Cam-Actuated Hydraulic Braking for Dust-Free ABS Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic mechanical braking systems rely on abrasive materials like brake pads and discs, generating particulates, and are affected by wet weather. They also require conventional callipers and slave cylinders, which can lead to inefficiencies and wear.
Innovation Solution
A braking system that uses a cam coupled to a transmission shaft or trailing wheel, with hydraulic cylinder assemblies and a hydraulic circuit to control fluid flow, inhibiting cam rotation and providing a braking force without abrasive materials or conventional callipers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional abrasive materials (brake pads, brake shoes, brake discs, brake drums) are used, then braking force is achieved, but particulates (brake dust) are generated causing environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical friction-based braking system with a hydraulic system. Instead of using abrasive materials that generate particulates, the invention uses hydraulic pressure transmitted through fluid to actuate brake mechanisms, eliminating brake dust generation while maintaining effective braking force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic system where brake force is generated through hydraulic pressure. A master brake valve controls hydraulic fluid flow to actuate brake mechanisms, replacing the mechanical contact system with a fluid-based transmission system that does not produce particulate pollution
2Reliability
If conventional brake callipers or slave cylinders are used, then braking control is achieved, but wear and inefficiency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the conventional brake calliper and slave cylinder components from the braking system. By removing these traditional elements, the invention simplifies the overall system architecture while improving reliability through a more direct hydraulic actuation mechanism that reduces wear points
Solution Approach 2:
The master brake valve in the patent serves multiple functions: it controls hydraulic fluid flow direction, regulates braking force, and manages fluid circulation within the system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the system while maintaining control effectiveness
3Ease of operation
If conventional open braking systems are used, then braking operation is simple, but wet weather (rain) affects performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sealed hydraulic components with protective housings that enclose the hydraulic fluid and internal mechanisms. This sealing approach protects the braking system from water and moisture ingress, ensuring consistent performance in wet weather while maintaining ease of operation through the enclosed hydraulic design
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 system achieves effective braking without generating particulates, is not affected by wet weather, and reduces wear by engaging and disengaging hydraulic cylinder assemblies only when braking is required, thus enhancing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a cam coupled to a transmission shaft or a trailing wheel for rotation therewith, the cam comprising a circumferential cam face; at least two hydraulic cylinder assemblies, each assembly comprising a cylinder and a piston configured to reciprocate relative to one another and a cam follower attached to either the cylinder or the piston and arranged to contact the cam face, whereby rotation of the cam causes the cam follower and the cylinder or the piston to which it is attached to reciprocate relative to the other of the piston or the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic circuit connecting the hydraulic cylinder assemblies together through which hydraulic fluid flows as the cylinder and piston of each assembly reciprocate relative to each other; a master brake valve configured to control the flow of fluid around the hydraulic circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A hydraulic/mechanical braking system for a vehicle comprises a cam (128) keyed onto a transmission shaft or a trailing wheel and at least two hydraulic cylinder assemblies (126,129) including a cam follower (127). A hydraulic circuit (C) connects the hydraulic cylinder assemblies together. A master brake valve (113) controls the flow of fluid in the circuit. Actuation of the master brake valve (113) obstructs the flow of fluid and hence the reciprocation of the hydraulic cylinder assemblies, forcing the cam following against the cam to resist rotation. The cam (128) is formed with two opposing flat faces (142, 143) in order to provide an anti-lock braking system (ABS).