Bicycle Hydraulic Component Sealing with Misalignment Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle hydraulic systems face challenges in manufacturing complexity and cost due to the need for precise alignment of bore axes in hydraulic components, which can lead to misalignment and decreased fluid sealing efficiency, especially with finer passages.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle hydraulic component design featuring a base with a stepped bore structure, a plug, and a fluid stopper that aligns independently with the bore axis, allowing for misalignment tolerance and eliminating the need for precise alignment, using a shear head bolt and an internal thread for secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal member incorporating an O-ring is fitted to the opening from an outer side of the base, then the hydraulic passage is sealed, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to the need for precise alignment of bore axes
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is divided into two independent parts: a plug that fits into the second bore and a fluid stopper that seals the first bore. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, eliminating the need for precise alignment between multiple bores and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid stopper acts as an intermediary element between the first bore and the plug. It is pressed by the plug to seal the first bore, providing a reliable seal without requiring the plug to be precisely aligned with the first bore. This intermediary component mediates the sealing function while tolerating misalignment.
2Ease of manufacture
If the base is bored to form hydraulic passages, then the hydraulic system is formed, but misalignment of bore axes decreases fluid sealing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the sealing mechanism from requiring precise positional parameters (alignment of bore axes) to relying on dimensional parameters (pressing force of the plug on the fluid stopper). This allows the bores to be formed with standard tolerances without compromising sealing efficiency.
3Reliability
If elastic seal elements are used, then sealing is achieved, but long-term sealing capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces elastic seal elements (which degrade over time) with a mechanical sealing approach using a fluid stopper pressed against a seat surface. While the fluid stopper is a simple component, the mechanical contact seal provides long-term reliability without the degradation issues of elastic materials.
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 enhances manufacturing yield and reduces costs by allowing for misaligned bore axes while maintaining effective fluid sealing, even with finer passages, and eliminates the reliance on elastic seal elements, ensuring long-term sealing capability.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid stopper is configured to be accommodated in the second bore and pressed by the plug to seal the first bore
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle hydraulic component includes a base, a plug, and a fluid stopper. The base includes a hydraulic chamber, a first bore having a first bore diameter and being in fluid communication with the hydraulic chamber, a second bore extending from the first bore and having a second bore diameter greater than the first bore diameter, and a seat surface extending between the first bore and the second bore. The plug is coupled to the second bore. The fluid stopper is configured to be accommodated in the second bore and to be pressed by the plug to seal the first bore. The fluid stopper is an individual member with respect to the plug.