Bicycle Air Spring Piston Layout for Faster Shock Response
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle suspension components require a certain breakaway force to initiate movement, leading to a delay in shock absorption and transmission of high-frequency vibrations to the rider, causing discomfort and reduced traction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating moveable piston and shaft configurations with cushioning members, such as springs, to enable relative movement between suspension component tubes without overcoming static friction, allowing for quicker absorption of shocks and high-frequency vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional suspension components are used with fixed piston-shaft connections, then structural simplicity is maintained, but breakaway force delay occurs causing slow shock absorption response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the piston movable relative to the shaft through a slidable connection mechanism. The piston can move along the shaft within the air spring body, allowing the system to dynamically adjust and respond to shock inputs without requiring high breakaway force, thereby improving shock absorption response speed while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high static friction is used to maintain component stability, then positional stability is improved, but high-frequency vibrations are transmitted to the rider causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The movable piston-shaft configuration creates a dynamic system that can absorb high-frequency vibrations through controlled movement and friction dissipation, reducing vibration transmission to the rider while maintaining adequate positional stability through the air spring's elastic restoration force.
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
This configuration reduces vibrations felt at the handlebars, providing a more comfortable ride and increased rider confidence by absorbing shocks and high-frequency vibrations before the breakaway force is reached.
Implementation Method 1
a spring to bias the piston in a first direction relative to the shaft
Implementation Method 2
an air spring including an air spring body and a piston in the air spring body
Data Source
AI summary
Example bicycle suspension components are described herein. An example suspension component includes an air spring including an air spring body and a piston in the air spring body. The piston divides the air spring body into a first chamber and a second chamber. The air spring also includes a shaft extending into the air spring body. The shaft extends through the piston. The piston is slidable along the shaft. The air spring further includes a spring to bias the piston in a first direction relative to the shaft.