Brake Pump Switch Group for Timely Signaling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake pumps face challenges in timely and reliable braking signaling, especially with short empty strokes, which can lead to late signaling and reduced safety, and require adjustable microswitches for ergonomic adjustments, making them less versatile and reliable.
Innovation Solution
A brake pump design that incorporates a switch group with an auxiliary actuation element kinematically engaged with the piston, allowing for direct measurement of piston movement and timely signaling, and is adaptable for both front and rear mounting with integrated microswitch functionality, reducing the need for separate switch adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the empty stroke of the brake pump is shortened to improve braking readiness, then braking response time is improved, but the microswitch cannot be actuated timely leading to late braking signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into two independent signaling functions: a first microswitch associated with the piston for detecting brake fluid pressure changes, and a second microswitch associated with the actuation device for detecting lever/pedal movement. This segmentation allows each microswitch to independently signal different aspects of braking, ensuring timely signaling even with short empty stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
A push rod is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element that transmits movement from the actuation device (lever or pedal) to the second microswitch. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the second microswitch is actuated directly by lever/pedal movement rather than relying on piston movement, thereby achieving timely signaling independent of empty stroke length.
2Ease of operation
If adjustable microswitches are used to accommodate ergonomic adjustments of the braking lever or pedal, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and adjustment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pump system is designed with universal mounting capabilities for both front and rear wheel applications, and the dual microswitch configuration works across different lever/pedal positions. The first microswitch responds to pressure changes while the second responds to mechanical movement, making the system universally applicable without requiring microswitch adjustments for different ergonomic configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual microswitch system automatically adapts to different braking configurations without requiring manual adjustment. The first microswitch self-activates when brake fluid pressure changes occur, and the second microswitch self-activates when the lever or pedal moves, eliminating the need for technicians to manually adjust microswitch positions during installation or ergonomic modifications.
3Measurement precision
If microswitches are adjusted during first assembling to ensure proper intervening point, then braking signaling accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pump is pre-assembled with the first microswitch positioned to detect pressure changes from the piston, and the second microswitch positioned to detect movement through the push rod mechanism. This preliminary positioning during manufacturing ensures that both microswitches are correctly configured before delivery, eliminating the need for field adjustments and ensuring accurate braking signaling from first installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The microswitches are designed to automatically detect their activation points based on the inherent mechanical characteristics of the piston and actuation device. The first microswitch activates when pressure changes occur during the power stroke, and the second microswitch activates when the lever or pedal moves through its normal range, requiring no manual adjustment to achieve proper signaling accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake pump for vehicles having a pump body and an actuation device, operatively associated with the pump body. The actuation device being operable to generate a braking. A piston is housed inside a housing of the pump body, the piston being operable by the actuation device to vary the pressure of a brake fluid in a braking system to which the brake pump belongs, to generate the braking. The brake pump also has a switch group and an auxiliary actuation element.