Electric Bicycle Brake Device with Self-Powered Hydraulic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems for human-powered vehicles, especially those that are electrically assisted, face challenges in efficiently applying braking forces without relying on external power sources and require complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
A brake device and system that utilizes a power transfer medium operated braking portion driven by an electric motor, where the motor is powered by an onboard electric power generator or storage device, simplifying the configuration and eliminating the need for external power supplies, and includes a caliper with slave pistons and a fluid power transfer medium for effective braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brake device uses an electric motor powered by an external power supply to drive the braking portion, then the braking performance can be improved, but the device complexity and dependency on external power sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake device uses an electric power generator that is integrated into the vehicle's drivetrain to generate electrical energy during vehicle operation. This generated energy is stored in a power storage device (battery or capacitor) located within the brake assembly, allowing the electric motor to operate independently without external power supply connections. The system serves itself by utilizing the vehicle's motion to power the braking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric power generator serves dual purposes: it generates electrical energy for the electric motor while also potentially providing regenerative braking capability. The power storage device not only stores energy for the motor but also ensures continuous operation during high-demand braking situations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power supply systems.
2Measurement precision
If the brake device is configured with multiple actuators and power transfer media, then the braking control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake device replaces traditional mechanical cable-actuated braking systems with an electric motor-driven system. The electric motor provides precise rotational control, which is then converted to linear motion through a lead screw or belt mechanism to actuate the caliper. This substitution of mechanical cable pulling with electric motor control enables more precise braking force application with fewer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic fluid as a power transfer medium between the electric motor and the caliper braking portion. The electric motor drives a pump or uses hydraulic pressure directly generated by the motor's motion to actuate the caliper pistons. This hydraulic transmission provides smooth, controllable force multiplication while reducing the need for complex mechanical linkages and cable systems.
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
Enables efficient and reliable braking of human-powered vehicle rotary bodies using electric power generated during travel, reducing complexity and dependency on external power sources while maintaining effective braking performance.
Implementation Method 1
the second actuator includes an electric motor, the first actuator includes a pump using a fluid as the power transfer medium, and the pump includes a master piston configured to be driven by the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
the power transfer medium operated braking portion includes a caliper configured to clamp the rotary body. The caliper includes a caliper body, a plurality of slave pistons provided at the caliper body, and a flow passage provided at the caliper body to apply hydraulic pressure to the slave pistons
Data Source
AI summary
A brake device is configured to apply a braking force to a rotary body of a human-powered vehicle. The brake device includes a power transfer medium operated braking portion, a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator is operatively coupled to the power transfer medium operated braking portion by a power transfer medium. The second actuator is operatively coupled to the first actuator and operated by electric power in accordance with an input to an operating device.