Brake Caliper Adapter Merging Bleed Valve and Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring brake fluid temperature and pressure in vehicle braking systems require multiple bleed cycles, introducing air into the circuit and necessitate disconnection of hydraulic conduits, which is time-consuming and prone to air introduction errors.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a hollow body and internal cavity that allows for simultaneous bleeding, temperature, and pressure measurement without disconnecting the hydraulic circuit, featuring external and internal threads for a bleed screw and transducer, respectively, enabling air removal and fluid measurement in a single operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the bleed screw is removed to apply the thermocouple, then the temperature measurement can be performed, but multiple bleed cycles are required and air is introduced into the hydraulic circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensor mounting function with the bleed valve function by providing a threaded seat that can accommodate both the thermocouple and the bleed screw. This allows the temperature sensor to be installed without removing the bleed screw, eliminating the need for multiple bleed cycles and reducing air introduction into the hydraulic circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded seat is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the bleed screw for air removal and simultaneously accommodates the thermocouple for temperature measurement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to choose between measurement capability and bleeding capability, allowing both operations to coexist without requiring circuit disconnection.
2Measurement precision
If the hydraulic circuit is opened to apply the pressure sensor, then the pressure measurement can be performed, but considerable quantities of air are introduced into the braking circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pressure sensor mounting capability into the existing bleed valve assembly by providing a threaded seat that accommodates both the bleed screw and the pressure sensor. This allows pressure measurement to be performed without opening the hydraulic circuit, thereby preventing air from being introduced into the braking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded seat acts as an intermediary structure that provides a mounting location for the pressure sensor within the existing bleed valve assembly. This intermediary structure allows the pressure sensor to be installed without requiring disconnection of the hydraulic conduits, thus preventing air contamination while enabling accurate pressure measurement.
3Reliability
If multiple bleed cycles are performed to remove air, then the air bubbles can be expelled, but the preparation and testing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the air removal function preliminarily by maintaining the bleed screw in its operational position within the threaded seat throughout the measurement process. This preliminary configuration allows air to be removed as needed without requiring repeated disconnection and reconnection operations, significantly reducing the number of bleed cycles required and improving testing efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
An adapter (10) having a hollow body (11) with an internal cavity (12) and a connecting appendage (13) having an external thread and an internal passage (14) which opens on one end of the connecting appendage and is in fluid communication with the internal cavity (12). At least two threaded seats (18,20) are formed in the hollow body, both open externally and both in fluid communication with the internal cavity (12). A first threaded seat (18) is configured to receive at least one temperature and/or pressure transducer (28). A second threaded seat (20) is configured to receive a bleed screw (24) and has a conical end connection surface (23) tapering towards the internal cavity (12) and communicating therewith.