Active Adjustable Saddle Post System with Spring-Gravity Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable height saddle posts require riders to use body weight to lower the saddle, which can be distracting and awkward, especially in technical terrain, and lack efficient mechanisms for rapid height adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An active adjustable height saddle system using a stored energy source, such as compressed gas, and a low-friction collet mechanism to enable quick and smooth raising and lowering of the saddle without requiring external force from the rider, with a fluid-powered linear actuator and control valve system for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rider uses body weight to lower the saddle in existing adjustable height systems, then the saddle can be lowered, but the rider's attention is distracted and the operation becomes awkward especially in technical terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle post system uses its own weight and a spring mechanism to automatically lower itself when the locking mechanism is released, eliminating the need for the rider to apply body weight. The spring biases the post downward, and when the collet releases, gravity and spring force work together to lower the saddle automatically, freeing the rider's hands and attention for navigating terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (rider applying body weight through levers or cables) with an automated spring-gravity system. The spring mechanism stores potential energy that is converted to kinetic energy to lower the saddle, substituting active rider input with passive mechanical forces.
2Speed
If existing adjustable height systems use mechanical locking mechanisms, then the saddle can be held at various heights, but the friction and resistance prevent rapid height adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The collet locking mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It can quickly transition between locked and unlocked states, allowing the saddle post to move rapidly between height positions. The mechanism maintains firm locking when engaged but offers minimal resistance during transitions, enabling fast adjustments without excessive friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables periodic locking and unlocking of the saddle post at different heights, allowing the rider to quickly adjust between multiple predetermined positions. This periodic engagement and disengagement of the collet mechanism facilitates rapid back-and-forth adjustment between climbing position and descending position.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a saddle post system provides firm locking at various heights, then the saddle remains stable, but the friction increases and reduces the smoothness of motion during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism applies localized engagement only at specific predetermined heights through the collet's interaction with grooves or cam surfaces. Between these locking points, the mechanism maintains minimal contact and friction, allowing smooth motion. The local quality of the locking surfaces provides firm stabilization only when needed, while the rest of the travel path remains low-friction.
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
Enables riders to focus on navigating terrain by automatically adjusting saddle height quickly and efficiently, reducing the need for manual effort and minimizing friction for smoother motion, thus enhancing safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned within the lower support and configured to apply an upward biasing force on the upper support
Implementation Method 2
The actuator can be a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator
Implementation Method 3
The actuator can be a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable length post for a bicycle comprises first and second slidably coupled supports, the second support comprising an interior cavity defined by an interior surface, the interior surface having a portion recessed from a surrounding surface; and a collet coupled to or integrated into the first support, the collet comprising a body positioned at least partially within the interior cavity of the second support; a locking member pivotally or slidably coupled to the body, the locking member repositionable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, wherein, in the locked configuration, the locking member protrudes laterally from the body an amount sufficient to engage the recessed portion of the interior surface of the second support, and, in the unlocked configuration, the locking member does not protrude laterally from the body or does not protrude an amount sufficient to engage the recessed portion of the interior surface of the second support.