Adjustable Bicycle Fork Axle Positioning Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bicycle forks in racing bicycles lack adjustable pre-bending and caster settings, limiting the ability to optimize handling and maneuverability according to different riding conditions.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle fork design featuring two fork legs connected by a bridge with recesses that allow the front wheel axle to be fixed in multiple positions via interchangeable positioning elements, enabling adjustment of pre-bending and caster for enhanced handling and maneuverability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the front wheel axle is positioned further forward to increase pre-bending, then maneuverability is improved, but the bicycle runs less smoothly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidsmooth running

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the previously fixed pre-bending and caster settings dynamic and adjustable. By providing multiple positioning elements with different opening positions and allowing the axle to be relocated along the recess, the system enables riders to dynamically adjust handling characteristics based on riding conditions, converting a static design into an adaptive one that can optimize both maneuverability and smooth running as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the fork assembly by allowing the axle position to vary along the recess. This enables adjustment of the pre-bending angle and caster distance, transforming the handling parameters from fixed values to variable parameters that can be optimized for different riding scenarios, thereby resolving the contradiction between maneuverability and smooth running.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the front wheel axle is positioned further back to reduce pre-bending, then smooth running is improved, but maneuverability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth runningVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the recess width is increased to allow axle movement, then adjustability is improved, but structural precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidrecess precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces positioning elements as intermediary components that provide precise positioning within the enlarged recess. These positioning elements with specifically designed opening positions act as mediators between the enlarged recess structure and the axle, ensuring that even though the recess itself is wider for adjustability, the actual axle position is precisely controlled by the positioning element's opening location, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple positioning elements are provided for different positions, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling adjustment optionsVSAvoidnumber of positioning elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the single recess into multiple positioning zones by providing multiple positioning elements with different opening positions within the same recess. This segmentation allows the axle to be positioned at different locations without requiring separate recesses or complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby achieving versatility while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through modular positioning elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2399812B1Bicycle fork

Publication Date: 2018.11.07 CANYON BICYCLES

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AI summary

The bicycle has two fork ribs (14) that are connected with each other over a fork bridge (12) and recesses for receiving a front wheel axle. The recesses are provided at the drop-outs (16) of the fork ribs. The recesses are formed such that the front wheel axle is fixed in a frame longitudinal direction in two different positions.