TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of brake application of tractors and agricultural vehicles, and more particularly, to an energized ball ramp actuator assembly that facilitates braking of the agricultural vehicles with a higher brake force.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The following description of related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section be used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of prior art.
[0003] A ball ramp actuator applies a driveline clutch/break clamping force to a clutch disc by moving axially when a friction disc rotates in relation to an intermediate plate. There are rolling elements positioned in opposing variable depth grooves formed in the friction disc and the same in the activation ring to create a variable axial separation distance. The ball ramp actuator also has a primary control clutch and a secondary control clutch.
[0004] The conventional ball ramp actuator being used in agricultural vehicles is inefficient when it comes to applying the brake of a tractor or any other heavy-duty agricultural vehicle. Moreover, the conventional ball ramp actuator always incurs a high cost of operation. The high cost of operation and complaints of insufficient braking of agricultural vehicles by customers make the development of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly an urgent requirement. A Ball ramp actuator has been described in DE60016539T2.
[0005] There is therefore a need in the art to provide an energized ball ramp actuator assembly that can overcome the shortcomings of the existing prior art.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, of which at least one embodiment is satisfiesd by the invention are listed herein below.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an energized ball ramp actuator assembly to facilitate braking efficiency.
[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an energized ball ramp actuator assembly to reduce the cost of operating brakes of tractors and other agricultural vehicles.
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an energized ball ramp actuator assembly that will enable the braking of heave-duty agricultural vehicles more efficiently.
[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an energized ball ramp actuator assembly that can exert a higher brake force efficiently and without changing any existing mating part.
[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an energized ball ramp actuator assembly that can be replaced in already rolled out vehicles without incurring additional costs.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present disclosure relates to an energized ball ramp actuator assembly. More specifically, the disclosure relates to an energized ball ramp actuator assembly that facilitates braking of agricultural vehicles with a higher brake force. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly of the invention comprises an actuator plate (01) that forms a framework of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly. Further, the energized ball ramp actuator assembly comprises a pull rod (07) to uphold the actuator plate (01) of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly. Further, the energized ball ramp actuator assembly comprises one or more springs (03), operatively coupled with the actuator plate (01), and configured to facilitate a braking action of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly. Furthermore, the

energized ball ramp actuator assembly comprises one or more steel balls (02) positioned at the actuator plates (01), and configured to enable higher mechanical efficiency of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed actuator assembly in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary CAD representation of an energized ball ramp actuator assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2A-2F illustrate an exemplary diagram of an energized ball ramp actuator assembly from different angles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG 3 illustrates an exemplary diagrammatic representation of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly showing the construction of the assembly and the technical parameters, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] The features of the present disclosure will become fully apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. With the understanding that the figures depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. The disclosure will be described further through use of the accompanying figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0018] The disclosure is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
[0019] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth.
[0020] The word “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and/or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive—in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word—without precluding any additional or other elements.
[0021] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an instance” or “one instance” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0022] As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0023] The present disclosure provides an energized ball ramp actuator assembly.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1 that illustrates a CAD representation of an energized ball ramp actuator assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the energized ball ramp actuator assembly has an actuator plate (01) that forms the framework of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly. The actuator plate (01) is positioned by a pull rod (07) held in place by a clevis pin (08) and a cotter pin (09) on either side of the pull rod (07) to uphold the actuator plate (01) of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly. Further, the clevis pin (08) is configured to lock with a D-cut profile of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly to avoid any interruption between the cotter pin (09) and the actuator plate (01) for the exertion of a high braking force while braking heavy-duty agricultural vehicles. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly further has a spring (03), operatively coupled with the actuator plate (01). The springs (03) are configured to facilitate the braking action of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly. The springs (03) also helps in maintaining a gap between the friction material on the actuator plates (01) until an axial load is introduced by the energized ball ramp actuator assembly.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present disclosure and as illustrated in Fig. 1, the energized ball ramp actuator assembly also has four steel balls (02) positioned at the actuator plates (01). The steel balls are so placed that it does not interfere in the movement of the pull rod (07). The pull rod is able to move freely when brought into inside the actuator assembly. Also, the positioning of the steel balls is such that the steel balls come exactly under actuating force line. Placement of steel balls falling directly under the force acting line results in reduced force requirement to pull. This unique geometrical positioning of the steel balls (02) on the actuator plates (01) enables higher mechanical efficiency during the application of the braking force in tractors and other agricultural vehicles.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary diagram of an energized ball ramp actuator assembly from various angles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in the figure, the pull rod (07) is located inside the energized ball ramp actuator assembly and is configured to increase the mechanical efficiency of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly. Being operatively coupled with the clevis pin (08), the pull rod (07) functions to pivot movement relocation of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly to increase the braking efficiency of the agricultural vehicles while incurring a lesser cost. The pull rod (07) is further configured to implement controlled orientation of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly to avoid clash between the cotter pin (09) and the actuator plate (01).
[0027] The weight of the actuator plate (01) has been greatly reduced by the application of a specialized reduction profile. The reduction in the weight of the actuator plate (01) of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly has been useful in bringing down the incurrence of additional cost of operating heavy-duty agricultural vehicles.
[0028] Fig 3 is an exemplary diagrammatic representation of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly showing the construction of the assembly. The figure provides technical parameters including indicating the force of line in the ball ramp assembly of the present invention. It is evident from the detail provided in the figure that the positioning of the steel balls is such that the steel balls come exactly under actuating force acting line (F).
[0029] Table 1 below provides an exemplary constructional representation indicating the reference numerals, name and the preferred quantity of the components in the energized ball ramp actuator assembly of the invention in comparison with the conventional ball ramp actuator assembly.
Table 1
Reference No. Sub part name Quantity
(New) Quantity
(conventional)
01 Actuator Plate 2 2
02 Steel ball 4 5
03 Spring 3 3
04 Link 2 2
05 Bolt 2 2
06 Nut 2 2
07 Pull Rod 1 1
08 Clevis Pin 1 1
09 Cotter Pin 1 1
10 Washer 0 1

[0030] The table 2 below is an exemplary representation of the workability and efficiency of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly. The table shows the technical advancement over the conventionally used ball ramp actuator.
[0031] The energized ball ramp actuator assembly has been tested in the brake dynamometer and as well as in actual tractor under various conditions such as different speed, different vehicle load, different oil temperature, different pedal forces, different brake cycles like dynamic brake, static brake and drag brake to obtain the figures tabulated herein.
Table 2

[0031] The Table 3 below provides a tabular representation of the preferred parameters of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure and in comparison with the conventionally used ball ramp actuator assembly. The table provides a clear distinction between ball ramp actuators that exist in the prior art and the energized ball ramp actuator assembly of the present disclosure. The table also demonstrates the way in which the energized ball ramp actuator assembly overcomes the shortcomings of the conventional ball ramp actuators of the prior art.
Table 3
Sr. No. Parameter
(Indicated in fig. 3) Conventional Actuator Assembly Energised Ball Ramp Actuator Assembly (present invention)
Advantages of ball ramp assembly of the present invention

1 No. of Steel Ball and Size (A)
5 no.s with 7/8”
4 nos with 3/4"
1. Geometrically positioned for higher mechanical efficiency.
2. Cost reduction

2 Pull Rod Pivot Point (B)
Outside of Actuator Assembly
Brought into inside of Actuator Assembly
Increases the mechanical efficiency of actuator assembly

3 Clevis Pin (C)
Higher length
Shorter length
Pull rod pivot movement relocation to increase the efficiency with lesser cost and controlled orientation to avoid clash between cotter pin vs actuator plate.
4 Clevis Pin (D)
Pin without control of orientation
Pin with D-Cut profile to arrest the orientation.

5 Casting Plate Thickness (E)
Full Solid with Higher Weight
Weight reduced with special reduction profile checked by CAD and CAE
Cost Reduction
6 Force acting line (F)
Force acting lines are beyond the steel ball and also have large distance.
Force acting lines are brought in to common between steel balls. Force required to pull reduced

[0032] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein and will be within the ambit of the present invention. The foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented merely as illustrative of the invention and not as limitation.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0033] The present disclosure provides an energized ball ramp actuator assembly to facilitate braking efficiency.
[0034] The energized ball ramp actuator assembly of the present invention can exert a higher brake force efficiently and can be employed without changing any existing mating part.
[0035] The energized ball ramp actuator assembly of the invention is cost effective.
[0036] The energized ball ramp actuator assembly of the invention reduces the cost of operating brakes of tractors and other agricultural vehicles.
[0037] The energized ball ramp actuator assembly of the invention can be replaced in already rolled out vehicles.

We Claim:
1. An energized ball ramp actuator assembly that facilitates braking of agricultural vehicles with a higher brake force, characterized in that, the energized ball ramp actuator assembly comprising:
an actuator plate (01) that forms a framework of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly;
a pull rod (07) to uphold the actuator plate (01) of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly;
one or more springs (03), operatively coupled with the actuator plate (01), and configured to facilitate a braking action of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly; and
one or more steel balls (02) positioned at the actuator plates (01), and configured to enable higher mechanical efficiency of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly.
2. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator plate (01) is positioned by the pull rod (07) held in place by a clevis pin (08) and a cotter pin (09) on either side of the pull rod (07).
3. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring maintains a gap between the actuator plate (01) until an axial load is introduced by the energized ball ramp actuator assembly.
4. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pull rod (07) functions to pivot movement relocation of the energize
ball ramp actuator assembly to increase braking efficiency of the agricultural vehicles.
5. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pull rod (07) is configured to implement controlled orientation of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly to avoid clashes between the cotter pin and the actuator plate (01).
6. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a clevis pin (08) is configured to lock with a D-cut profile of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly to avoid any interruption between a cotter pin (09) and the actuator plate (01) for the exertion of a high braking force.
7. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number of steel balls is 4.
8. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steel balls are positioned in line with force acting line.

Dated this 28th day of December, 2022

Jyoti Kumari
(IN/PA 1219)
Agent for the Applicant

ABSTRACT
ENERGIZED BALL RAMP ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY
The present disclosure relates to an energized ball ramp actuator assembly that facilitates braking of agricultural vehicles with a higher brake force. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly has an actuator plate (01) that forms the framework of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly. The actuator plate (01) is positioned by a pull rod (07) held in place by a clevis pin (08) and a cotter pin (09) on either side of the pull rod (07) to uphold the actuator plate (01) of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly. Further, the clevis pin (08) is configured to lock with a D-cut profile to avoid any interruption between the cotter pin (09) and the actuator plate (01) for the exertion of a high braking force. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly also has four steel balls (02) to enable higher mechanical efficiency during the application of the braking force in tractors and other agricultural vehicles.

We Claim:

1. An energized ball ramp actuator assembly that facilitates braking of agricultural vehicles with a higher brake force, characterized in that, the energized ball ramp actuator assembly comprising:
an actuator plate (01) that forms a framework of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly;
a pull rod (07) to uphold the actuator plate (01) of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly;
one or more springs (03), operatively coupled with the actuator plate (01), and configured to facilitate a braking action of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly; and
one or more steel balls (02) positioned at the actuator plates (01), and configured to enable higher mechanical efficiency of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly.
2. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator plate (01) is positioned by the pull rod (07) held in place by a clevis pin (08) and a cotter pin (09) on either side of the pull rod (07).
3. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring maintains a gap between the actuator plate (01) until an axial load is introduced by the energized ball ramp actuator assembly.
4. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pull rod (07) functions to pivot movement relocation of the energize
ball ramp actuator assembly to increase braking efficiency of the agricultural vehicles.
5. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pull rod (07) is configured to implement controlled orientation of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly to avoid clashes between the cotter pin and the actuator plate (01).
6. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a clevis pin (08) is configured to lock with a D-cut profile of the energized ball ramp actuator assembly to avoid any interruption between a cotter pin (09) and the actuator plate (01) for the exertion of a high braking force.
7. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number of steel balls is 4.
8. The energized ball ramp actuator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steel balls are positioned in line with force acting line.