Bicycle Brake ABS Actuator with Floating Seal Pressure Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ABS actuator device for bicycle hydraulic braking systems is complex and costly due to its multiple components and tight manufacturing tolerances, requiring a simpler and more affordable solution without compromising efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The actuator device uses a main sealing ring as the sole valve member, with an annular gap between the floating member and the actuator body for communication, eliminating the need for a separate valve passage and spring, and incorporates a solenoid valve and pressure sensor for enhanced safety and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex valve member with multiple components is used to control hydraulic communication, then the braking system can achieve reliable ABS functionality, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve member, sealing elements, and spring components into a single integrated floating member. This floating member simultaneously performs multiple functions: controlling hydraulic communication between chambers, sealing the hydraulic passages, and responding to pressure differential. By combining these previously separate components into one element, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining the reliability needed for ABS functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating member is designed as a multi-functional component that performs valve control, sealing, and pressure response functions simultaneously. This universal component replaces the need for separate valve members, sealing rings, and spring mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring reliable ABS operation through its integrated design.
2Reliability
If tight manufacturing tolerances are imposed on valve member components, then the braking system achieves stable operation over time, but manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple components with tight tolerance requirements into a single floating member, the patent eliminates the need for precise assembly between separate parts. The integrated design ensures stable operation through monolithic construction, avoiding accumulation of tolerances that would occur in multi-component assemblies, while significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements for the final component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in the valve member, then the braking system can be designed with modular architecture, but construction and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve control components into a single floating member that can be installed as one unit. This integration dramatically reduces assembly time by eliminating the need to assemble multiple small components (valve member, seals, springs) in sequence, while the floating member itself remains a versatile component that adapts to the hydraulic system's operational 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 design simplifies construction and assembly, reduces costs, while maintaining efficiency and reliability, ensuring effective ABS functionality with improved safety through direct electronic control of the braking system.
Implementation Method 1
the passage controlled by said valve member, which connects the upstream chamber with the downstream chamber
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor configured to control the position of the floating member within the cavity of the actuator body
Implementation Method 3
the movement of the floating member in the direction of the upstream chamber generates an increase in the volume of the downstream chamber, which gives rise to a decrease in the pressure of the fluid supplied to the brake caliper
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An ABS actuator device for a bicycle hydraulic braking system comprises an inner cavity (7) wherein a floating member (14) is slidable, 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 the ABS intervention, the electric motor (M) is inactive, and the floating member (14) is in an end position in the direction of the downstream chamber (16), wherein a sealing ring (17) associated with the floating member (14) leaves free an annular gap between the sealing ring and the wall of the cavity (7), which connects the upstream chamber (15) with the downstream chamber (16), 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 sealing ring (17) engages a portion of reduced diameter of the cavity (7), interrupting the aforesaid communication. In this condition, the downstream chamber (16) increases in volume, generating a decrease in the pressure of the fluid supplied to the brake caliper. The sealing ring constitutes the only valve member of which the floating member is provided to control the communication between the upstream and downstream chambers (15,16).