Back support for pedal-driven devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing back supports for pedal-driven devices, such as bicycles, lack adjustable and ergonomic designs that accommodate dynamic weight shifts and provide optimal counter-pressure, leading to discomfort and instability during use.
Innovation Solution
A back support system featuring articulated contact bodies connected via an L-shaped or I-shaped bracket to a holder, allowing for adjustable positioning and rotation, which includes spherical or cylindrical contact bodies that can pivot to match the rider's back, ensuring ergonomic fit and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seatposts with fixed contact elements are used, then the structure is simple, but the ergonomic adjustment capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is designed with articulation capabilities allowing it to pivot and adjust dynamically. The contact element can rotate around a contact element axis and the bracket can pivot relative to the mount, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to rider positioning needs while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity through controlled degrees of freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The back support system is divided into separable components: a mount that attaches to the seatpost, a bracket that pivots on the mount, and contact elements that articulate on the bracket. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component and enables easy removal or reconfiguration, improving ergonomic adaptability without requiring complete structural redesign
2Reliability
If the contact element is fixed relative to the bracket, then the structure is stable, but the ability to accommodate dynamic weight shifts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element incorporates articulation mechanisms that allow it to pivot and rotate in response to dynamic loads. The bracket can pivot on the mount and the contact element can articulate on the bracket, creating a kinematic chain that naturally adapts to weight shifts while maintaining stable support through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows change in geometric parameters (angles and positions) of the bracket and contact element relative to each other and to the mount. This enables the structure to dynamically adjust its configuration in response to varying rider positions and weight distributions, maintaining optimal support stability across different riding conditions
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bracket is made heavier for increased stability, then the stability improves, but the overall weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a heavy rigid bracket, the invention employs a lighter bracket with pivot and articulation capabilities. The dynamic adjustment mechanisms allow a lighter structure to achieve stability through adaptive positioning and counter-pressure generation, rather than relying solely on mass for stability
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket's geometric parameters (lengths, angles, pivot positions) can be optimized to achieve maximum stability with minimum weight. The articulated design allows the same bracket to provide stable support across multiple configurations, reducing the need for over-engineering with heavier materials
4Ease of operation
If the contact element is articulated and adjustable, then the ergonomic fit improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element uses simple pivot and articulation joints rather than complex adjustment mechanisms. These passive dynamic joints allow the contact element to automatically adapt to rider positioning through gravity and applied forces, providing ergonomic fit without requiring active adjustment systems, motors, or complex locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated contact element automatically adjusts to the rider's back position through its own geometry and the forces applied during use. The pivot and articulation points allow the structure to self-position for optimal ergonomic contact without requiring user intervention or complex control systems, simplifying the overall adjustment mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~11
Figure 12
AI summary
The invention relates to a back support (1) for pedal-driven devices with a mount (2) for fastening to a device and a contact part (4) arranged thereon for supporting a person using the device, wherein: the contact part (4) is articulated to the mount (2); the contact part (4) has a plurality of contact elements (6, 23, 24) and an arm (7, 20) by means of which the contact elements (23, 24) are connected to one another and which is articulated to the mount (2); at least one contact element (6, 23, 24) is a ball (31, 32) or a roller (26, 27) and is connected to the arm (7, 20) so as to rotate about a contact element axis (9, 28, 29).