Bicycle ABS Actuator Floating Valve Overpressure Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ABS actuator device for bicycle hydraulic braking systems is complex and costly due to the stringent manufacturing and assembly requirements of the sealing ring with a lip, and the floating member, making it difficult and expensive to produce and assemble reliably.
Innovation Solution
The actuator device eliminates the need for a sealing ring with a lip by using a valve member that performs both the normal operation and overpressure functions, with the spring defining the overpressure threshold, and includes optional features like a solenoid valve and pressure sensor for enhanced safety and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing ring with a lip is used to open communication between chambers under overpressure, then the overpressure relief function is achieved, but the manufacturing precision and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the overpressure relief function into the existing valve member structure. The valve member now serves dual purposes: controlling normal brake fluid flow and relieving overpressure. This is achieved by configuring the valve member with a surface exposed to the downstream chamber that can be acted upon by pressure increase, eliminating the need for a separate lip sealing ring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls hydraulic communication during normal operation and automatically opens to relieve overpressure when downstream pressure exceeds upstream pressure by more than the spring threshold. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall device by removing the specialized lip sealing ring component.
2Reliability
If a lip sealing ring is used for overpressure relief, then the two chambers can communicate under overpressure, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the overpressure relief functionality into the existing valve member and spring assembly. The valve member's surface exposed to the downstream chamber acts as a pressure-actuated element that opens the passage when overpressure occurs, merging two functions into one integrated component rather than using a separate lip sealing ring mechanism.
3Reliability
If a lip sealing ring with deformable lip is used, then overpressure can deform the lip to open communication, but the assembly requirements and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the deformable lip function into the valve member structure. Instead of using a separate elastomeric lip that deforms under pressure, the valve member itself is configured with a pressure-exposed surface that acts as the overpressure-actuated element, working in conjunction with the spring to provide automatic communication opening without specialized assembly requirements.
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 solution simplifies the device, reduces production costs, and ensures reliable operation by eliminating the need for a lip sealing ring and complex floating member assembly, while providing additional safety and control through solenoid valve and pressure sensor integration.
Implementation Method 1
A spring tends to keep the valve member in engagement against the valve seat, in a closed position wherein the hydraulic communication between the upstream chamber and the downstream chamber is interrupted
Implementation Method 2
The lip is configured with an elastically deformable circumferential sealing lip. The lip is configured in such a way that it normally remains in sealing engagement against the wall of the cavity of the body of the actuator device
Implementation Method 3
when the pressure in the downstream chamber becomes greater than the pressure in the upstream chamber by a differential greater than a predetermined threshold, the lip deforms, moving away from the wall of the cavity of the actuator device, and opening the communication between the two chambers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An ABS actuator device for a bicycle hydraulic braking system comprises a floating member (14), which separates an upstream chamber (15) from a downstream chamber (16), these chambers communicating, respectively, with an inlet opening (8) and an outlet opening (9) of the actuator device. The inlet opening (8) is to be connected to a pumping device associated with the brake lever (3). The outlet opening is to be connected to the hydraulic cylinder actuator of a brake caliper (4). The position of the floating member (14) is controlled by an electric motor (M). During normal operation of the bicycle brake, in which there is no need for activation of the ABS, the electric motor (M) is inactive, and the floating member (14) is in an end position towards the downstream chamber (16), in which a valve member (20) associated with the floating member (14) interacts with an abutment element (23) of the actuator body (6), which holds the valve member (20) in an open position, so that the fluid pumped by the pumping device can flow through the floating member in the direction of the brake caliper (4). On the other hand, in conditions that require activation of the ABS, the electric motor (M) is activated and causes a movement of the floating member (14) in the direction of the upstream chamber, so that the valve member (20) closes and the downstream chamber (16) increases in volume, generating a decrease in the pressure of the fluid supplied to the brake caliper. A main sealing ring (17) is associated with the floating member, which always remains in engagement against the wall of the cavity (7) of the actuator body (6), so as to always isolate the upstream chamber (15) from the downstream chamber (16). If the pressure in the downstream chamber (16) becomes greater than the pressure in the upstream chamber (15), the valve member (20) associated with the floating member (14) causes the two chambers to communicate with each other.