Hydraulic Brake Mechanism With Integrated Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic brake systems for vehicles, such as bicycles, lack an ergonomic and efficient actuation mechanism that integrates both braking and shifting operations, leading to a need for an improved design that enhances user control and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic brake actuation mechanism featuring a housing with a base and extension portion, a master cylinder assembly, a pivotally attached lever, and a shift device, which allows for simultaneous braking and shifting operations while maintaining ergonomic design and user control, incorporating a fluid chamber, piston, and fluid line configuration that facilitates smooth operation and low profile integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hydraulic brake system is used, then the braking function is achieved, but the system lacks ergonomic design and cannot integrate shifting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the brake lever and shift lever into a single integrated housing structure. The brake lever is pivotally mounted within the housing that also contains the shift device, allowing both braking and shifting operations to be performed from a single ergonomic location on the handlebar, thus merging two separate functions into one unified control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the main body for the brake mechanism, contains the fluid chamber and piston assembly, provides mounting for both the brake lever and shift device, and incorporates the fluid line routing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components, achieving versatility while maintaining ergonomic operation.
2Shape
If a compact housing design is used, then the profile is low and ergonomics are improved, but the internal space for fluid chamber and components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the fluid chamber is positioned within the housing interior, the piston assembly is nested within the fluid chamber, and the seal is nested within the piston assembly. This nested doll-style configuration maximizes the use of internal space within the compact housing, allowing sufficient fluid chamber volume while maintaining a low external profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid chamber is oriented in a specific dimensional arrangement within the housing, with the outlet port positioned to facilitate fluid line routing along the extension portion. This strategic spatial arrangement in three-dimensional space optimizes the use of available volume while maintaining the compact external shape required for ergonomic integration.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fluid line is routed externally, then the connection is simple, but the profile increases and ergonomics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a groove formed within the housing that serves as a routing channel for the fluid line. This groove acts as a flexible pathway that guides the fluid line from the fluid outlet port along the extension portion of the housing to the brake caliper, keeping the line concealed within the housing contours rather than exposed externally, thus maintaining a smooth profile while facilitating simple connection.
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 solution provides an ergonomic and efficient hydraulic brake actuation mechanism that enables seamless integration of braking and shifting, enhancing user control and comfort by allowing both functions to be performed without interrupting the vehicle's operation, while maintaining a low profile and smooth contour for improved ergonomics.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic brake actuation mechanism... that generates hydraulic pressure to be applied to a brake caliper
Implementation Method 2
a method including providing a hydraulic brake mechanism... wherein the seal has a friction contact with at least one of the piston and the fluid chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic brake mechanism is mountable to a bicycle handlebar. The hydraulic brake mechanism includes a housing having a base portion and an extension portion, the base portion including first and second ends, the base portion including a handlebar clamp at the first end, the base portion extending generally horizontally and the extension portion extending forwardly of the base portion at the second end and angled generally upwardly from the base portion when the hydraulic brake mechanism is mounted to the bicycle handlebar, the housing sized and shaped to be grasped by a user's hand, the housing having a fluid outlet port in the extension portion. The hydraulic brake mechanism may include a fluid line attached to the fluid outlet port and disposed in a groove formed along a length of the extension portion and the base portion of the housing.