Bicycle Frame with Adjustable Damping Connection Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle frames for mountain bikes and trekking bicycles are inefficient in adapting to varying riding conditions, leading to discomfort, reduced traction, and increased weight due to complex and cumbersome adjustments in damping elements, which affect the load distribution between the front and rear wheels.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle frame design featuring a pivotably connected rear frame with a damping element, where a displacing element allows for the adjustable position of the first connection point of the damping element, enabling quick changes in frame geometry and damping characteristics to suit different riding situations, such as uphill or downhill conditions, without significantly increasing the frame's weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the damping element is adjusted to provide 20-30% negative spring travel for comfort on uneven ground, then riding comfort and traction are improved, but the seat angle becomes acute causing the front wheel to lift off during uphill riding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection point of the damping element movable rather than fixed. The connection point can dynamically change its position along the seat tube depending on riding conditions, allowing the system to adapt between different riding scenarios (uneven ground vs. uphill) without being locked into a single configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the position of the damping element's connection point on the seat tube. This positional parameter change alters the leverage and mechanical advantage of the damping element, thereby changing the effective spring travel percentage and seat angle to suit different riding conditions
2Stability of the object's composition
If compression damping is increased to suppress driving influences, then frame stability is improved, but energy is converted into heat reducing the driver's power efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the damping characteristics to change dynamically based on connection point position. Rather than using fixed high compression damping that always suppresses vibrations (converting energy to heat), the system can adjust the connection point to achieve appropriate damping levels for current riding conditions, preserving driver energy when possible
3Reliability
If the lower connection point of the damping element is significantly shifted to achieve relevant influence on damping effect, then damping effectiveness is improved, but the overall weight of the frame is drastically increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by making only the necessary minimal adjustment to the connection point position rather than requiring large shifts of 40-50 mm. This partial adjustment is sufficient to achieve relevant influence on damping characteristics without requiring oversized, heavier components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes (position of connection point) to achieve damping effectiveness without changing the physical dimensions or mass of the damping components themselves, avoiding the weight penalty associated with larger, more robust components
4Strength
If the connection element and displacing element are designed to be solid to absorb substantial forces, then structural strength is improved, but the overall weight of the frame is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the connection point position to leverage the existing structural geometry for force absorption rather than relying solely on increased component mass. The design uses geometric parameters (connection point location) to achieve strength efficiency
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 improves riding comfort and traction by dynamically adjusting the frame's geometry and damping characteristics, allowing for efficient power transfer and reduced energy loss, while maintaining a lightweight structure.
Implementation Method 1
a displacing element for changing the position of the first connection point of the damping element
Implementation Method 2
a damping element for damping the movement of the rear frame
Implementation Method 3
suppressing the driving influences, whereby, however, energy is converted into heat
Implementation Method 4
a spring element arranged between the connection element and the seat tube, by which spring element the lower or second connection point of the damper element can be shifted
Implementation Method 5
about 20-30% of the spring travel are provided as negative spring travel. This means that, given a static load by the weight of a driver, the damping element is compressed
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle frame, in particular a mountain bike frame or a trekking bicycle frame, comprises main frame element. A rear frame is pivotably connected with the main frame element. A damping element is provided between the rear frame and the main frame element. A first connection point of the damper element is connected with the rear frame and a second connection point of the damping element is connected with the main frame element. For the purpose of changing the frame characteristics, a displacing element is provided for the displacement of the first connection point. The locking of the displacing element is done with the help of an actuator element.