Bicycle Brake Arm Cable Attachment Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional linear bicycle brakes, such as 'V' and cantilever brakes, are too powerful and cause premature wear of the wheel rim and potentially dangerous riding conditions due to long handlebar lever travel and cable actuation configurations.
Innovation Solution
A linear bicycle brake design with a brake arm and pivot mount that allows for actuation cable and brake shoe attachment, providing a compact configuration with consistent pressure on the wheel rim, reducing wear and enhancing safety through strategic placement of components like the yoke cable and pivot mount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional linear brakes (V brakes and cantilever brakes) are used, then braking power is provided, but wheel rim wear increases and braking control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional cable attachment location. Instead of attaching the cable near the pivot point (as in traditional V brakes and cantilever brakes), the cable is attached at the distal end of the brake arm, far from the pivot. This inversion changes the mechanical advantage and force distribution, resulting in more controlled braking pressure that reduces rim wear while maintaining reliable braking control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the brake arm, specifically the ratio between the distance from pivot to cable attachment and the distance from pivot to brake pad. By optimizing these dimensional parameters, the brake achieves a balanced performance with controlled braking force that prevents excessive rim wear while maintaining sufficient stopping power and control.
2Ease of operation
If cable attachment is made near the pivot point, then brake actuation is achieved, but brake lever travel becomes excessive and braking control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional cable attachment location. Instead of attaching the cable near the pivot point (as in traditional V brakes and cantilever brakes), the cable is attached at the distal end of the brake arm, far from the pivot. This inversion changes the mechanical advantage and force distribution, resulting in more controlled braking pressure that reduces rim wear while maintaining reliable braking control.
3Volume of moving object
If brake pads are positioned near the cable connection, then compact design is achieved, but braking effectiveness and control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the brake pad along the brake arm in a different dimensional arrangement from traditional designs. The brake pad is positioned to optimize the moment arm for effective braking, while the cable attachment at the distal end provides sufficient mechanical advantage. This dimensional reconfiguration achieves compact overall size while maintaining or improving braking effectiveness.
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
The solution results in lessened wheel rim wear and improved braking control, ensuring safer and more efficient braking with reduced power issues, enhancing cyclist safety and brake durability.
Implementation Method 1
forces the brake shoe (7) against the bicycle wheel rim (8) facilitating braking
Data Source
AI summary
A linear brake for a bicycle comprises a pair of pivot mounts, each of which is mounted on a bicycle member laterally of a wheel rim, one on either side of the wheel. A brake arm is pivotally mounted in levered relation on each pivot mount below adjacent and biased away from the wheel rim. A brake shoe is affixed to each brake arm upper end. A control cable is affixed to a control member above the wheel with the control member being connected to the center of a yoke cable. The yoke cable is affixed to the lower end of each brake arm with yoke cable passed partway around the annular component on each pivot mount.