Hydraulic Brake Control Apparatus with Nested Handlebar Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic brake systems for vehicles, particularly triathlon and time trial bicycles, face challenges in maintaining aerodynamics and reducing energy loss due to friction in brake lines, and require ergonomic and compact designs that accommodate both quick release and pad contact adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic brake control apparatus with a radial master cylinder and symmetric clamp mechanism, integrated into a handlebar, which includes a micro-adjust and macro-adjust mechanism for fluid pressure control, allowing for compactness, aerodynamics, and easy mounting with minimal components, and features a closed system to manage hydraulic fluid expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If brake lines are hidden inside the handlebar and frame to reduce drag, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the complexity of routing and maintaining the hydraulic system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control apparatus is nested within the handlebar structure, with the housing positioned at the forward end and the hydraulic line outlet located inside the handlebar. This nesting approach allows the brake system components to be integrated into the aerodynamic fairing without increasing external drag, while maintaining accessible service points.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic line outlet portion acts as an intermediary connection point that allows the brake line to exit the aerodynamic fairing in a controlled manner. This mediator enables the hydraulic connection while maintaining the streamlined external shape, reducing the need for complex routing throughout the entire system.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact radial master cylinder is used, then the brake control apparatus size is reduced, but the complexity of integrating adjustment mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick release mechanism and pad contact adjustment mechanism are merged into a single housing structure. The first housing section contains the quick release while the second section provides pad contact adjustment, allowing both functions to be integrated in a compact arrangement that minimizes overall volume while providing comprehensive adjustment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is segmented into multiple sections (first housing section for quick release, second housing section for pad contact adjustment) that can be independently designed and assembled. This segmentation allows each adjustment mechanism to be optimized separately while maintaining overall compactness when combined.
3Ease of operation
If both quick release and pad contact adjustment are located at the brake housing, then ease of operation is improved, but the housing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control housing is designed as a multi-functional component that accommodates both the quick release mechanism and the pad contact adjustment mechanism. This universal housing structure provides both adjustment functions at accessible locations, allowing the user to perform both operations without disassembling the system, thereby improving ease of operation while consolidating complexity into a single integrated component.
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 provides a compact, aerodynamic, and ergonomic brake control system that reduces energy loss, enhances braking efficiency, and simplifies adjustments, making it suitable for triathlon and time trial bicycles by minimizing drag and improving handling.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp mechanism arranged symmetrically about the second section of the brake housing to space apart the second section from the handlebar and operating to secure the brake housing to an inside surface of the handlebar by expanding radially
Implementation Method 2
This hydraulic fluid is pushed by a master piston by operating a hand lever and pushes against a slave piston at or near the caliper
Implementation Method 3
The resulting friction slows the bicycle
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic brake control apparatus for attaching to an open ended handlebar of a vehicle, the handlebar having a longitudinal axis. The hydraulic brake control apparatus includes a brake housing that is attachable to the handlebar, the brake housing including a first section residing outside the handlebar, and a second section sized and shaped to be received inside the handlebar.