Unitized Brake Actuator With Spring Backup for Straddle Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The compact size of straddle-type vehicles poses challenges in accommodating brake fluid pipes and actuator systems, leading to difficulties in applying consistent frictional force to wheels, especially when the actuator is non-energized, which compromises safety and mountability of the brake system.
Innovation Solution
A brake system that incorporates an operator movement sensor and an actuator unitized with the friction applying device, where a control unit adjusts the actuator's output based on sensor data to maintain frictional force during normal braking, ensuring friction is applied even when the actuator is non-energized, utilizing a hydraulic pressure adjusting unit to manage brake fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an actuator unitized with the friction applying device is adopted to simplify the brake system, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates because frictional force cannot be applied when energization of the actuator is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is pre-loaded to store elastic energy in advance, creating a ready-to-act friction applying mechanism. When the actuator fails or loses power, the pre-compressed spring immediately engages to apply frictional force to the wheel, ensuring continuous braking capability without requiring active energization.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member acts as a backup mechanism that compensates for potential actuator failure. By having the spring pre-positioned and pre-loaded, the system cushions against the harmful effect of actuator non-energization, ensuring that braking function is maintained even when the actuator cannot operate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the brake system uses a compact configuration suitable for straddle-type vehicles, then ease of operation is improved and adaptability is enhanced, but device complexity increases due to the need for integrated actuator and friction applying device
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator and friction applying device are merged into a single integrated unit. The actuator directly operates the friction applying device through mechanical connection, eliminating the need for separate hydraulic lines and complex control mechanisms. This integration reduces the overall number of components while maintaining full braking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member serves multiple functions: it acts as a friction applying element during normal operation, provides backup braking when the actuator fails, and can be pre-loaded to adjust braking force characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall system while enhancing adaptability to compact vehicle platforms.
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
This configuration ensures consistent braking performance and improved safety by maintaining frictional force application to the wheels, even when the actuator is not energized, thus enhancing the mountability and reliability of the brake system on straddle-type vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a wheel cylinder which communicates with the master cylinder via a fluid passage filled with brake fluid
Implementation Method 2
a friction applying device which brakes a wheel with a frictional force corresponding to at least a movement of the operator
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to improve mountability of a brake system to a straddle-type vehicle while considering safety.In a brake system, a mechanism portion includes a friction applying device which brakes a wheel of a straddle-type vehicle with a frictional force corresponding to a movement of an operator, an operator movement sensor which detects the movement of the operator, and an actuator which is unitized with the friction applying device. During normal braking, a control unit controls an output of the actuator based on a detection result of the operator movement sensor to change the frictional force applied to the wheel by the friction applying device. Further, when the actuator is in a non-energized state, the friction applying device applies a frictional force to the wheel.