Compact Hydraulic Pump with Aligned Reservoir for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic brake pumps for bicycles and motorcycles are bulky, heavy, and have limited sealing durability due to the presence of compensating mechanisms that increase size and weight, and suffer from early gasket wear caused by manufacturing imperfections.
Innovation Solution
A compact and lightweight hydraulic pump design with a fluid compensating reservoir aligned with the cylindrical cavity, featuring a movable stem and elastic means for rapid connection closure and reopening, along with an elastic membrane for volume compensation, reduces axial development and enhances sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compensating mechanism with two holes and a compensating chamber is used, then fluid compensation is achieved, but the pump becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compensating chamber from the pump body and replaces it with a separate compensating reservoir connected via a single feeding hole. This separation removes the bulky internal compensating chamber structure while maintaining the fluid compensation function, thereby reducing pump weight and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the compensating reservoir from an internal axial arrangement to an external radial arrangement. By moving the reservoir to the side and connecting it through a single feeding hole in the cylinder wall, the design eliminates the need for axial space dedicated to compensation, reducing the pump's axial development and overall dimensions.
2Reliability
If a compensating mechanism with two holes and compensating chamber is used, then fluid compensation is achieved, but the axial development of the pump increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the compensating reservoir from an internal axial arrangement to an external radial arrangement. By moving the reservoir to the side and connecting it through a single feeding hole in the cylinder wall, the design eliminates the need for axial space dedicated to compensation, reducing the pump's axial development and overall dimensions.
3Reliability
If the main gasket is used to close the feeding hole during compression, then fluid return is prevented, but the gasket wears out early due to manufacturing imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a closing element as an intermediary component that performs the sealing function during compression. This closing element is specifically designed to seal the feeding hole temporarily during the compression stroke, preventing fluid return while minimizing direct wear on the main gasket. The closing element can be removed or replaced more easily than the main gasket.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of the sealing function through the closing element. Instead of relying solely on the main gasket to perform both sealing and wear-resistant functions, a secondary closing element replicates the sealing action during compression, allowing the main gasket to focus on its primary sealing role and extend its service life.
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 design results in a significantly reduced pump volume and weight, enabling more efficient operation and extended sealing durability, improving handling and performance by minimizing inertias and enhancing braking readiness.
Implementation Method 1
a wall (26) delimiting the reservoir (12) and being preferably defined by an elastic membrane
Implementation Method 2
elastic means (21, 25) interposed between the piston (5) and body (20)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2
AI summary
A hydraulic pump comprising a containment body (2) having inside a cylindrical cavity (3) provided with a conduit (4) communicating with a hydraulic actuator and capable of holding a fluid. A piston (5) is movable in the cylindrical cavity (3) and a reservoir (12) of the fluid is in fluid communication with the cylindrical cavity (3). Actuation means (6) connected to the piston (5) move the piston (5) within the cylindrical cavity (3) to operate the hydraulic actuator. The pump also comprises means (13) for closing or opening the connection between the reservoir (12) and the cylindrical cavity (3). The reservoir (12) is substantially lined up with the cylindrical cavity (3) along an axis of longitudinal development (X) of same cylindrical cavity (3), so as to reduce the overall dimensions and the weight of the pump.