic device, at least one computing means, at least one smartphone and sensor arrangement provided to the vehicle; and
select and set at least one first steering angle threshold, at least one second steering angle threshold, at least one first brake force pre-set value and at least one second brake force pre-set value.