Linear Hydraulic Control Unit for Motorcycle ABS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-lock braking systems (ABS) designed for automobiles are not efficiently adapted for motorcycles and motor scooters due to spatial constraints, requiring a hydraulic modulator unit that can effectively manage brake fluid pressure within the limited and open frame structures of these vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A linear hydraulic control unit with a motor section, hydraulic block, and control section secured together, featuring a pumping assembly driven by a rotatable piston bearing surface, and utilizing a ball bearing assembly to reduce frictional energy loss and increase durability, allowing for a compact and efficient ABS system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-channel integrated ECHU designs are used, then braking performance is achieved, but spatial efficiency in motorcycle frames is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic control unit is divided into separate pump and valve assemblies with independent mounting, allowing flexible spatial arrangement within the motorcycle frame rather than a fixed integrated configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a compact integrated three-dimensional arrangement to a distributed linear configuration that exploits the planar dimensions of motorcycle frames, mounting components along the frame length rather than stacking them vertically
2Productivity
If opposed piston pumps with common motor are used, then pumping efficiency is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two independent single-acting piston pumps instead of one dual-acting pump, with each pump having its own drive mechanism. This segmentation simplifies the internal geometry of each pump and reduces the complexity of synchronizing opposed pistons
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single motor driving both pumps through a common cam or eccentric mechanism, the invention inverts the approach by using two separate motors, each directly driving its own pump, thereby eliminating the complex transmission mechanism
3Device complexity
If integrated ECU and HCU are used, then valve solenoids can be surface mounted reducing assembly complexity, but adaptability to motorcycle frame constraints is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into separate ECU and HCU units that can be independently positioned and oriented to match different motorcycle frame configurations, rather than a fixed integrated assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The separated HCU design with standardized mounting interfaces can be adapted to various motorcycle frame types and configurations, providing universal applicability across different vehicle platforms
4Area of stationary object
If compact linear configuration is used, then spatial efficiency is improved, but motor power requirements may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two single-acting piston pumps that operate in alternating cycles, with each pump delivering fluid during its power stroke while the other retracts. This periodic action allows smaller individual motors to achieve the same average pumping capacity that would require a larger continuous-duty motor
Solution Approach 2:
The pump delivery is dynamically modulated through the alternating operation of the two pumps and the ABS control valves, allowing the system to achieve variable effective pumping capacity that reduces peak motor power requirements while maintaining compact dimensions
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 enables a compact, efficient, and durable ABS system that reduces motor power requirements, minimizes brake line complexity, and maintains braking performance, even in constrained vehicle frames, with improved responsiveness and reduced risk of total braking failure.
Implementation Method 1
the pumping assembly being reciprocalably driven by the rotatable piston bearing surface along an axis radially disposed from and otherwise parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable piston bearing surface
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a ball bearing assembly to reduce frictional energy loss and increase durability
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic control unit for a motor vehicle having a motor providing a drive shaft driving a rotatable piston bearing surface at a proximal end of the motor, a hydraulic block providing cavities housing a pumping assembly and fluid control valves, and a control section providing solenoid coils receiving portions of the fluid control valves, with the pump cavity being disposed on a first end of the hydraulic block and the valve cavities being disposed on an opposite end of the hydraulic block, and the pumping assembly being reciprocalably driven by the rotatable piston bearing surface along an axis radially disposed from and otherwise parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable piston bearing surface. In another aspect, a pump element having a ball bearing assembly mounted at an oblique angle with respect to the axis of rotation of a seat, and a pumping assembly reciprocally bearing against an outer portion of the ball bearing assembly.