Patent attributes
The present invention provides an electronic braking system for an irrigation machine. According to an exemplary preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a drive controller which includes a power supplying circuit which signals an ON condition when a motive power request is input into the drive controller and an OFF condition when motive power is not input into the system. According to a further preferred embodiment, the present invention further includes a 3-phase induction motor connected to apply torque to a drive shaft which is connected to a least one drive wheel. According to a further preferred embodiment, the power supplying circuit supplies 480V AC of motive power to the drive motor when the drive controller signals the ON condition and 10-80V DC of non-motive power to at least one phase of the motor when the drive controller signals the OFF condition. According to a further preferred embodiment, the application of the DC current is applied immediately after the motive power is removed from the drive motor and the application of non-motive power brakes and prevents the drive shaft from turning until the DC current is removed.
