Wheel Hub Brake Assembly for Controlled Automatic Bicycle Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle brake arrangements for children and seniors are prone to abrupt braking, inadequate braking in wet conditions, and are not universally compatible with different bicycle models, making them unsafe and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A brake arrangement housed within the wheel hub of a bicycle, featuring an adjusting mechanism with an electric motor and a wedge gear design, which allows for controlled and durable braking, compatible with various bicycle models, and includes a battery pack for power storage and recuperation, enabling secure and adaptable braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brake wedge is placed on the bicycle frame to clamp the rear wheel, then braking function is achieved, but the arrangement is prone to misalignment and damage when the bicycle falls
Solution Approach 1:
The brake arrangement is merged with the wheel hub, integrating the braking mechanism into the existing wheel structure. The brake element is positioned inside the wheel hub to act on the tire or rim, combining the braking function with the wheel assembly to eliminate separate brake components that are vulnerable to damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake element is nested within the wheel hub structure, placing the braking mechanism inside the protective enclosure of the wheel hub. This nesting protects the brake components from external damage while maintaining braking functionality through internal actuation.
2Extent of automation
If a brake wedge is pre-tensioned towards the braking position, then automatic braking is enabled, but the braking is too abrupt on dry tires causing rider falls
Solution Approach 1:
The brake element is designed to be movable between walking and braking positions with controlled actuation. The mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of brake engagement, enabling gradual or controlled braking rather than abrupt engagement, thereby preventing rider falls while maintaining automatic braking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking characteristics can be adjusted by changing parameters such as brake force, engagement speed, or pre-tensioning level. This allows optimization of braking smoothness for different tire conditions while maintaining automatic braking function.
3Reliability
If the brake arrangement is placed on the bicycle frame, then braking function is achieved, but it cannot be easily adapted to different bicycle models
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel hub serves multiple functions: it supports the wheel assembly and now also houses the braking mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the same wheel hub design to be used across different bicycle models, providing universal compatibility while maintaining reliable braking function.
4Speed
If the brake element is exposed on the bicycle, then braking action is direct, but the arrangement is vulnerable to weather conditions and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The brake element is nested within the wheel hub enclosure, protecting it from weather conditions and mechanical damage. The protected position maintains braking effectiveness while shielding components from environmental degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel hub acts as an intermediary structure that protects the brake element from direct exposure to weather and damage while still allowing the brake to function effectively on the tire or rim.
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 provides a secure, adaptable, and durable braking system that functions consistently across different weather conditions and bicycle models, reducing the risk of falls and mechanical damage, while allowing for remote or automatic activation for enhanced safety.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating mechanism (30) with a wedge gear design
Implementation Method 2
the brake element (24) can be pressed against the inside of a brake drum (25)
Implementation Method 3
an adjusting mechanism with an electric motor
Implementation Method 4
includes a battery pack for power storage and recuperation
Data Source
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AI summary
A brake assembly (22) for a bicycle (2) comprises at least one brake element (24) that can be moved between a running position and a braking position, an actuating mechanism (30) for moving the brake element (24) between the running position and the braking position, and a control device (46) for activating the actuating mechanism (30) depending on a signal (S) received via a receiver unit (48). The at least one brake element (24), the actuating mechanism (30), and the control device (46) are provided for within a wheel hub (8).