A hydraulic brake assembly

Abstract

A Hydraulic Brake Assembly The present invention relates to a hydraulic brake assembly (10) comprising a first member (200) and a second member (100). The second member (100) being configured to be attached to a portion of the first member (200), wherein at least one of said first member (200) or said second member (100) being configured to have a varying cross section (106) to establish brake actuation gradient. In an embodiment, the first member (200) includes at least one of a master cylinder (210) being configured to be connected to a brake actuator and storing hydraulic fluid for braking operation, or a brake calliper (220) being configured to house one or more pistons for braking operation, or a brake hose (230) being configured to transmit hydraulic fluid between the master cylinder (210) and the brake calliper (220) for braking operation, and the second member (100) comprises a fastener (110).

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION A Hydraulic Brake Assembly

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a brake assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hydraulic brake assembly for a vehicle.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0002] Conventional multi-wheeled vehicles, especially saddle type vehicles have a hydraulic braking system wherein actuation of a brake lever or a brake pedal results in actuation of the brake. Generally, the hydraulic braking system transfers pressure through the brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brake calliper through a brake hose. The brake lever is connected to the master cylinder with a mechanical contact, such as a spring. After the actuation of the brake pedal, the master cylinder transfers the fluid from the master cylinder to the brake calliper through the brake hose thereby stopping the vehicle.

[0006]

[0003] In modern hydraulic braking systems, achieving optimal brake performance is a critical challenge. One common approach to enhance braking force is to increase the hydraulic lever ratio. This method allows for greater amplification of force applied to the brake lever, resulting in higher brake pressure and improved stopping power. However, this increase in hydraulic lever ratio has drawbacks such as increased brake lever travel or the brake lever becomes excessively spongy. As a result, drivers may experience a lack of responsiveness, which can compromise the overall driving experience and potentially lead to safety concerns.

[0007]

[0004] Further increasing the brake pressure or hydraulic lever ratio results in a lack of initial brake biting feel. Moreover, floating callipers provide a lack of initial brake biting feel when compared to a fixed calliper, such diminished initial bite can undermine the confidence, especially during emergency braking situations or high performance driving.

[0005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a hydraulic brake assembly which addresses the aforementioned problems.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009]

[0006] In an aspect, the present invention is directed towards a hydraulic brake assembly. The hydraulic brake assembly has a first member and a second member. The second member being configured to be attached to a portion of the first member, wherein at least one of said first member or said second member being configured to have a varying cross section to establish brake actuation gradient.

[0010]

[0007] In an embodiment of the invention, the first member includes at least one of a master cylinder being configured to be connected to a brake actuator and storing hydraulic fluid for braking operation or a brake calliper being configured to house one or more pistons for braking operation or a brake hose being configured to transmit hydraulic fluid between the master cylinder and the brake calliper for braking operation.

[0011]

[0008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second member is a fastener. The fastener being configured to connect the brake hose to at least one of the brake calliper and the master cylinder.

[0012]

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second member being configured to have the varying cross section to generate a brake actuation gradient, said brake actuation gradient raging from a first value to a second value.

[0013]

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the varying cross section of the second member or the first member being configured to have at least one of a diverging portion or a converging portion to establish said braking actuation gradient.

[0014]

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the diverging portion or converging portion includes a polygon shaped cross section when viewed in a sideward direction of the second member.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, one of the said diverging portion or converging portion includes a circular cross section when viewed from an axial direction of the second member.

[0015]

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second member has a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening being provided for fluidly connecting the first member to the second member.

[0016]

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first opening and the second opening has a cylindrical profile or a profile with variable cross section.

[0017]

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention is directed towards a vehicle having a hydraulic brake assembly as explained hereinbefore.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]

[0016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a right side view of a hydraulic brake assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the hydraulic brake assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figure 3 illustrates another right side view of the hydraulic brake assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a magnified right side view of the hydraulic brake assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the hydraulic brake assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fastener of the hydraulic brake assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figure 7A illustrates a top view of a lever and a master cylinder of the hydraulic brake assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figures 7B-7D illustrate sectional views of the master cylinder of the hydraulic brake assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Figure 8 and Figure 9 respectively illustrate sectional views of a brake calliper without and with a fastener of the hydraulic brake assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 10 and Figure 11 respectively illustrate sectional views of the brake calliper without and with the fastener of the hydraulic brake assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Figure 12A,12B and 12C illustrates a top view, sectional view and a perspective view respectively of the fastener of the hydraulic brake assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] Figure 13 A and 13B illustrates comparative test results of the hydraulic brake assembly of the present invention vis-a-vis conventional system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032]

[0017] The present invention relates to a hydraulic brake assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hydraulic brake assembly of a vehicle. It should be understood that the vehicle of the present invention includes at least one of a two wheeled vehicle, a three wheeled vehicle, a trike or other multi wheeled vehicles as required.

[0033]

[0018] Figure 1 to Figure 3 illustrate various views of a hydraulic brake assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The hydraulic brake assembly 10 is provided in a vehicle (not shown).

[0034]

[0019] The hydraulic brake assembly 10 is designed to enhance braking performance of a vehicle. As shown in Figures 4 and 5 when read with Figures 1-3 the hydraulic brake assembly 10 consists of a first member 200 and a second member 100. The first member 200 and the second member 100 contributing to the overall functionality of the hydraulic braking system 10.

[0035]

[0020] The first member 200 and the second member 100 are operably connected to facilitate various braking operations. In an embodiment the first member 200 is a master cylinder 210, which serves as the primary actuator, connecting to a brake actuator and housing hydraulic fluid essential for braking process. The master cylinder 210 creates hydraulic pressure which is transmitted through the brake system when a brake pedal / brake lever 240 is engaged.

[0036]

[0021] In another embodiment, the first member 200 is a brake calliper 220 that houses one or more pistons. The one or more pistons engages with a brake pad to clamp down on a rotor, thus creating necessary friction for stopping the vehicle.

[0037]

[0022] In another embodiment, the first member 200 is a brake hose 230. The brake hose 230 is configured to transmit hydraulic fluid between the master cylinder 210 and the brake calliper 220 ensuring a reliable flow of hydraulic pressure for effective braking action.

[0038]

[0023] The second member 100 plays a critical role in the hydraulic brake assembly’s functionality by facilitating the connection between various components. In an embodiment, the second member 100 is a fastener 110 which securely connects the brake hose 230 to either the brake calliper 220 or the master cylinder 210. The fastener 110 ensures that the hydraulic connections remain leak-proof and can withstand high pressure during braking operations.

[0039]

[0024] As shown in Figures 4 and 5 read with Figure 1-3, the brake calliper 220 is mounted on a suspension of a vehicle. The brake calliper 220 is operably connected to the brake hose 230 through the fastener 110. When the brake is applied, the fluid from the master cylinder 210 is transferred through the brake hose 230 to the brake calliper 220. The brake hose 230 and the brake calliper 220 are securely connected through the fastener 110.

[0025] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the fastener 110. The fastener 110 is configured to fluidly connect the hose pipe 230 to the brake calliper 220. The fastener 110 is configured to have a varying cross section 106. The varying cross section 106 is provided to generate a brake actuation gradient. The brake actuation gradient ranges from a first value to a second value. In an embodiment, the brake actuation gradient increases from X to 1.2X and vice versa based on the varying cross section 106. In an embodiment, the varying cross section 106 is divergent as shown in Figure 6, the divergent cross section helps to increase the output pressure of the fluid that is being transferred. Such increase in the output pressure results in a reduction of locking load. In an embodiment, the varying cross-section can be convergent. The convergent cross section helps to reduce the output pressure of the fluid. Such reduction in the output pressure results in increase of the locking load.

[0040]

[0026] In yet another embodiment, there can be a convergent and a divergent or a divergent and a convergent cross-section to achieve a required locking load. Hence, the cross-section of the fastener 110 can be varied in order to achieve the required brake actuation gradient.

[0041]

[0027] Figure 7A-7D, shows the master cylinder 210 of the hydraulic brake assembly 10. The master cylinder 210 serves as the primary actuator responsible for generating hydraulic pressure within the braking system. The master cylinder 210 is connected to a brake lever 240 or a brake pedal. The master cylinder 210 converts mechanical force exerted by the brake pedal / brake lever 240 into hydraulic force thereby facilitating the transmission of braking energy to the brake calliper 220 through a brake hose 230. The master cylinder 210 has an opening 212 through which the fluid is transferred to the brake hose 230 from the master cylinder 210.

[0042]

[0028] As shown in Figures 7C and 7D, the fastener 110 is connected to the opening 212 of the master cylinder 210. Upon actuation of the brake, the fluid from the master cylinder 210 transfers to the fastener 110 through the opening 212. The fluid is then transferred to the brake hose 230 through the fastener 110. The master cylinder 210 has the varying cross section 106. As shown in Figures 7B and 7C the master cylinder 210 has a converging opening. The converging opening reduces the output pressure of the fluid thereby increasing the locking load of the brake.

[0043]

[0029] In an embodiment, the master cylinder 210 has a diverging opening. The diverging opening (not shown) increases the output pressure of the fluid thereby reducing the locking load of the brake. In yet another embodiment, there can be a convergent and a divergent or a divergent and a convergent cross-section to achieve a required locking load. Hence, the cross-section of the master cylinder 210 can be varied in order to achieve the required brake actuation gradient.

[0044]

[0030] Figure 8 shows a sectional view of the brake calliper 220 and Figure 9 shows the sectional view of the brake calliper 220 with the fastener 110. Similarly, Figure 10 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the brake calliper 220, and Figure 11 shows the sectional view of the brake calliper 220 with the fastener 110 for the alternative embodiment of the brake calliper 220. The brake calliper 220 is responsible for converting hydraulic pressure into mechanical force to engage the braking mechanism. The brake calliper 220 houses one or more pistons that press against brake pads, which in turn clamp down on the brake rotor to create necessary friction for slowing or stopping the vehicle. In an embodiment the brake calliper 220 is a floating calliper. The floating calliper is positioned over the brake rotor and can slide side to side laterally as the pistons engages. In yet another embodiment, the brake calliper 220 is a fixed calliper where pistons are provided on both sides of the rotor thereby providing greater rigidity and braking force.

[0045]

[0031] When the hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder 210 is applied to the brake calliper 220, the pressurized hydraulic fluid enters the brake calliper 220 and exerts force on the pistons. This force causes the pistons to extend outward, pushing the brake pads against the brake rotor. The friction generated between the brake pads and rotor slows down the vehicle thereby providing effective braking action.

[0032] As shown in Figures 8-9 and 10-11, the brake calliper 220 is provided with an opening 222 through which the brake fluid enters the brake calliper 220. The brake calliper 220 is fluidly connected to the brake hose 230 through the fastener 110. The brake calliper 220 has the varying cross section 106. As shown in Figures 10 and 11 the brake calliper 220 has a converging opening. The converging opening reduces the output pressure of the fluid thereby increasing the locking load of the brake.

[0046]

[0033] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8 and Figure 9, the brake calliper 220 has a diverging opening. The diverging opening increases the output pressure of the fluid thereby reducing the locking load of the brake. In yet another embodiment, there can be a convergent and a divergent or a divergent and a convergent cross-section to achieve a required locking load. Hence, the cross-section of the brake calliper 220 can be varied in order to achieve the required brake actuation gradient.

[0047]

[0034] Figure 12A,12B and 12C shows the fastener 110 of the hydraulic brake assembly 10, the fastener 110 is configured to fluidly connect the brake hose 230 with the brake calliper 220 or the master cylinder 210. The fastener 110 has a first opening 114 and a second opening 108. The first opening 114 and the second opening 108 is configured for fluidly connecting the fastener 110 to the brake calliper 220 or the master cylinder 210 with the brake hose 230. The first opening 114 and the second opening 108 has a cylindrical profile. In an embodiment, the first opening 114 and the second opening 108 has the variable cross section 106. In an embodiment, the first opening 114 and the second opening 108 has the variable cross section 106 with a cylindrical profile. In an embodiment, the variable cross section 106 is provided only in the first opening 114. In yet another embodiment, the variable cross section 106 is provided only in the second opening 108. In yet another embodiment, the variable cross section 106 is provided in the first opening 114 and the second opening 108 in order to achieve a required locking load. In an embodiment, the first opening 114 and the second opening 108 can be convergent. In yet another embodiment, the first opening 114 and the second opening 108 can be divergent. In yet another embodiment, the first opening 114 can be divergent and the second opening 108 can be convergent or vice versa in order to achieve the required locking load. Hence, the cross-section of the fastener 110 can be varied in order to achieve the required brake actuation gradient.

[0048]

[0035] In an embodiment, the varying cross section 106 has divergent and convergent portions which are at a conical angle ranging between 10 degrees to 80 degrees in order to effectively optimize the locking load.

[0049]

[0036] In an embodiment, the converging portion and the diverging portion of the first member 200 and the second member 100 includes a polygon shaped cross section when viewed in a sideward direction of the second member 100.

[0050]

[0037] Figure 13A and 13B provides comparative test result of the hydraulic brake assembly 10. The hydraulic brake assembly 10 of the present invention is found to be substantially better than the conventional hydraulic brake assembly in terms of locking load. Importantly, for a given brake system, the locking load is improved without compromising on the brake lever travel. Further, this reduction in locking load is achieved without compromising on the hydraulic stroke ratio.

[0051]

[0038] Advantageously, the present hydraulic brake assembly offers several significant advantages that enhance braking performance without compromising the hydraulic stroke ratio, or brake lever travel. By optimizing the hydraulic pathways and utilizing a variable cross-section, the assembly effectively increases or decreases brake fluid exit pressure thereby resulting in a quicker and more responsive braking action.

[0052]

[0039] Further, the present hydraulic brake assembly avoids the vortex formation and reduces the internal circuit losses.

[0053]

[0040] Additionally, the design minimizes fluid flow loss due to its construction and by providing a variable cross section for the fluid flow. Further such optimization enhances the overall effectiveness of the braking system and also provides a more pronounced brake biting feel and improved driver feedback and control. Further, the present invention achieves better braking performance levels even with floating callipers thereby offering drivers greater confidence and control during emergency braking and high-performance situations.

[0054]

[0041] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0055] List of Reference Numerals

[0056] 10: Hydraulic brake assembly

[0057] 100: Second member

[0058] 106: varying cross section

[0059] 108: Second opening

[0060] 110: Fastener

[0061] 114: First opening

[0062] 200: First member

[0063] 210: Master cylinder

[0064] 212: Master cylinder opening

[0065] 220: Brake calliper

[0066] 222: Brake calliper opening

[0067] 230: Brake hose

[0068] 240: Brake lever

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A hydraulic brake assembly (10), comprising: a first member (200); and a second member (100), the second member (100) being configured to be attached to a portion of the first member (200), wherein at least one of said first member (200) or said second member (100) being configured to have a varying cross section (106) to establish brake actuation gradient.

2. The hydraulic brake assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (200) includes at least one of a master cylinder (210) being configured to be connected to a brake actuator and storing hydraulic fluid for braking operation; or a brake calliper (220) being configured to house one or more pistons for braking operation; or a brake hose (230) being configured to transmit hydraulic fluid between the master cylinder (210) and the brake calliper (220) for braking operation.

3. The hydraulic brake assembly (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second member (100) comprises a fastener (110), the fastener (110) being configured to connect the brake hose (230) to at least one of the brake calliper (220) and the master cylinder (210).

4. The hydraulic brake assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second member (100) being configured to have the varying cross section (106) to generate a brake actuation gradient, said brake actuation gradient ranging from a first value to a second value.

5. The hydraulic brake assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein varying cross section (106) of the second member (100) or the first member (200) being configured to have at least one of a diverging portion or a converging portion to establish said brake actuation gradient.

6. The hydraulic brake assembly (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the diverging portion or converging portion includes a polygon shaped cross section when viewed in a sideward direction of the second member (100).

7. The hydraulic brake assembly (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one of the said diverging portion or converging portion includes a circular cross section when viewed from an axial direction of the second member (100).

8. The hydraulic brake assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second member (100) comprises a first opening (114) and a second opening (108), wherein the first opening (114) and the second opening (108) being provided for fluidly connecting the first member (200) to the second member (100).

9. The hydraulic brake assembly (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first opening (114) and the second opening (108) has a cylindrical profile or a profile with variable cross section (106).

10. A vehicle comprising a hydraulic brake assembly (10) as claimed in any of the preceding claims.

Images