Adjustable Bicycle Fork Steerer Tube Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle forks with fixed steerer tube lengths often require cutting to fit specific frame dimensions, leading to inefficiencies and limited adjustability, as cutting too short results in a discarded fork, and prior adjustments are typically limited to less than an inch using spacers.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable steerer tube assembly using intermeshing Hirth jointed top and bottom sections of varying lengths, allowing the fork to fit different head tube lengths and enabling adjustable stem height without replacing the entire fork.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steerer tube is cut to fit a specific frame, then the fork fits the frame properly, but the fork cannot be reused in frames with different head tube lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The steerer tube is divided into multiple interchangeable sections of different lengths that can be assembled in various combinations. This segmentation allows the same fork to be adapted to different head tube lengths by simply changing the steerer tube assembly, resolving the contradiction between achieving proper fitment and maintaining versatility across different frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The steerer tube assembly system allows dynamic reconfiguration by exchanging sections based on the specific frame requirements. Rather than a fixed length, the steerer tube becomes a variable configuration component that can be adjusted to match different head tube lengths, enabling the fork to adapt to various frames.
2Ease of operation
If the steerer tube is cut longer than necessary, then it can be used with spacers for minor adjustments, but adjustment is limited to less than an inch
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on spacers for limited adjustment, the steerer tube is segmented into multiple sections with significant length differences. This allows for substantial stem height adjustments by exchanging sections rather than adding spacers, expanding the adjustment range beyond the traditional less than an inch limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of steerer tube length from a fixed value to a variable configuration through interchangeable sections. This enables significant changes in stem height by selecting different section combinations, rather than making minor adjustments with spacers.
3Manufacturing precision
If the steerer tube is cut too short, then it cannot be used in the intended frame, but the fork must be discarded or retained for later use
Solution Approach 1:
The steerer tube segmentation prevents the waste associated with cutting too short. By using interchangeable sections, the system eliminates the need to cut the steerer tube at all, as sections can be exchanged to achieve the correct length. This ensures high fork utilization rates as forks can be adapted to different frames without discarding them.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple steerer tube sections are prepared in advance with different lengths, allowing the correct section to be selected before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the risk of cutting errors and ensures the fork can be properly fitted to any frame in the intended head tube length range.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle fork having a steerer tube assembly having top and bottom steerer tube sections wherein the length of the steerer tube assembly is adjustable by interchanging top steerer tube sections of differing lengths is described. The top and bottom steerer tube sections include one or more meshing teeth and valleys that facilitates the transfer of torque when the top and bottom steerer tube sections are joined together.