Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to brakes for vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a unified braking system.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Existing vehicular braking mechanism use friction between friction braking surfaces, such as calipers, brake pads or brake shoes, and corresponding wheels of vehicles to cause said vehicles to slow down or come to a halt. Friction between said elements creates resistance against the motion of the wheels of the vehicle and prevents said wheels from moving or continuing to move.
[0004] Typically, a hydraulic actuator or a set of cables actuators that used to actuate friction braking surfaces to engage with wheels of vehicles. In brakes using cable-actuators, each of the friction braking surfaces are actuated by an independent cable. For instance, a first cable may actuate friction braking surfaces of a front wheel while a second cable may actuate friction braking surfaces of a second wheel.
[0005] In many situations, drivers may only be able to engage one of the many cables for braking, thereby unevenly braking the wheels of the vehicle. This poses a significant risk to the drivers as uneven braking of the wheels may cause slippages and lead to accidents. For instance, only actuating brakes of the rear wheels of a two wheeled vehicle may cause said vehicle to drift and lose control. Existing braking systems do not provide actuate all wheels of the vehicle using a single cable.
[0006] Additionally, existing solutions do not allow brakes to be actuated simultaneously, or one after the other with a predetermined time delay. Further, existing solutions also do not distribute load torque between each wheel of the vehicle when the cable actuators are tensioned. Distributing torque loads may be important as they enhance stability and extend lifespans of the friction braking surfaces. For instance, existing solutions cannot actuate both front and rear wheels simultaneous on actuating a single cable, or the rear wheel brakes first and then the front brakes with a time delay, while also distributing torque loads in a predetermined ratio.
[0007] There is, therefore, a need for a device that addresses the aforementioned shortcomings of existing solutions.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are listed herein below.
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a unified braking system.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a unified braking system that engages a plurality of friction braking surfaces with corresponding wheels of a vehicle on actuation of any of one or more cables associated therewith.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a unified braking system that enhances stability of the vehicle during braking, thereby reducing jerks and improving comfort.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a unified braking system that distributes torque loads to each wheel of the vehicle in a predetermined ratio.
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a unified braking system that causes a time delay between actuation of brakes of each wheel of the vehicle.
[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a unified braking system that is cost effective, by requiring fewer number of cables compared to existing solutions.
[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a unified braking system that extends the lifespan of friction braking surfaces by optimally distributing torque load to each wheel of the vehicle.
[0016] The other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

SUMMARY
[0017] Aspects of the present disclosure relates generally to brakes for vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a unified braking system.
[0018] In an aspect, a unified braking system may include a gliding plate configured to slidably move inside a housing, one or more control cables coupled to the gliding plate and a corresponding friction braking surface that reversibly engages with a corresponding wheel, and one or more cables configured to the gliding plate. In an embodiment, when any of the one or more cables is tensioned, the gliding plate moves towards a first direction and tensions the one or more control cables, thereby actuating the friction braking surfaces to engage with the respective wheels and provide resistance thereto for braking.
[0019] In an embodiment, the gliding plate may include a movable arm pivotably extending from a pivoting portion on said gliding plate. The pivoting portion may be contoured to limit the range of pivot of said moveable arm. In an embodiment, a first set of control cables from the one or more control cables may be configured to the gliding plate and a second set of control cables from the one or more control cables may be configured to the distal end of the moveable arm. In an embodiment, when the gliding plate slides towards the first direction, said gliding plate tensions the first set of control cables to actuate the corresponding friction braking surfaces, and the moveable arm pivots freely until said moveable arm engages with contours of the pivoting portion whereafter said moveable arm tensions the second set of control cables to actuate the corresponding friction braking surfaces, thereby creating a time delay between tensioning of the first and the second sets of control cables and distributing torque load in a predetermined ratio between said first and said second sets of control cables respectively.
[0020] In an embodiment, the guiding plate may include an extrusion. In an embodiment, the pivoting portion may be configured on the distal end of said extrusion with the moveable arm extending therefrom.
[0021] In an embodiment, the pivoting portion may be contoured to limit the range of pivot of the moveable arm such that the ratio of loads distributed between the first set of control cables and the second set of control cables ranges from about 50:50 to about 44:56.
[0022] In an embodiment, the pivoting portion may be contoured to limit the range of pivot of the moveable arm such that the time delay between tensioning of the first set of control cables and the second set of control cables is between about 0.15 seconds to about 0.25 seconds.
[0023] In an embodiment, the housing may include one or more guiding pipes passing through the gliding plate such that said guiding pipes guide the gliding plate to move linearly towards or against the first direction when the one or more cables are tensioned and released respectively.
[0024] In an embodiment, the gliding plate may be biased against the first direction by a first elastic element that causes the gliding plate to return to a resting orientation when the tension in the one or more cables is released, thereby allowing the friction braking surfaces to disengage from the corresponding wheels.
[0025] In an embodiment, the moveable arm may be biased towards the first direction by a second elastic element that causes said moveable arm to return to a resting orientation when the tension in the one or more cables is released, thereby allowing the friction braking surfaces associated with the control cables of the moveable arm to disengage from the corresponding wheels and allowing the moveable to arm pivot freely along with contours the pivoting portion.
[0026] In an embodiment, the housing may include one or more lever arms pivotably configured thereto with each of the one or more lever arms coupled to a corresponding cable from the one or more cables at a first end and to a connector cable at a second end of said lever arm, the connector cable may be configured to the gliding plate such that when the corresponding cable is tensioned the lever arm pivots and in-turn tensions the connector cable, thereby causing the gliding plate to move in the first direction.
[0027] In an embodiment, the system may include one or more brake lever handles pivotably configured to an opposable structure, each brake lever handle may be configured to a corresponding cable from the one or more cables such that pivoting the brake level handle causes the corresponding cable to be tensioned, thereby actuating the system.
[0028] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 1A-1B illustrate exemplary representations of a unified braking system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0032] Embodiments explained herein relates generally to brakes for vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a unified braking system.
[0033] In an aspect, a unified braking system may include a gliding plate configured to slidably move inside a housing, one or more control cables coupled to the gliding plate and a corresponding friction braking surface that reversibly engages with a corresponding wheel, and one or more cables configured to the gliding plate such that when any of the one or more cables is tensioned, the gliding plate moves towards a first direction and tensions the one or more control cables, thereby actuating the friction braking surfaces to engage with the respective wheels and provide resistance thereto for braking.
[0034] In an embodiment, the gliding plate may include a movable arm pivotably extending from a pivoting portion on said gliding plate, the pivoting portion may be contoured to limit the range of pivot of said moveable arm. The moveable arm may be configured to create a time delay between tensioning of the first and the second sets of control cables and distributing torque load in a predetermined ratio between said first and said second sets of control cables respectively.
[0035] FIG. 1A-1B illustrate exemplary representations of the unified braking system 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the unified braking system 100 includes a housing 110, one or more first elastic elements 123-1 and 123-2 (collectively referred to as the first elastic element 123) corresponding to one or more guiding pipes 112-1 and 112-2 (collectively referred to as the guiding pipes 112), and a gliding plate 120 having an extrusion 122, and a pivoting portion 124 with a moveable arm 125 extending therefrom. The system (100) may include a second elastic element 126, one or more cables 130-1 and 130-2 (collectively referred to as the cables 130), one or more control cables 140 (collectively referred to as the control cables 140). The system 100 may include one or more lever arms 150-1 and 150-2 (collectively referred to as the lever arms 150) corresponding to each of the one or more cables 130, and a connector cable 155 that is further coupled to the gliding plate 120. The system 100 may include one or more brake lever handles 160-1 and 160-2 (collectively referred to as the brake level handles 160) coupled to respective cables 130 and one or more respective opposable structure 162-1 and 162-2 (collectively referred to as opposable structures 162).
[0036] In an embodiment, the system 100 may be configured for actuating braking mechanisms of one or more wheels of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the vehicle may be indicative of including, but not limited to, a unicycle, bicycle, tricycle, quadracycles, motorbikes, gyrocars, segways, cars, and the like. In an embodiment, the vehicle may have one or more braking mechanisms for associated with each of wheels for braking. In an embodiment, the braking mechanism of each wheel may have one or more friction braking surfaces that use friction to create resistance to the motion of the wheels such that said wheels are slowed down or brought to a halt. In an embodiment, the friction braking surfaces may be indicative of including, but not limited to, caliper, brake pads, brake shoes, and the like. In an embodiment, the braking mechanisms may be actuated by cables, such as the cables 130 of the present disclosure. While the foregoing disclosure predominantly describes the system 100 in the context of two-wheeled vehicles having a front wheel and a rear wheel, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the system 100 may be suitably adapted for use and applications in any vehicle using braking mechanisms actuated by cables.
[0037] FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment where the system 100 is in a resting orientation and FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment where the system 100 is in an actuated orientation, where said system 100 may cause the friction braking surfaces to engage with the wheels for braking when the cables 130 are tensioned.
[0038] In an aspect, the unified braking system 100 may include the gliding plate 120 configured to slidably move inside the housing 110. In an embodiment, the housing 110 may have a substantially cuboidal contour. However, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the housing 110 may have any contour, and other components of the system 100 may be suitably adapted to operate with said housing 110. In an embodiment, the housing 110 may be affixed to the vehicle. In an embodiment, the housing 110 may be placed proximately to the wheels of the vehicle and the brake lever handles 160.
[0039] In an embodiment, the system 100 include the control cables 140 coupled between the gliding plate 120 and a corresponding friction braking surface that reversibly engages with a corresponding wheel. In an embodiment, the system 100 includes the cables 130 configured to the gliding plate 120. In an embodiment, the control cables 140, the cables 130 and the connector cable 155 may be indicative of including, but not limited to, steel cables, Bowden cables, and the like. In an embodiment, the cables 130 may be configured such that when any of the one or more cables 130 is tensioned, the gliding plate 120 moves towards a first direction and tensions the one or more control cables 140, thereby actuating the friction braking surfaces to engage with the respective wheels and provide resistance thereto for braking. In an embodiment, the system 100 may actuate friction braking surfaces of a plurality of wheels using any of the one or more cables 130. In an example, a rider of a motorbike may be able to actuate brakes of both the front and the rear wheels by pivoting any one of the brake handle levers 160, and tensioning the corresponding cable 130.
[0040] In an embodiment, the gliding plate 120 includes the movable arm 125 pivotably extending from a pivoting portion 124 on said gliding plate 120. In an embodiment, the guiding plate 120 may include an extrusion 122. In an embodiment, the pivoting portion 124 may be configured on the distal end of said extrusion 122 with the moveable arm 125 extending therefrom. In other embodiments, the moveable arm 125 may be configured to pivot on the gliding plate 120. In an embodiment, the moveable arm 125 may have a substantially cuboidal contour. In other embodiments, the moveable arm 125 may have a rectilinear contour. The contours and dimensions of the moveable arm 125 may be suitably adapted based on user requirements, and manner of configuration with the gliding plate 120.
[0041] In an embodiment, the pivoting portion 124 may be contoured to limit the range of pivot of said moveable arm 125. In an embodiment, a first set of control cables 140-1 from the one or more control cables 140 may be configured to the gliding plate 120 and a second set of control cables 140-2 from the one or more control cables 140 may be configured to the distal end of the moveable arm 125. Each set of control cables 140 may include one or more of the control cables 140 connected to a respective wheel of the vehicle. In such embodiments, when the gliding plate 120 slides towards the first direction, said gliding plate 120 may tension the first set of control cables 140-1 to actuate the corresponding friction braking surfaces, and the moveable arm 125 may pivot freely until said moveable arm 125 engages with contours of the pivoting portion 124 whereafter said moveable arm 125 tensions the second set of control cables 140-2 to actuate the corresponding friction braking surfaces. In an embodiment, the pivoting portion 124 may be contoured to have an abutment that prevents the moveable arm 125 from pivoting beyond a predetermined orientation. In an embodiment, the pivoting portion 124 may be contoured to prevent the moveable arm 125 from pivoting once said moveable arm 125 is substantially parallel to the gliding plate 120, as shown in FIG. 1B.
[0042] Since the moveable arm 125 tensions the second set of control cables 140-2 after engaging with the contours of the pivoting portion 124, said moveable arm 125 may create a time delay between tensioning of the first and the second sets of control cables 140, and consequently delay the actuation and braking of the respective wheels. The time delay may be indicative of the time taken for the moveable arm 125 to pivot and engage with the contours of the pivoting portion 124. Further, since the moveable arm 125 causes the first and second set of control cables 140 to be tensioned sequentially, said moveable arm 125 may cause said sets of control cables 140 to be tensioned in a predetermined ratio, and consequently also distribute the torque load applied to the wheels in the predetermined ratio.
[0043] In an embodiment, the pivoting portion 124 may be contoured to limit the range of pivot of the moveable arm 125 such that the time delay between tensioning of the first set of control cables 140-1 and the second set of control cables 140-2 is between about 0.15 seconds to about 0.25 seconds. Further, the moveable arm 125 may distribute torque load in a predetermined ratio between said first and said second sets of control cables 140. In an embodiment, the pivoting portion 124 is contoured to limit the range of pivot of the moveable arm 125 such that the ratio of loads distributed between the first set of control cables 140-1 and the second set of control cables 140-2 ranges from about 50:50 to about 44:56. In an example, the first set of control cables 140-1 may be configured to friction braking surfaces of a rear wheel and the second set of cables 140-2 may be configured to the front wheel of a motorcycle. In such examples, when the cables 130 are tensioned, the moveable arm 125 may cause the friction braking surfaces of the front wheel to be actuated about 0.17 seconds after the friction braking surfaces of the rear wheel are actuated. Further, in such examples, the system 100 may distribute the load or tension transmitted to first set of control cables and the second set of control cables 140-2 to be in the ratio 54:46. In such examples, the system 100 may provide improved stability during braking. In some embodiments, the contour of the pivoting portion 124 may be suitably adapted to adjust the time delay between the tensioning of the first set of cables 140-1 and the second set of cables 140-2 and the torque load distributed thereto.
[0044] In an embodiment, the housing 110 may include one or more guiding pipes 112 passing through the gliding plate 120 such that said guiding pipes 112 guide the gliding plate 120 to move linearly towards or against the first direction when the one or more cables 130 are tensioned and released respectively. In an embodiment, the guiding pipes 112 may prevent the guiding plate 120 to move in any direction other than the towards or against the first direction. In an embodiment, the gliding plate 120 may be biased against the first direction by the first elastic elements 123 that causes the gliding plate 120 to return to the resting orientation, as shown in FIG. 1A, when the tension in the one or more cables 130 is released, thereby allowing the friction braking surfaces to disengage from the corresponding wheels. In an embodiment, the first elastic element 123 may be supported on the guiding pipes 112. In an embodiment, the guiding pipes 112 may be fastened to the housing 110 using including, but not limited to, screws, bolts, adhesives, welding, and the like.
[0045] In an embodiment, the moveable arm 125 may be biased towards the first direction by the second elastic element 126 that causes said moveable arm 125 to return to the resting orientation, as shown in FIG. 1A, when the tension in the one or more cables 130 is released. In such embodiments, the friction braking surfaces associated with the control cables 140 of the moveable arm 125 may be allowed to disengage from the corresponding wheels. Further, the moveable arm 125 may be allowed to pivot freely along with contours the pivoting portion 124 once in the resting orientation. In an embodiment, the first elastic element 123 and the second elastic element 126 may be indicative of including, but not limited to, a coil spring, torsion spring, a leaf spring, flexible elements such as rubber, and the like.
[0046] In an embodiment, the cables 130 may be directly coupled to the gliding plate 120. In other embodiments, the housing 110 may include one or more lever arms 150 pivotably configured thereto. In an embodiment, each of the one or more lever arms 150 may be coupled to a corresponding cable 130 from the one or more cables 130 at a first end and to a connector cable 155 at a second end of said lever arm 150. In an embodiment, the connector cable 155 may be configured to the gliding plate 120 such that when the corresponding cable 130 is tensioned the lever arm 150 pivots and in-turn tensions the connector cable 155, thereby causing the gliding plate 120 to move in the first direction.
[0047] In an embodiment, the system 100 may include the brake lever handles 160 pivotably configured to an opposable structure 162, each brake lever handle 160 may be configured to a corresponding cable 130 from the one or more cables 130 such that pivoting the brake level handle 160 causes the corresponding cable 130 to be tensioned, thereby actuating the system 100. In an embodiment, the brake lever handles 160 may be indicative of the brake handles used in vehicles with cable actuated braking mechanisms. In an embodiment, the opposable structure 162 may be indicative of a portion of the vehicle. The opposable structure 162 may provide a fulcrum for the brake lever handles 160 to rotate, and cause the respective cables 130 of said brake lever handles 160 to be tensioned. In an embodiment, the brake lever handle 160 may be configured in a conveniently accessible location on the vehicle.
[0048] The system 100 may be used in any vehicle having using cable actuated braking mechanisms. In an example, the system 100 may be used to engage calipers of both front any rear wheels of a two wheeled vehicle using a single cable 130. In other examples, the system 100 may be used to engage one or more brake shoes of a wheel having a drum brake mechanism, such as, for instance, in a 4-wheeled vehicle. In such examples, the handbrake associated with such 4-wheeled mechanisms may use a cable such as the cables 130 for actuating the brake shoes. Further, the system 100 may be used to variable distribute the torque load applied to each wheel as well create time delays for their actuation for enhanced stability and safety. In an example, the system 100 may actuate friction braking surfaces of the rear wheel before those of the front wheel of a motorcycle to prevent front wheel lock-ups or front wheel skids.
[0049] Therefore, the present disclosure solves the problems associated with existing solutions.
[0050] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0051] The present disclosure provides a unified braking system.
[0052] The present disclosure provides a unified braking system that engages a plurality of friction braking surfaces with corresponding wheels of a vehicle on actuation of any of one or more cables associated therewith.
[0053] The present disclosure provides a unified braking system that enhances stability of the vehicle during braking, thereby reducing jerks and improving comfort.
[0054] The present disclosure provides a unified braking system that distributes torque loads to each wheel of the vehicle in a predetermined ratio.
[0055] The present disclosure provides a unified braking system that causes a time delay between actuation of brakes of each wheel of the vehicle.
[0056] The present disclosure provides a unified braking system that is cost effective, by requiring fewer number of cables compared to existing solutions.
[0057] The present disclosure provides a unified braking system that extends the lifespan of friction braking surfaces by optimally distributing torque load to each wheel of the vehicle. 
, Claims:1. A unified braking system (100), comprising:
a gliding plate (120) configured to slidably move inside a housing (110);
one or more control cables (140) coupled to the gliding plate (120) and a corresponding friction braking surface that reversibly engages with a corresponding wheel; and
one or more cables (130) configured to the gliding plate (120) such that when any of the one or more cables (130) is tensioned, the gliding plate (120) moves towards a first direction and tensions the one or more control cables (140), thereby actuating the friction braking surfaces to engage with the respective wheels and provide resistance thereto for braking.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gliding plate (120) comprises a movable arm (125) pivotably extending from a pivoting portion (124) on said gliding plate (120), the pivoting portion (124) being contoured to limit the range of pivot of said moveable arm (125), and wherein a first set of control cables (140-1) from the one or more control cables (140) is configured to the gliding plate (120) and a second set of control cables (140-2) from the one or more control cables (140) is configured to the distal end of the moveable arm (125) such that when the gliding plate (120) slides towards the first direction, said gliding plate (120) tensions the first set of control cables (140-1) to actuate the corresponding friction braking surfaces, and the moveable arm (125) pivots freely until said moveable arm (125) engages with contours of the pivoting portion (124) whereafter said moveable arm (125) tensions the second set of control cables (140-2) to actuate the corresponding friction braking surfaces, thereby creating a time delay between tensioning of the first and the second sets of control cables (140) and distributing torque load in a predetermined ratio between said first and said second sets of control cables (140) respectively.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the guiding plate (120) comprises an extrusion (122), and wherein the pivoting portion (124) is configured on the distal end of said extrusion (122) with the moveable arm (125) extending therefrom.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pivoting portion (124) is contoured to limit the range of pivot of the moveable arm (125) such that the ratio of loads distributed between the first set of control cables (140-1) and the second set of control cables (140-2) ranges from about 50:50 to about 44:56.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pivoting portion (124) is contoured to limit the range of pivot of the moveable arm (125) such that the time delay between tensioning of the first set of control cables (140-1) and the second set of control cables (140-2) is between about 0.15 seconds to about 0.25 seconds.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (110) comprises one or more guiding pipes (112) passing through the gliding plate (120) such that said guiding pipes (112) guide the gliding plate (120) to move linearly towards or against the first direction when the one or more cables (130) are tensioned and released respectively.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gliding plate (120) is biased against the first direction by a first elastic element (123) that causes the gliding plate (120) to return to a resting orientation when the tension in the one or more cables (130) is released, thereby allowing the friction braking surfaces to disengage from the corresponding wheels.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the moveable arm (125) is biased towards the first direction by a second elastic element (126) that causes said moveable arm (125) to return to a resting orientation when the tension in the one or more cables (130) is released, thereby allowing the friction braking surfaces associated with the control cables (140) of the moveable arm (125) to disengage from the corresponding wheels and allowing the moveable arm (125) to pivot freely along with contours the pivoting portion (124).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (110) comprises one or more lever arms (150) pivotably configured thereto with each of the one or more lever arms (150) coupled to a corresponding cable (130) from the one or more cables (130) at a first end and to a connector cable (155) at a second end of said lever arm (150), the connector cable (155) being configured to the gliding plate (120) such that when the corresponding cable (130) is tensioned the lever arm (150) pivots and in-turn tensions the connector cable (155), thereby causing the gliding plate (120) to move in the first direction.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises one or more brake lever handles (160) pivotably configured to an opposable structure (162), each brake lever handle (160) being configured to a corresponding cable (130) from the one or more cables (130) such that pivoting the brake level handle (160) causes the corresponding cable (130) to be tensioned, thereby actuating the system (100).