Bicycle Frame Concave Section for Ergonomic Carrying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycles lack a design feature that facilitates comfortable and secure carrying, particularly in situations like cyclocross racing where obstacles require riders to lift and carry their bicycles.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle frame design featuring a tubular frame member with a concave section on its underside, spaced from the head tube, which defines a longitudinal axis and includes a central recess and curved ridge to create a substantially oval-shaped depression, allowing for ergonomic hand placement and improved grip during carrying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional smooth tubular frame is used, then the frame maintains structural simplicity and manufacturing ease, but it lacks ergonomic features for comfortable carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a concave section only at the specific location where carrying comfort is needed, while the rest of the tubular frame maintains its conventional smooth geometry. This localized modification creates an ergonomic hand placement area without altering the overall frame structure or requiring complex manufacturing processes throughout the entire frame.
2Ease of operation
If the concave section is made deeper to improve hand accommodation, then carrying comfort increases, but the frame member's structural stiffness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the dimensions of the concave section, specifically limiting its depth and length to appropriate proportions. The concave section has a length that is at most 40 percent of the frame member's length, and its depth is controlled to provide ergonomic hand placement while maintaining structural integrity. This dimensional optimization resolves the contradiction between comfort and stiffness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional carrying features are added to the frame, then usability in carrying scenarios improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the concave section to serve multiple functions: it provides ergonomic hand placement for carrying, maintains structural stiffness of the frame, and does not interfere with other frame components. This single geometric feature addresses carrying needs across different scenarios (lifting, carrying over obstacles, transporting) without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle frame including a head tube and a bottom bracket adapted to support a crankset. The frame also includes a tubular frame member that is coupled to the head tube and that has a concave section disposed on an underside of the frame member and spaced from the head tube.