Combined E-Bike Braking with ABS and Backup Rear Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric bicycles lack a braking system that ensures maximum safety for inexperienced users under various operating conditions, including wheel lock and loss of ground contact, without requiring complex or expensive solutions.
Innovation Solution
An electrically-operated ABS device is integrated into the hydraulic connections of the braking system to detect wheel lock or loss of ground contact, reducing fluid pressure to the brakes as needed, and a backup brake lever is provided for emergencies, ensuring safe braking regardless of user experience or conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a main brake lever controls both front and rear brakes, then the braking system is simplified and easier to operate, but the safety is reduced because inexperienced users may apply excessive braking force causing wheel lock or loss of ground contact
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors braking parameters including wheel speed, braking force, and ground contact status. When wheel lock or loss of ground contact is detected, the system automatically adjusts braking force distribution between front and rear brakes, providing real-time feedback control to maintain safety while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking system dynamically adjusts the braking force distribution ratio between front and rear brakes based on real-time operating conditions. The control unit modifies the braking parameters adaptively, changing the braking force allocation from static to dynamic control, thereby preventing wheel lock and maintaining ground contact while keeping the single-lever operation simple.
2Reliability
If an ABS system is added to prevent wheel lock and maintain safety, then braking safety is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors wheel speed, detects ground contact status, calculates braking force distribution, and controls both front and rear brake actuators. By integrating these functions into a single control system, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ABS safety benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the ABS control functions with the existing brake lever operation system. The control unit integrates wheel speed sensing, ground contact detection, and braking force regulation into a unified system that works through the single main brake lever, merging multiple safety functions without adding separate control mechanisms that would increase complexity.
3Productivity
If the braking system is designed to generate greater braking torque at the front brake, then stopping performance is improved, but the risk of wheel lock and loss of ground contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the braking torque distribution ratio between front and rear brakes based on real-time wheel speed and ground contact status. While the front brake can generate greater braking torque for improved stopping performance, the control unit continuously monitors and adjusts the distribution to prevent wheel lock and maintain rear wheel ground contact, transforming static torque allocation into dynamic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from wheel speed sensors and ground contact detection mechanisms. When the front brake generates excessive braking torque approaching wheel lock threshold or when rear wheel ground contact is compromised, the system automatically reduces front brake torque or increases rear brake torque, providing real-time feedback control to balance stopping performance with wheel lock prevention.
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 provides maximum safety during braking by preventing wheel lock and maintaining control, even for inexperienced users, through adaptive pressure regulation and a backup mechanism, enhancing overall operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
a pumping hydraulic cylinder (C1) of the main brake lever (L1), while having an outlet (7C) connected to a hydraulic actuator (6) of the rear brake (FP)
Implementation Method 2
the electrically-operated ABS device is interposed both in the hydraulic connection between the pumping hydraulic cylinder of the main brake lever and the hydraulic actuator of the front brake, and in the hydraulic connection between the pumping hydraulic cylinder of the main brake lever and the hydraulic actuator of the rear brake
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An electric bicycle comprises a braking system including a main brake lever (LI), for combined actuation of the front brake (FA) and of the rear brake (FP), associated with a hydraulic pumping cylinder (Cl), and a hydraulic connection circuit (7), which connects the hydraulic pumping cylinder with the hydraulic actuator (5) of the front brake and with the hydraulic actuator (6) of the rear brake. The bicycle comprises a back-up brake lever (L2), with which a pumping hydraulic cylinder (C2) is associated, and a hydraulic line (8) connecting the pumping hydraulic cylinder of the back-up brake lever only with the hydraulic actuator of the rear brake or only with a hydraulic actuator associated with an auxiliary rear brake. The bicycle further comprises an electrically-operated ABS device.