Patent · US Expired

High efficiency brake for agricultural drive systems

US7073638B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
7References
25Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 28, 2004
Grant dateJul 11, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 28, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16H1/20
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A high efficiency drivetrain for an agricultural irrigation system is described. The drivetrain includes a ball ramp brake to inhibit movement of a wheel tower when the drive gear motor is not engaged. In one embodiment, the ball ramp brake is a bi-directional ball ramp brake disposed between the drive gear motor and the gearbox of the drivetrain. Utilizing a ball ramp brake such as this, the gearbox can incorporate much more highly efficient gearing mechanisms, such as for example only, involute gears, beveled gears, hypoid gears, planetary gears or the like. The ball ramp brake is enclosed and includes an oil bath that functions to lubricate the components of the brake, preventing corrosion and dissipating heat.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.