Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention is generally related to a combined braking system (CBS), and more particularly to the design of the combined brake system mechanism that integrates the parking brake system into the design of the left-hand brake lever assembly.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[002] A Combined Braking System (CBS) in a two-wheeler is a safety feature that coordinates the braking action between the front and rear brakes when the rider applies either brake independently. Essentially, CBS distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels automatically, helping to stabilize the vehicle during braking and reduce the chances of skidding or loss of control. This system is particularly useful for novice riders or in emergency braking situations where precise brake control may be difficult to achieve manually.
[003] European patent application EP3030478A2 filed by Vijesh Kallam VALLI et.al. discloses a synchronized braking system for two-wheeled vehicles. The synchronized braking system of the present subject matter includes a front-wheel brake and a rear-wheel brake. A front-wheel brake lever may be provided to apply the front-wheel brake. Similarly, a combined wheel brake lever may be provided to apply the front wheel brake simultaneously with the rear wheel brake. Further, a distributor may be connected to the combined wheel brake lever and is coupled to the front wheel brake through a combined front brake cable, and to the rear wheel brake through a rear brake cable. In one implementation, the synchronized braking system may further include a friction reduction apparatus for minimizing friction generated at the front wheel brake due to the actuation of at least one of the combined wheel brake levers and the front wheel brake lever.
[004] US patent US11046289B2 issued to Erwin Michels et.al. discloses a system for a motor vehicle, comprising: a first electric parking brake actuation unit, which is associated with a first vehicle wheel; a second electric parking brake actuation unit, which is associated with a second vehicle wheel; a first control unit with at least a first microprocessor, wherein the first control unit is configured to control the first electric parking brake actuation unit and does not permit control of the second electric parking brake actuation unit; and a second control unit with at least a second microprocessor, wherein the second control unit is configured to control the second electric parking brake actuation unit and does not permit control of the first electric parking brake actuation unit; and a third control unit with at least a third microprocessor, which is configured to control an automatic transmission, which is formed without a mechanical gear lock. The third control unit is configured to communicate in a gear lock mode via a communications connection with the first control unit, to control the first electric parking brake actuation unit based on a gear lock command.
[005] Currently, the combined braking system (CBS) is not directly mounted on the brake lever. Here an intermediate shaft is used to connect the CBS mechanism and brake lever, and this shaft acts as an overhanging beam which might develop vertical movement of the CBS mechanism.
[006] Furthermore, the existing CBS mechanism has improper operational functions. For proper working of CBS, the stroke of the Rear Cable should be more than that of the front cable. In a situation where the load on the rear cable is much more than that of the design consideration, the stroke of the rear cable will be less than that of the front cable. Due to this, the front brake will get applied before the rear, and this may cause the front wheel to skid.
[007] Due to the above problems, users always have to follow the below brake setting sequence: 1. Front RH brake; 2. Front LH Brake; 3. Rear Brake. It is required to bring the initial load on the front cable.
[008] Additionally, the parking lever is used to restrict the motion of the CBS. There is vertical play in the CBS, and due to this, chances are created that the CBS escapes from the restriction provided by the Parking Lever. Also, to actuate the parking lever, the driver has to use both hands.
[009] Some brake lever products don't use CBS or Equalizer mechanism for combi brake. In this case, they provide two slots with different Mechanical Advantages to insert the cable pivot. Here slot 1 for the rear cable with less mechanical advantage, which makes the rear brake skiddy, also known as sharp braking. As they have to provide two slots, they have to keep the appropriate center distance between slots, resulting in a higher mechanical advantage for the front brake and making the front brake less effective.
[0010] This specification recognizes that there is a need for a Combined Braking System (CBS) providing a 'V' shaped notch stopper to restrict the CBS mechanism's excessive angular movement.
[0011] Thus, in view of the above, there is a long-felt need in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A combined braking system (CBS) is provided substantially, as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures.
[0013] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a combined braking system (CBS) for a two-wheeled vehicle. The combined braking system (CBS) includes a brake lever; an equalizer; an equalizer pivot bolt; a brake holder (yoke); and a parking lever. The equalizer is mounted on the brake lever. The equalizer includes a notch stopper to restrict braking load distribution. The equalizer pivot bolt is configured to secure the equalizer with the brake lever, enabling the movement of the equalizer along with the motion of the brake lever. The parking lever is positioned between the brake lever and the brake holder which helps to restrict the vehicle movement in parked conditions on slopes.
[0014] In an aspect, the notch stopper permits the equalizer to have an angular movement of at least eighteen degrees with respect to the brake lever around an axis of the equalizer pivot bolt.
[0015] In an aspect, the notch stopper ensures that the stroke of a front brake cable does not exceed that of a rear brake cable.
[0016] In an aspect, the notch stopper ensures that the CBS does not engage in the free movement even if one side of the front brake cable or the rear brake cable is broken.
[0017] In an aspect, the combined braking system (CBS) includes a clamp for securely holding the brake holder.
[0018] In an aspect, the combined braking system (CBS) includes a parking lever pivot nut, a parking lever spring, and a parking lever pivot bolt to secure the parking lever with the brake lever.
[0019] In an aspect, the parking lever spring is configured for returning to an initial position of the parking lever spring after actuation.
[0020] In an aspect, the combined braking system (CBS) includes a left-hand (LH) lever pivot bolt to provide a rotational axis to the brake lever and for assembly purposes of the brake lever with the brake holder.
[0021] In an aspect, the combined braking system (CBS) includes a left-hand (LH) lever return spring configured to apply additional force on the brake lever to bring the brake lever to its initial location when the brake lever is released.
[0022] In an aspect, the combined braking system (CBS) includes a clamp mounting bolt for assembling the clamp and the brake holder on a handlebar.
[0023] In an aspect, the combined braking system (CBS) includes a brake switch for regeneration system braking actuation.
[0024] Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that it incorporates a notch stopper, preferably V-shaped, which controls the angular movement of the CBS mechanism around its pivot. This ensures that the stroke of the front cable will never exceed that of the rear cable, regardless of the load on the cable. As a result, the skidding of the front wheel is reduced.
[0025] Additionally, another advantage of the present invention is its ease of assembly of the CBS mechanism due to the reduced number of components required.
[0026] These features and advantages of the present disclosure may be appreciated by reviewing the following description of the present disclosure, along with the accompanying figures wherein reference numerals refer to like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate the embodiment of devices, systems, methods, and other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent an example of the boundaries. In some examples, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another and vice versa. Furthermore, the elements may not be drawn to scale.
[0028] Various embodiments will hereinafter be described in accordance with the appended drawings, which are provided to illustrate, not limit, the scope, wherein similar designations denote similar elements, and in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of various components of a combined braking system (CBS), in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an assembled view of the combined braking system (CBS), in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an equalizer with a notch stopper, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the notch stopper designed in the equalizer at an angle of 18 degrees, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the parking lever along with the brake lever, in accordance with at least one embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the parking lever, in accordance with at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS HEREIN
[0035] The present disclosure is best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments have been discussed with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions provided herein with respect to the figures are merely for explanatory purposes, as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For instance, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond certain implementation choices in the following embodiments.
[0036] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[0037] Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks. The term “method” refers to manners, means, techniques, and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques, and procedures either known to or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques, and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs. The descriptions, examples, methods, and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations within the scope of the technology described herein.
[0038] The present disclosure outlines a Combined Braking System (CBS) mounted on a pivot bolt, which remains in a simply supported condition. Consequently, the CBS system moves in tandem with the hand brake lever. With minimal components, the CBS is affixed to the hand brake lever. Notably, the Combined Braking System (CBS) incorporates a 'V' shaped notch stopper, effectively controlling the angular movement of the CBS around its pivot. This design feature ensures that the stroke of the front cable never exceeds that of the rear cable, regardless of their load. As a result, the likelihood of skidding of the front wheel is significantly reduced.
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of various components of a combined braking system (CBS) (100) for a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with at least one embodiment. The combined braking system (CBS) (100) includes a brake lever (102); an equalizer (104); an equalizer pivot bolt (108); a brake holder (yoke) (110); a parking lever (112); a clamp (114); a parking lever pivot nut (116); a parking lever spring (118); a parking lever pivot bolt (120); a rear brake cable (122); a front brake cable (124); a left-hand (LH) lever pivot bolt (126); a left-hand (LH) lever return spring (128); a clamp mounting bolt (130); and a brake switch (132). The equalizer (104) is mounted on the brake lever (100). FIG. 2 illustrates an assembled view of the combined braking system (CBS), in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 2 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. The equalizer (104) includes a notch stopper (106) to restrict braking load distribution. The equalizer pivot bolt (108) is configured to secure the equalizer (104) with the brake lever (102), enabling the movement of the equalizer (104) along with the motion of the brake lever (102). The parking lever (112) is positioned between the brake lever (102) and the brake holder (110) to restrict the motion of the brake lever (102). The clamp (114) is configured to securely hold the brake holder (110). In an embodiment, the parking lever pivot nut (116), a parking lever spring (118), and a parking lever pivot bolt (120) secure the parking lever (112) with the brake lever (102). In another embodiment, the parking lever spring (118) is configured for returning to an initial position of the parking lever spring (118) after actuation. In an embodiment, the left-hand (LH) lever pivot bolt (126) provides a rotational axis to the brake lever (102) and for assembly purposes of the brake lever (102) with the brake holder (110). The left-hand (LH) lever return spring (128) is configured to apply additional force on the brake lever (102) to bring the brake lever (102) to its initial location when the brake lever (102) is released. The clamp mounting bolt (130) is configured to clamp the clip (114) and the brake holder (110) on a handlebar. The brake switch (132) is configured for regeneration system braking actuation.
[0040] Thus, the present Combined Braking System (CBS) incorporates a notch stopper, preferably V-shaped, which controls the angular movement of the CBS mechanism around its pivot. This ensures that the stroke of the front cable will never exceed that of the rear cable, regardless of the load on the cable. As a result, the skidding of the front wheel is reduced.
[0041] The V-shaped notch stopper serves as the central component of the present Combined Braking System (CBS), embodying its essential function and significance. There are the following advantages of the usage of the V-shaped notch stopper such as A) Safety protection: In case of critical failure like either the front or rear brake cable is broken or cracked open, then also brake system will function at the other end of brake: E.g. if front brake cable is broken, then still brake cable can be applied using the CBS operated lever which will engage rear brake system. V-shaped notch stopper ensures that the system does not operate on free movement even if one side of the cable is broken. B) Defined rotational movement: V-shaped notch stopper helps to restrict the rotational movement of the equalizer not more than the design intent considering all variables in the brake system. C) Defined load distribution irrespective of free play in cable: A V-shaped notch stopper ensures that the stroke of the front brake cable will never be more than the rear brake cable. Thus, load distribution will remain proportional irrespective of the load on the cable during the operation. D) Simpler and easier brake setting process: There is no need to set the brakes in sequence since we have a stopper that limits braking load distribution. Thus, brake setting is much easier and simpler. The equalizer pivot axis is offset along the length of the equalizer with respect to the center axis of the equalizer. Their axis does not intersect with each other because both the axis is offset. The lever pivot axis is perpendicular and offset by 2.135mm to the equalizer pivot axis but both axes do not intersect.
[0042] The equalizer is mounted on an equalizer pivot bolt and this bolt is in simply supported condition. Hence the movement of the equalizer will be along with the hand brake lever. In a nutshell, the equalizer is mounted on a brake lever with a minimum no of components.
[0043] The present disclosure further elaborates on the force distribution mechanisms of the Combined Braking System (CBS). The distance between the center of the Front cable pivot and the Rear cable pivot measures 32.8 mm. Additionally, the distance between the center of the rear cable pivot and the equalizer pivot is recorded at 13.7 mm. Similarly, the distance between the center of the Front cable pivot and the equalizer Pivot is determined to be 19.1 mm.
[0044] Considering the above measurement, the percentage of force distribution to the rear brake is calculated using the following formula:
[0045] = (32.8-13.7)/32.8
[0046] = 0.5824 x 100
[0047] = 58.24%
[0048] Then, the percentage of force distribution to the front brake is calculated:
[0049] = (32.8-19.1)/32.8
[0050] = 0.4176 x 100
[0051] = 41.76%
[0052] Thus, the rear brake provides an efficient braking of 58.24 % and 41.76 % of braking is provided by the front brake.
[0053] The total angular movement of the equalizer allowed by the V-shaped notch stopper is 18 degrees.
[0054] At 0° of angular movement of the equalizer the horizontal distance between the rear and front cable pivot is 0 mm and at maximum movement i.e. 18° distance will be 10.13 mm.
[0055] Hence the maximum cable stroke difference will be 10.13 mm and the minimum will be 0 mm.
[0056] The Combined Braking System (CBS) of the present invention offers a mechanical advantage over existing solutions. The mechanical advantage is calculated as follows: effort arm length/load arm length, which equals 132/33 = 4. Therefore, the lower the mechanical advantage, the higher the load on the lever.
[0057] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “configured to” or “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “configured to”, “configured with”, “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms “configured to”, “coupled to” and “coupled with” are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices can exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.
[0058] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.
[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an equalizer (104) with a notch stopper (106), in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 3 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2. The notch stopper (106) permits the equalizer (104) to have an angular movement of at least eighteen degrees with respect to the brake lever (102) around an axis of the equalizer pivot bolt (108). FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the notch stopper designed in the equalizer at an angle of 18 degrees, in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 4 is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3. The notch stopper (106) ensures that the stroke of a front brake cable (124) does not exceed that of a rear brake cable (122). The notch stopper (106) ensures that the CBS (100) does not engage in free movement even if one side of the front brake cable (124) or the rear brake cable (122) is broken.
[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the parking lever (112) along with the brake lever (102), in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the parking lever (112), in accordance with at least one embodiment. FIGS. 5-6 are explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4. The existing parking brake mechanisms in two-wheeled vehicles are often overly complex. However, the parking lever (112) positioned beneath the brake lever (102) in our design prioritizes user-friendliness. Unlike traditional setups, the parking lever (112) in the present invention offers an added safety feature crucial for securely parking the vehicle, especially on inclines or slopes. In the parking brake system, the motion of the brake lever (102) is restricted by obstructing the parking lever (112) between the brake lever (102) and the yoke (110). For rider convenience, brakes and the parking lever (112) can be engaged with one hand. With this innovative design, riders can confidently immobilize their two-wheeler, knowing that it is reliably secured in place.
[0061] Thus, the Combined Braking System (CBS) of the present invention is easy to assemble due to the reduced number of components. The present invention offers numerous advantages, encompassing a significant enhancement in braking efficiency of up to 75%. Additionally, our innovative design features lightweight components that not only contribute to the overall weight reduction of the vehicle but also ensure cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality. With the implementation of our combined brake system, the coordination between the front and rear wheel propagation is markedly improved. This refined synchronization results in a more balanced distribution of braking force, with rear and front wheel braking achieved in proportion, favorably balancing at Rear 60: Front 40.
[0062] No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
[0063] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. There is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms enclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention, provided they are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
, Claims:CLAIMS

I/We claim
1. A combined braking system (CBS) (100) for a two-wheeled vehicle, comprising:
a brake lever (102);
an equalizer (104) mounted on the brake lever (102), wherein the equalizer (104) comprises a notch stopper (106) to restrict braking load distribution;
an equalizer pivot bolt (108) securing the equalizer (104) with the brake lever (102), enabling the movement of the equalizer (104) along with the motion of the brake lever (102);
a brake holder (110); and
a parking lever (112) positioned between the brake lever (102) and the brake holder (110) to restrict the motion of the brake lever (102).

2. The combined braking system (CBS) (100) according to claim 1, wherein the notch stopper (106) permits the equalizer (104) to have an angular movement of at least eighteen degrees with respect to the brake lever (102) around an axis of the equalizer pivot bolt (108).

3. The combined braking system (CBS) (100) according to claim 1, wherein the notch stopper (106) ensures that the stroke of a front brake cable (124) does not exceed that of a rear brake cable (122).

4. The combined braking system (CBS) (100) according to claim 1, wherein the notch stopper (106) ensures that the CBS (100) does not engage in free movement even if one side of the front brake cable (124) or the rear brake cable (122) is broken.

5. The combined braking system (CBS) (100) according to claim 1, comprises a clamp (114) for securely holding the brake holder (110).

6. The combined braking system (CBS) (100) according to claim 1, comprises a parking lever pivot nut (116), a parking lever spring (118), and a parking lever pivot bolt (120) to secure the parking lever (112) with the brake lever (102).

7. The combined braking system (CBS) (100) according to claim 6, wherein the parking lever spring (118) is configured for returning to an initial position of the parking lever spring (118) after actuation.

8. The combined braking system (CBS) (100) according to claim 1, comprises a left-hand (LH) lever pivot bolt (126) to provide a rotational axis to the brake lever (102) and for assembly purposes of the brake lever (102) with the brake holder (110).

9. The combined braking system (CBS) (100) according to claim 1, comprises a left-hand (LH) lever return spring (128) configured to apply additional force on the brake lever (102) to bring the brake lever (102) on its initial location when the brake lever (102) is released.

10. The combined braking system (CBS) (100) according to claim 1, comprises a clamp mounting bolt (130) for assembling the clamp (114) and the brake holder (110) on a handlebar.