Bicycle Brake Caliper Fluid Bleeding Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulically-operated bicycle disk brake calipers face challenges in fluid bleeding, particularly in preventing brake fluid leakage during the bleeding process, which can occur when using conventional bleeder screws, leading to potential spills if the collection hose is dislodged.
Innovation Solution
A fluid bleeding structure within the caliper housing that includes a plug system with a sealed fluid passage, where the plug can be rotated to open or close, allowing fluid to flow through a hose adapter without direct exposure to the outside, preventing leakage and eliminating the need to open a bleeder screw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional bleeder screw is used for fluid bleeding, then the bleeding process can be performed, but brake fluid may leak onto the ground if the collection hose is dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hose adapter as an intermediary component between the fluid chamber and the outside environment. The adapter provides a sealed connection point for the collection hose, mediating the fluid bleeding process to prevent direct exposure and potential leakage of brake fluid onto the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fluid bleeding function from the traditional open bleeder screw design and relocates it to a sealed hose adapter system. This separation allows the bleeding operation to occur through a controlled, enclosed interface rather than an open screw mechanism, eliminating the harmful leakage effect.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a plug system with sealed fluid passage is used, then fluid leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug system serves multiple functions: it seals the fluid passage to prevent leakage, provides a mounting interface for the hose adapter, and maintains structural integrity of the caliper housing. By combining these functions into a single integrated component, the design achieves leakage prevention without proportionally increasing 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 design ensures controlled fluid bleeding without leakage, maintaining cleanliness and safety by directing fluid flow through a hose adapter, separate from the plug's operation, thus preventing brake fluid from spilling onto the ground.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid passage is closed when the plug is in a first position. The fluid passage is open when the plug is in a second position so that fluid is allowed to flow from the fluid chamber, through the fluid passage and to the outside of the housing at the second location.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle brake caliper apparatus comprises a caliper housing and a plug. The caliper housing includes a fluid chamber and an opening for receiving the plug therein, wherein the opening extends to an outside of the housing at a first location. The housing also includes a fluid passage in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, wherein the fluid passage is in fluid communication with an outside of the housing at a second location offset from the first location. The fluid passage is closed when the plug is in a first position. The fluid passage is open when the plug is in a second position so that fluid is allowed to flow from the fluid chamber, through the fluid passage and to the outside of the housing at the second location.