Bicycle Fork Crown Suspension With Central Spring and Pivot Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension forks are prone to wear, require frequent maintenance, are heavier, and more expensive than rigid forks, with parallelogram designs experiencing reduced stability due to numerous wear-prone joints and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle fork design integrates a single central spring element between the fork crown and triple clamp, with a pivot joint allowing the fork legs to compress and rebound, reducing the need for multiple components and wear-prone joints, and using an elastomer spring or shock absorber for suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional suspension forks with multiple spring elements and damping mechanisms are used, then suspension performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spring elements and damping mechanisms into a single integrated spring element that performs both suspension and damping functions. This single component replaces the traditional multi-component system, reducing device complexity while maintaining suspension performance through the integrated design of the spring element with internal damping structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides suspension by absorbing shocks, provides damping by dissipating energy, and serves as a structural component of the fork. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate suspension and damping components, directly reducing device complexity.
2Speed
If parallelogram suspension forks with multiple joints are used, then suspension response is improved, but stability deteriorates due to wear-prone joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic multiple joints from the parallelogram suspension design. Instead of using multiple connected joints that are prone to wear, the invention uses a single integrated spring element that provides the same suspension response without the stability issues caused by multiple connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple joints into a single integrated spring element. This single component provides both the rapid response needed for suspension performance and the structural stability required for reliable operation, eliminating the wear-prone joints that compromise stability in traditional parallelogram designs.
3Reliability
If suspension forks with multiple components are used, then suspension capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (spring elements, damping mechanisms, and structural elements) into a single integrated spring element. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts and their combined weight while maintaining suspension capability through the integrated design that combines multiple functions in one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The single spring element is designed to perform multiple functions including suspension, damping, and structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components that would add weight, achieving suspension capability with reduced overall fork weight.
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
The design achieves a low-maintenance, cost-effective, and stable suspension fork with reduced weight and improved force transmission, enhancing handling and maneuverability while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The suspension consists of a stanchion and a slider, which slide into each other when the fork is compressed. The stanchion is the fixed tube relative to the bicycle frame, always the upper tube. The lower, movable tube is the slider.
Implementation Method 2
when riding over bumps, the kinetic energy is absorbed by elastic elements and, if applicable, damping mechanisms
Implementation Method 3
The fork crown and the triple clamp are connected via a pivot joint such that a rotational movement around the pivot axis of the joint causes a change in the distance between the fork crown and the triple clamp
Implementation Method 4
when riding over bumps, the kinetic energy is absorbed by elastic elements and, if applicable, damping mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A bicycle fork (2) with a spring element (11) comprising a steerer tube (3), a fork crown (4), and fork legs (5) spaced apart from each other with dropouts (6) for attaching the front wheel (7). To create a low-maintenance, cost-effective, and wear-resistant suspension fork, it is proposed to integrate a central spring element into a two-part fork crown. The upper part of the fork crown, the fork crown (8), is rotationally fixed to the steerer tube. The lower part of the fork crown, the fork bridge (9), connects the fork legs (5) at their upper ends (10). The spring element is located directly between the fork crown and the fork bridge, and the fork crown and the fork bridge are connected to each other via a pivot joint (12) offset from the longitudinal axis of the steerer tube.