Hydraulic Float Valve for Bicycle Fluid Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic operating devices for bicycles and motorcycles are difficult to fill and clean, and lack a straightforward method to detect the quantity of fluid in the tank chamber.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic operating device with a float valve system that includes a first and second chamber in fluid communication, a control lever, piston, and a floating plug, allowing for easy filling, cleaning, and fluid level detection by sliding the floating plug within the second chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional hydraulic operating device structure is used, then the hydraulic system can function, but it is difficult to fill with hydraulic fluid and difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic operating device is divided into separate components: a removable cap assembly that separates from the main body, allowing the reservoir to be accessed independently. This segmentation enables easy filling and cleaning without disassembling the entire device, resolving the contradiction between ease of maintenance and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap and reservoir opening are extracted as a separate removable assembly from the main hydraulic device body. This allows the reservoir to be easily accessed for filling and cleaning operations, while the main body retains its structural integrity, thus improving ease of manufacture and maintenance without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If no fluid level detection mechanism is added, then the device structure remains simple, but there is no method to detect the quantity of fluid in the tank-chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve assembly serves dual functions: it automatically controls fluid flow to maintain proper levels while simultaneously providing visual indication of fluid quantity through the transparent reservoir. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate detection devices, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent or translucent reservoir material allows visual detection of fluid levels by observing the meniscus or fluid color contrast. This passive optical detection method provides fluid level information without adding mechanical or electronic detection components, thus improving detectability while maintaining simple device structure.
3Ease of operation
If a float valve system is added for easy filling and fluid level detection, then filling and detection become easy, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve assembly is merged with the cap structure, combining the filling mechanism, fluid level control, and detection functions into a single integrated component. This merging allows easy operation for filling and detection while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating multiple functions into one assembly rather than adding separate components.
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 easy filling and cleaning of the hydraulic system fluid and allows for accurate detection of fluid levels, enhancing the operational efficiency and maintenance of hydraulic systems in bicycles and motorcycles.
Implementation Method 1
a floating plug (90) slidably mounted inside the second chamber (12) by means of two interlocking O-rings (93)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A hydraulic operating device (10) for a fluid of a cycle or of a motorcycle hydraulic system comprising a body (100), a first chamber (11) carved in the body (100) adapted to house an actuating piston (30), a second tank-chamber (12) carved in the body (100) and in fluid communication with said first chamber (11), a floating plug (90), a sphere (95), an elastic element (75), a rear sealing element (96) and a rear plug (102).