Ball Valve Master Cylinder with Leaf Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tandem master cylinders with central valves require increased length due to valve stems and cylindrical valve springs, limiting packaging space and exhibiting inefficient brake fluid flow with turbulence issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of ball-shaped valve members and leaf springs, where the ball-shaped members abut the cylinder pin to reduce length and improve fluid flow, and the leaf springs are designed with a spherical center area and central hole to enhance centering and prevent fluid entrapment, allowing for a more compact and efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If central valves with valve stems and cylindrical valve springs are used, then durability under high pressure is improved, but the length of the master cylinder housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the valve stem from the central valve assembly. The ball-shaped valve member directly abuts the cylinder pin without requiring a valve stem, thereby removing the need for the stem and reducing the overall length of the master cylinder housing while maintaining durability under high pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional cylindrical valve member with a ball-shaped valve member. This spherical geometry eliminates the need for a valve stem, reduces the length of the valve assembly, and improves fluid flow characteristics by reducing turbulence in the brake fluid passing through the valve opening
2Reliability
If cylindrical valve springs are used, then reliable valve closure is achieved, but the length of the master cylinder housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the cylindrical valve spring with a leaf spring having a spherical center area that adapts to the ball-shaped valve member. This design maintains reliable valve closure functionality while significantly reducing the length of the spring assembly, contributing to a more compact master cylinder housing
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring design uses a thin, flexible spring element instead of a bulky cylindrical coil spring. The leaf spring with its spherical center area provides the necessary elastic force for valve closure while occupying minimal space, thereby reducing the overall length of the master cylinder housing
3Reliability
If mushroom-shaped valve members are used, then valve sealing is achieved, but turbulence in brake fluid flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mushroom-shaped valve member with a ball-shaped valve member. The spherical geometry provides effective sealing against the cylinder pin while creating smoother fluid flow paths that reduce turbulence. The round shape of the ball allows brake fluid to pass more smoothly through the valve opening compared to the flat, perpendicular surface of a mushroom-shaped valve
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration results in a shorter, cost-effective master cylinder with improved brake fluid flow and reduced turbulence, accommodating various sizes while maintaining structural integrity and load-bearing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The leaf spring of the invention is designed with a spherical center area adapted to the ball-shaped valve member for centering purposes
Implementation Method 2
Its round shape reduces turbulences in the brake fluid passing the valve member
Data Source
AI summary
A tandem master cylinder (1) with central valves has ball-shaped valve members (25, 40) with leaf springs (26, 41) serving as valve springs. The ball-shaped valve members (25, 40) can be manufactured of a plastic material, coated with an elastomer. The size of the balls is preferably adjusted to the size of the pistons (4, 5) to allow a maximum flow while ensuring at the same time that the piston walls retain a thickness. The leaf springs (26, 41) have a bowl-shaped body (61), which is shaped like a partial sphere. To avoid an entrapment of brake fluid or a vacuum between the balls (25, 40) and the leaf springs (26, 41), respectively, a central hole (62) has been provided in the bowl-shaped body (61). The leaf springs (26, 41) are equipped with a plurality of tongue-shaped extremities (63) extending radially outward with end portions (64) bent toward the axial side on which the valve members (25, 40) are located.