Self-Sealing Hydraulic Device for Bicycle Brake Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic bicycle systems lack a leak-proof structure in the hose assembly, leading to hydraulic oil leakage when detached from the brake hand lever assembly, contaminating the environment and user's clothing.
Innovation Solution
A self-sealing hydraulic device comprising a connecting assembly with an adaptor, male fitting, and barb fitting, and a hydraulic assembly with a housing, elastic element, and valve unit, which seals both the connecting and hydraulic assemblies to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hose assembly is detached from the brake hand lever assembly, then the brake system can be serviced or adjusted, but hydraulic oil leaks from the hose assembly contaminating the environment and user's clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-installed sealing structures (sealing rings, valve units) in the hose assembly and brake caliper connection interfaces. These sealing elements are positioned in advance to automatically seal the connection points when the hose is detached, preventing hydraulic oil leakage before the servicing operation completes. The elastic element and valve unit are pre-configured to activate sealing upon disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the automatic sealing mechanism that activates when the hose assembly is detached. The elastic element automatically moves the valve unit to seal the through hole without requiring external intervention or additional sealing components. The system seals itself upon disconnection, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations or user actions.
2Device complexity
If a conventional brake system with separate components is used, then assembly and disassembly are simple, but leak-proof capability is insufficient requiring additional sealing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function with the connection structure by integrating the valve unit, elastic element, and sealing rings directly into the hose assembly and brake caliper connection interfaces. This combination eliminates the need for separate sealing operations or additional sealing components, achieving both simple assembly and reliable leak-proof capability through a unified integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a fluid conduit and as a self-sealing connection interface. The integrated valve unit and sealing structures enable the hose assembly to perform both hydraulic fluid transmission and automatic sealing functions, eliminating the need for separate sealing components or operations.
3Device complexity
If the male fitting is fixed in the shell, then the structure is simple, but sealing capability when detached is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the male fitting axially movable within the shell rather than fixed. The elastic element provides the restoring force that moves the male fitting (and associated valve unit) to seal the connection interface when the hose assembly is detached. This dynamic mechanism enables automatic sealing while maintaining relatively simple structural 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
Effectively prevents hydraulic oil from leaking from both the connecting and hydraulic assemblies, ensuring no contamination when the assemblies are detached or connected, maintaining a sealed environment.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic element is disposed in the housing. The valve unit is disposed inside the hydraulic chamber and driven by the elastic element to seal the through hole.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-sealing hydraulic device has a connecting assembly and a hydraulic assembly. The connecting assembly has an adaptor having a shell, a male fitting, and a barb fitting. The male fitting is mounted in the shell, is axially moveable relative to the shell, and has an axial hole and a radial hole orthogonally communicating with the axial hole. The radial hole is sealed by the shell. The barb fitting is connected to and communicates with both the shell and a hose. The hydraulic assembly is assembleable to the connecting assembly and has a housing, an elastic element, and a valve unit. The housing has a hydraulic chamber and an assembling hole communicating with the hydraulic chamber via a through hole. The elastic element is disposed in the housing. The valve unit is disposed inside the hydraulic chamber and driven by the elastic element to seal the through hole.