Braking System Integrated Venting and Filling Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hydraulic braking systems for bicycles are cumbersome and hazardous to handle, especially during filling and bleeding, due to the need for extensive equipment and the risk of hydraulic fluid spillage and skin contact, which complicates the process and increases the risk of damage or injury.
Innovation Solution
A braking system with a venting and filling tool that uses a piston-cylinder arrangement, allowing for precise metering and generation of pressure and vacuum, enabling bubble-free filling and venting without additional aids, utilizing a detachable connection with a Luer cone or Luer lock for secure and easy handling, and integrating the tool into the transmitter system for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional filling and venting equipment is used, then the hydraulic system can be filled and vented, but the process becomes cumbersome and hazardous requiring extensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates the filling and venting functions directly into a single integrated tool that combines a filling device with a venting device. This merged tool eliminates the need for multiple separate equipment pieces (hoses, collection containers, plastic bottles) and provides a self-contained solution that is both safe and simple to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated filling and venting tool performs multiple functions: it can fill the hydraulic system with brake fluid, vent air bubbles from the system, and collect excess fluid all through a single device. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate filling equipment and venting equipment, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional filling methods are used, then brake fluid can be filled into the system, but there is high risk of fluid spillage and skin contact
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated filling and venting tool acts as an intermediary device between the brake fluid container and the hydraulic system. It includes a collection container that is integrated into the tool, which captures excess brake fluid during the filling process, preventing it from spilling onto the user's skin or the environment. The tool provides a controlled pathway for fluid transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling device automatically regulates the filling process and collects excess fluid through its integrated collection container. The system self-manages the fluid transfer process without requiring manual intervention to prevent spills, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of skin contact and fluid spillage inherent in traditional manual filling methods.
3Quantity of substance
If manual filling with plastic bottles is used, then filling is possible, but the process requires repeated squeezing and reshaping which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the manual mechanical action of squeezing and reshaping plastic bottles with a mechanically assisted filling device that uses a piston-cylinder arrangement. This mechanical system automatically pressurizes and transfers the brake fluid through the hydraulic system without requiring repeated manual manipulation, significantly improving filling speed and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling device is pre-filled with brake fluid in a controlled manner before use. The piston-cylinder arrangement is prepared in advance with the appropriate amount of fluid, eliminating the need for repeated filling operations. The preliminary preparation of the filling device with integrated collection container and pre-measured fluid quantities streamlines the entire filling process.
4Reliability
If large expansion tank with large air space is used, then air bubbles can escape, but it requires a lot of space not available in bicycles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the venting function from the expansion tank by providing a dedicated venting device that can be detachably connected to the hydraulic system. Instead of relying on a large expansion tank with air space for venting, the segmented approach uses a separate venting tool with its own air collection chamber, allowing effective air bubble removal without increasing the size of the expansion tank or requiring additional space in the bicycle frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting device acts as an intermediary between the hydraulic system and the atmosphere for air bubble removal. It provides a controlled pathway for air bubbles to escape from the hydraulic lines without requiring a large expansion tank. The venting device's air collection chamber temporarily holds air bubbles during the venting process, enabling effective air removal in space-constrained bicycle applications.
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
Simplifies and safens the filling and bleeding process by allowing precise control and minimizing the risk of fluid escape, reducing equipment needs, and ensuring safe handling, making it suitable for small hydraulic systems like those in bicycles.
Implementation Method 1
both pressure and a comparatively high negative pressure can thus be generated, through which filling of the hydraulic system with suction is possible in addition to flushing
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic fluid is then sucked in from the lower end of the hydraulic system by suction with its piston-cylinder arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The system has a dispensing system (2) filled with hydraulic fluid and a brake device hydraulically connected with the dispensing system. The dispensing system has a fluid reservoir and a filling and ventilating opening (15). Ventilation and filling tool (23) having a piston cylinder arrangement is integrated into the dispensing system, where the filling and ventilation opening is designed for detachable attachment of the ventilation and filling tool.