High-Performance Pump Assembly for Hydraulic Brake Systems

This patent describes an innovative pump kit assembly for spring-applied hydraulic release brakes, featuring optimized motor integration and spline coupling technology. The design improves reliability and performance of heavy-duty braking systems used in industrial and commercial vehicles.

The Problem

Spring-applied hydraulic release brakes are critical safety components in heavy trucks, industrial equipment, and specialized vehicles. Traditional brake pump assemblies often suffer from coupling misalignment, vibration issues, and rapid wear. Inadequate torque transmission between the motor and pump components can lead to brake system failures, creating significant safety risks and causing expensive downtime.

Manufacturing and maintaining these brake systems requires precision alignment of motor shafts with pump intake mechanisms. Poor coupling design leads to bearing wear, seal failures, and reduced pump efficiency. Heavy equipment operators face increased maintenance costs and potential brake system failures that can compromise vehicle safety.

What This Invention Does

This invention presents a pump kit incorporating a motor assembly with optimized spline coupling technology. The assembly features a primary spline mechanism that provides precise, low-backlash torque transmission from the motor to the pump. The design reduces shaft runout and vibration, improving overall bearing-dependent brake system reliability and longevity.

The kit integrates multiple components including sealed bearings, hydraulic ports, and a sophisticated coupling interface that maintains alignment under load. This integrated approach simplifies installation while ensuring consistent performance across a range of operating conditions and vehicle applications.

Key Features

• Spline Coupling Integration. A precision-engineered spline interface provides low-backlash torque transmission with minimal vibration and wear.
• Motor Assembly Design. The motor assembly is optimized for direct integration with the pump, reducing assembly complexity and improving reliability.
• Reduced Alignment Issues. The coupling design maintains precise alignment even under dynamic braking forces, minimizing bearing wear and seal failures.
• Sealed Component Integration. Integrated bearing seals and hydraulic port design prevent fluid leakage and contamination of the braking system.
• Heavy-Duty Performance. The kit is designed for demanding applications in trucks, industrial equipment, and specialized vehicles requiring reliable hydraulic braking.

Who Is Behind It?

The patent was filed by Ausco Products, Inc., a USA-based organization. The invention was created by Donald Schmidt, Evan Whitney, Shaun A. Bell. The patent application was represented by Davies Collison Cave Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia.

The patent traces its priority to 29 August 2024 (US), establishing the earliest claim date for this technology.

Why It Matters

Heavy-duty braking systems are critical safety components, and improved pump assembly design enhances reliability for industrial and commercial applications. The coupling improvements reduce maintenance requirements and extend service life, providing significant economic benefits to fleet operators. This patent represents important innovation in its field, with potential applications that could improve safety, efficiency, or functionality across multiple industries.

Related Concepts

Hydraulic brakes use pressurised fluid to transmit braking force from a control mechanism to the wheel braking assembly. In heavy-duty industrial and commercial vehicles, spring-applied hydraulic release designs provide fail-safe operation: the brake engages automatically if hydraulic pressure is lost, with the pump required to release it.

Spline couplings transfer torque between shafts through interlocking ridges and grooves, offering greater fatigue life and load capacity than keyed alternatives. Precise spline geometry minimises backlash and vibration, which is critical in high-cycle brake pump applications where misalignment accelerates wear in bearings and seals.

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AU 2025223890 was published in the Australian Official Journal of Patents on 19 March 2026 and is open for public inspection. Patent applications represent inventions that are sought to be protected and do not necessarily reflect commercially available products.