Elastic Piston Head for Breathable Low Pressure Accumulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low pressure accumulators in vehicle hydraulic braking systems have limited volumetric capacity, which cannot be easily increased without enlarging the accumulator size, restricting their application in systems requiring higher fluid storage without significant physical modifications.
Innovation Solution
A breathable low pressure accumulator design featuring a piston with an elastic rubber piston head that stretches into a hollow dome when fluid is introduced, allowing for increased volume without altering the bore size, and incorporating a spring for biasing and check valves for fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the bore diameter and piston stroke are increased to increase volumetric capacity, then the volumetric capacity is improved, but the physical size of the accumulator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston head is made elastic instead of rigid, allowing it to dynamically change its volume during operation. When hydraulic fluid enters the accumulator, the elastic piston head stretches and deforms to accommodate the incoming fluid, maximizing the use of available space within the fixed bore dimensions. This dynamic deformation capability enables increased volumetric capacity without increasing the external dimensions of the accumulator.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston head is constructed from elastic material (such as rubber) that can stretch and deform. This flexible piston head can expand into the hollow dome region when fluid is introduced, effectively utilizing the available volume within the fixed bore. The flexibility allows the piston to adapt its shape and volume to maximize fluid storage capacity without requiring a larger accumulator housing.
2Quantity of substance
If a rigid piston is used to seal between the piston and cylinder wall, then the sealing function is achieved, but the volumetric capacity is limited by the fixed piston dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The piston head is made from elastic material that can stretch and deform while maintaining sealing contact with the cylinder wall. This flexible piston head can expand into the hollow dome region when fluid is introduced, effectively utilizing the available volume within the fixed bore. The flexibility allows the piston to adapt its shape and volume to maximize fluid storage capacity without requiring a larger accumulator housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston is constructed as a composite structure combining an elastic piston head (made of rubber or similar elastomeric material) with a rigid piston body (metal skirt). The elastic head provides volume expansion capability while the rigid body provides structural support and sealing surfaces. This composite construction enables the piston to both seal effectively and dynamically change volume to increase capac
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
This design enhances the volumetric capacity of low pressure accumulators, enabling more efficient fluid storage within the same physical constraints, thereby supporting higher fluid requirements in braking systems without the need for larger accumulator sizes.
Implementation Method 1
A piston slides within the bore and includes an elastic piston head... The elastic piston head is formed of rubber... The elastic piston head is molded into the piston... the elastic piston head stretches into the hollow dome when fluid is introduced
Implementation Method 2
A spring urges the piston towards a first end of the bore... Spring 18 urges piston 16 towards the bottom of bore 12
Implementation Method 3
The fluid can be released through an outlet port 26. Outlet port 26 may include a check valve 28
Data Source
AI summary
A breathable low pressure accumulator includes a housing with a cylindrical bore formed therein. A piston slides within the bore and includes an elastic piston head. A biasing member urges the piston towards a first end of the bore. At least one passage communicates between an exterior of the housing and a volume that is enclosed by the bore and the elastic piston head. The elastic piston head is formed of rubber. The elastic piston head is molded into the piston.