Bicycle Hydraulic Flow Modulator for Pressure Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle hydraulic systems face inefficiencies in fluid flow management between the cylinder bore and reservoir tank, leading to uneven flow rates and pressure oscillations, which affect braking performance and system stability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flow modulator with a valve member and biasing mechanism in the reservoir tank to adjust path resistances and flow behaviors, allowing for different flow rates in opposite directions through the communication port, thereby optimizing fluid flow and pressure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional communication port is used between the cylinder bore and reservoir tank, then the structure is simple, but the fluid flow rates in opposite directions are uneven and pressure oscillations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow modulator that changes the flow parameters (resistance characteristics) based on flow direction. The modulator includes a valve member with different opening areas for forward and reverse flow, allowing the system to optimize flow rate and pressure stability for each direction independently. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high flow rate in one direction while maintaining pressure stability through differential resistance control.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow modulator acts as an intermediary device between the cylinder bore and reservoir tank. It mediates the fluid flow by introducing a controllable resistance element (valve member) that can be positioned differently for forward and reverse flow, thereby controlling the flow characteristics and pressure oscillations without requiring fundamental changes to the existing hydraulic system structure.
2Productivity
If the communication port allows free flow in both directions, then the structure is simple, but the maximum flow rate from cylinder bore to reservoir tank is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic flow modulator with a movable valve member that changes its position based on flow direction. For forward flow (cylinder bore to reservoir tank), the valve member opens to a larger area to maximize flow rate. For reverse flow, it positions differently to provide appropriate resistance. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maximizing flow rate and maintaining structural simplicity.
3Productivity
If a flow modulator with valve member is added to the reservoir tank, then different flow behaviors in opposite directions are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow modulator is integrated into the existing reservoir tank structure, merging the flow control function with the fluid storage function. The valve member is positioned within the reservoir tank but works in coordination with the cylinder bore, combining multiple functions (flow control, pressure regulation, fluid storage) into a unified system architecture, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 enhances braking performance by ensuring higher maximum flow rates from the cylinder bore to the reservoir tank while maintaining stable pressure oscillation attenuation, without altering conventional piston and cylinder designs.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that biases the valve member toward the communication port
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle hydraulic device includes a cylinder including a cylinder bore, a piston located in the cylinder bore and movable between an initial position and an actuation position, a reservoir tank that is in fluidal communication with the cylinder bore through a communication port, and a flow modulator configured to modulate a flow behavior of a fluid in accordance with a direction in which the fluid flows in the communication port.