Proportional Vehicle Brake Actuation via Friction-Driven Slider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems for two-wheeled vehicles are unsafe as they can cause the front wheel to lock up during braking, leading to loss of control and potential accidents, especially when excessive braking force is applied, as they do not effectively manage the distribution of braking force between the front and rear wheels.
Innovation Solution
A braking apparatus that includes two or more brake mechanisms actuated by one or more brake controls, where the friction force from the first brake actuator automatically engages the second brake actuator, ensuring both brakes are applied simultaneously to prevent the front wheel from locking up by adjusting the braking force proportionally based on the rear wheel's rotational force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single brake lever is used to control both front and rear brakes, then the braking operation is simplified, but the distribution of braking force cannot be controlled leading to wheel lock-up
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the friction force generated by the first brake as a self-powered actuation mechanism for the second brake. The brake pad friction against the rotating structure automatically engages the second brake actuator, eliminating the need for additional power sources or complex electronic controls while achieving proportional braking force distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The friction force between the brake pad and rotating structure serves as an intermediary mechanism that transfers and regulates braking force. This intermediary friction interface converts the braking action into a controlled signal that proportionally actuates the second brake, enabling safe force distribution without direct mechanical linkage
2Speed
If excessive braking force is applied to the front brake, then stopping distance is reduced, but the front wheel locks up causing loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback control where the friction force from the first brake continuously monitors and regulates the actuation of the second brake. This feedback mechanism ensures that braking force on the front wheel never exceeds the threshold that would cause lock-up, maintaining vehicle control while achieving optimal stopping performance
3Reliability
If independent brake controls are used for front and rear brakes, then braking force distribution can be controlled, but the complexity of the brake system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control functions of two independent brakes into a single integrated mechanism. The first brake actuator and second brake actuator are combined such that one braking action automatically triggers the other through friction-based force transfer, achieving coordinated braking force distribution while maintaining a simple single-lever control interface
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 solution allows for safe and controlled braking by preventing the front wheel from skidding and maintaining rider stability, even with excessive braking forces, by automatically adjusting the braking force applied to the front wheel based on the rear wheel's traction, thus reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The brake pad is pressed against a rotating structure of the first wheel to slow or stop the rotation of the first wheel
Implementation Method 2
The friction force of the brake against a rotating structure then actuates a second brake actuator coupled to the second brake
Data Source
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AI summary
A braking system includes a brake pad that is coupled to a slider assembly that moves linearly within a guide. The slider assembly and guide are coupled to a first brake. A second brake actuator is coupled to the slider assembly, the guide and a second brake. When the first brake is actuated, the slider assembly is pressed against a rotating braking surface and the friction of the brake pad against the rotating braking surface can cause the slider assembly to move within the guide which actuates the second brake actuator. The second brake actuator then actuates the second brake. When the first brake is released, the slider assembly is removed from the rotating braking surface and the second brake actuator is released which releases the second brake.