Bicycle Frame Adjustable Seat Post via Internal Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for connecting a cycle saddle to a seat tube require cutting the seat tube to adjust height, limiting reconfigurability, resale value, and transportation due to fixed frame sizes.

Innovation Solution

A cycle frame with a seat tube featuring an upper end portion that can be inserted into a stem body with a fixing device to block the saddle post from the inside, allowing adjustable seat post length without cutting, using an annular shoulder and screw mechanism for secure attachment, and removable spacers for fine height adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the seat tube is made long to accommodate maximum cyclists, then adaptability is improved, but the frame size increases making transportation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cyclist sizesVSAvoidseat tube length
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The seat tube is segmented into a fixed frame portion and a removable seat post portion. The seat post can be detached and replaced with different lengths to accommodate different cyclist sizes, while the frame itself remains compact for easy transportation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seat post system transitions from a static, fixed-length seat tube to a dynamic, adjustable configuration where the seat post can be removed, replaced, or adjusted in length based on the cyclist's needs, providing adaptability without increasing the base frame size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the seat tube is cut to adjust seat height, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to irreversible modification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat height adjustmentVSAvoidframe integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seat post system allows dynamic adjustment of seat height by replacing removable seat post sections of different lengths, eliminating the need to cut the frame and preserving its structural integrity while providing easy height adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of permanently modifying the frame by cutting, the system uses disposable/removable seat post sections that can be discarded or replaced. If a cut is made to a seat post, the frame itself remains intact and can be reused with different seat post lengths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Device complexity

If the seat post is integrated into the frame, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens due to fixed frame configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat post integrationVSAvoidseat height adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated seat post is segmented into a permanent frame portion and removable adjustable sections. This maintains the aesthetic and structural simplicity of integration while adding adaptability through replaceable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame's integrated seat post design serves multiple functions: it provides the structural mounting point, the aesthetic integrated appearance, and when combined with removable sections, the adaptability for different heights. The universal design accommodates both fixed and adjustable needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If a fixing device is added to block the seat post from inside, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat post securingVSAvoidfixing mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device utilizes the self-service principle where the seat post itself features external threading that directly receives and secures to a fixing mechanism within the frame. The seat post's own structure provides the means for its own secure attachment without requiring additional complex external fixing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2933179B1Bicycle frame and associated seat post
Publication Date: 2019.02.13 LOOK CYCLE INT SA
  • EP2933179B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2933179B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2933179B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a cycle frame (1) comprising a seat tube (10), characterized in that the seat tube (10) has an upper end portion (15) adapted to be inserted into a hollow seat post body (20); and a fastening device (4-8) adapted to lock the seat post body (20) from the inside at the upper end portion (15).