Porsche continues its investment in the electric bike industry. The manufacturer has just patented a brake, using magnetic resistance, which can complement the conventional hydraulic brake. In addition to reducing the wear of pads and discs, it will above all reduce their temperature during periods of prolonged use, thus helping to improve their efficiency.
There is no doubt anymore, Porsche is not only a car manufacturer with a famous flat engine, but also a full player in the electric bike market. Following the acquisition of Greyp and the takeover of engine manufacturer Fazua, the brand is ramping up its R&D efforts.
As a testimony of this promise, a patent recently filed by Porsche for a brake system that uses an eddy current parallel to the disc-caliper couple. The principle is very simple: if the rotation of the brake disc (metal) is close to the magnet, it will create a force that will slow down the rotation speed (eddy currents). It is this principle that already rules Telma system which equips buses and trucks and allows them to use their air brakes less.
A device that allows you to reduce the hydraulic brakes of an electric bicycle
According to the features of the patent, a magnet would be placed in a piston that would slide, thus passing from a position outside the field (no brake, the magnet is far from the disc) to a position that creates a magnetic field (breaking, closing. of the disc). The bicycle’s hydraulic brake system controls the descent, the cyclist could measure their pressure on the lever to first activate the magnetic brake, then by pressing harder use hydraulics.
If the wear restriction of the pad-disc tandem is the result of this device that reduces the traditional system; It is rather a security feature that looks interesting. For E-MTB, for example, during long downhill phases, the brakes can be used for a long time, causing wear and tear and losing their effectiveness.
It is difficult to assess, until now, the real interest of this new Porsche patent, especially since it will inevitably add weight to the electric bike. However, it opens up an interesting way of approaching the question of braking electric bikes.
Read too
With an integrated battery, this electric bike motor is a small revolution