Adjustable Saddle with Pivoting Halves to Reduce Soft Tissue Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single platform bicycle saddles do not provide adequate support for the ischial tuberosities, ischiopubic rami, and nearby regions, leading to discomfort, numbness, pain, and erectile dysfunction due to pressure on soft tissue and nerves.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable saddle design with pivotally connected saddle halves that allow for independent width and angular adjustments to accommodate varying pelvic shapes and riding positions, reducing pressure on sensitive areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional single platform saddle design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it does not provide adequate support for the ischial tuberosities and ischiopubic rami, causing discomfort and medical issues
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle is divided into two separate saddle halves that can be independently adjusted. Each half can be positioned to provide targeted support for the ischial tuberosities and ischiopubic rami, eliminating the need for a single rigid platform design while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The saddle halves are made adjustable through tracks and fasteners, allowing the width and angle to be dynamically changed according to the rider's anatomy. This dynamic adaptability enables proper support for sensitive areas without requiring a completely complex fixed structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable saddle design with multiple components is implemented, then support for varying pelvic shapes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts the width between saddle halves, changes the angle of each half independently, and accommodates different riding positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate adjustment systems for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the saddle into two independently adjustable halves, each half can be optimized for specific anatomical support needs. The segmentation allows complex adaptability to be achieved through simpler, repeated modular units rather than a single complex integrated system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the saddle halves are pivotally connected with adjustable fasteners, then the ability to reduce pressure on sensitive areas is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle halves are pre-configured with tracks and fastener holes positioned to provide optimal support for the ischial tuberosities and ischiopubic rami. This preliminary design reduces the complexity of adjustment during operation, as the user only needs to select from pre-determined optimal positions rather than creating adjustments from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener system acts as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the adjustment process. Instead of requiring complex mechanical linkages to achieve proper positioning, the fasteners provide discrete, easy-to-engage positions that maintain saddle halves in anatomically correct orientations, reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable saddle may include a mounting frame with a plurality of tracks configured to receive a plurality of fasteners configured to couple a first saddle half base and a second saddle half base to the mounting frame. The plurality of tracks may extend along a rectilinear path, and/or an arcuate path, to allow pivotal attachment of the first and second saddle half bases at a plurality of different pivot points. In some embodiments, the first and second saddle half bases may also include a plurality of mounting tabs and an intermediate open space formed between the first and second saddle half bases, when the adjustable saddle is fully assembled, in order to allow easy access to the plurality of fasteners.