Bicycle Rear Suspension Selectable Axle Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheeled vehicle suspension systems fail to effectively decouple the suspension from driving forces transmitted along a tension segment of a drive chain throughout the range of motion, leading to issues such as squat or kick during acceleration, which affects performance and safety, especially in mountain bikes and motorcycles.
Innovation Solution
A rear suspension system for wheeled vehicles that includes a bicycle frame with strategically positioned upper and lower pivot points, a linkage member, seatstay, chainstay, and shock absorber, allowing for adjustable wheel paths and suspension travel by coupling the rear suspension system to different pivot points, thereby managing driving forces and optimizing wheel movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rear suspension system is coupled to a single fixed pivot point, then the structure is simple, but the wheel path cannot be adjusted for different riding conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple lower pivot points (first, second, and third pivot points) positioned at different locations on the bicycle frame, allowing the suspension system to dynamically adjust its wheel path characteristics. By coupling the rear suspension to different pivot points, the system adapts to various riding conditions such as climbing, descending, or flat terrain, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the suspension system allows free movement of the rear wheel, then the suspension can absorb shocks effectively, but driving forces cause squat or kick during acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a linkage member as an intermediary between the rear suspension system and the frame. This linkage member transmits and controls the forces between the suspension and the frame, allowing the suspension to absorb shocks while preventing harmful pedal kickback and squat effects during acceleration. The linkage acts as a mediator that decouples the harmful force transmission paths while maintaining suspension functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shock absorber is rigidly coupled to the frame, then the structure is stable, but the suspension cannot flexibly adapt to terrain variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a shock absorber that is pivotally coupled to the frame through the linkage member and pivot points, creating a dynamic connection rather than a rigid one. This allows the suspension travel and characteristics to be adjusted by changing the pivot point coupling, enabling the system to adapt to different terrain conditions while maintaining connection stability through the structured pivot relationships.
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 system provides improved decoupling of suspension from driving forces, allowing for adjustable wheel paths and suspension travel, enhancing performance and safety across various riding disciplines by optimizing rear wheel movement and reducing pedal kickback.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorber coupled to the linkage member and the bicycle frame, wherein the shock absorber is configured to flexibly maintain a separation between the structural member and the linkage member
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle frame is disclosed. In certain examples, the bicycle frame includes a head tube coupled to a top tube and a down tube, a seat tube coupled to the top tube and the down tube, and an upper pivot point disposed in the seat tube configured to pivotally couple to a rear suspension system. In certain examples, the bicycle frame includes a plurality of lower pivot points disposed in the seat tube configured to pivotally couple to the rear suspension system, each of the plurality of lower pivot points causing, when coupled to the rear suspension system, the rear suspension system to define a different wheel path as a rear wheel of the rear suspension system travels from an extended position to a compressed position.