Linked Vehicle Brake Lever Layout for Compact Synchronous Braking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing braking systems for two- or three-wheeled vehicles are complex, bulky, and expensive due to multiple master cylinders and hydraulic connections, making them difficult to accommodate in compact vehicles without compromising braking effectiveness and safety.

Innovation Solution

A brake system that uses a single effort at a second brake lever to synchronously actuate both the first and second wheel brakes through a rotatably pivoted second actuating member, minimizing the number of components and space required, and utilizing a reaction force to reduce the effort needed for simultaneous braking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple master cylinders and hydraulic connections are used to achieve effective braking of both wheels, then braking effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the actuation of both wheel brakes into a single integrated system. The second actuating member is rotatably pivoted and connected to both the first and second wheel brakes, allowing simultaneous actuation through a single brake lever. This merging of previously separate braking circuits reduces the number of master cylinders and hydraulic connections while maintaining braking effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second actuating member serves multiple functions: it directly actuates the second wheel brake and simultaneously actuates the first wheel brake through the additional transmission member. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuating mechanisms for each wheel brake, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple master cylinders and hydraulic connections are used to achieve effective braking of both wheels, then braking effectiveness is improved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking effectivenessVSAvoidspace required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the actuation mechanisms into a single integrated system with one brake lever and one rotatably pivoted actuating member, the patent significantly reduces the space required for housing multiple master cylinders and their associated hydraulic connections, while still achieving effective braking of both wheels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If additional rocker arms and connecting members are used to achieve linked braking, then simultaneous braking of both wheels is achieved, but weight and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous braking capabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple rocker arms and connecting members into a single rotatably pivoted actuating member that directly connects to both wheel brakes. This eliminates the need for separate connecting members and reduces the total number of parts while maintaining simultaneous braking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components such as additional rocker arms and connecting members from the traditional linked braking system. By using a direct rotational connection from the single actuating member to both brakes, the system achieves the same function with fewer parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If additional rocker arms and connecting members are used to achieve linked braking, then simultaneous braking of both wheels is achieved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous braking capabilityVSAvoidbrake system weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple separate components (rocker arms, connecting members) into a single integrated actuating mechanism, the patent reduces the total weight of the brake system while maintaining the capability for simultaneous braking of both wheels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system achieves effective and safe simultaneous braking of both wheels with reduced effort and minimal space and component usage, improving the compactness and cost-effectiveness of the braking system.

Implementation Method 1

A second actuating member rotatably pivoted and capable of actuating the second wheel brake upon application of the second brake lever; the reaction force from the second actuating member being configured to actuate the first actuating member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReaction force: Reaction (physics)

Data Source

PatentEP4237297B1A brake system for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 TVS MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4237297B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4237297B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)
  • EP4237297B1 patent drawingFigure 2(b)

AI summary

The present subject matter provides a brake system (160) for a vehicle. A first brake lever (155) functionally coupled to said one or more first wheel brake(s) through a first actuating member. A second brake lever (165) capable of actuating both one or more first wheel brake(s) and one or more second wheel brake(s) synchronously. A second actuating member (145) rotatably pivoted and the second actuating member (145) capable of actuating the one or more second wheel brake(s) (110). The second brake lever (165) configured to directly actuate the second actuating member (145). The first actuating member (135) is synchronously actuated by a reaction force of the second actuating member (145). The present subject matter eliminates the need for any intermediate levers and provides effective braking with minimal effort.