Bicycle Frame Rear Triangle Deformable Suspension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle frames with rear suspension systems featuring multiple points of rotation are heavy due to complex articulated areas, which negatively impact cyclist performance, and attempts to reduce weight by using deformable components often compromise lateral stiffness and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle frame with a rear triangle that can deform in two directions with minimal difference in maximum deformation, allowing the removal of the pivot point at the rear wheel axle, distributing deformation along the strut's length to maintain stiffness and reduce weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rear suspension systems with multiple points of rotation are used, then the suspension mechanism works effectively, but the frame weight increases due to complex articulated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pivot point from the rear wheel axle area, extracting this complex articulated element from the suspension system. The rear triangle is designed to deform elastically without requiring a rotational pivot at the wheel axle, thereby reducing frame weight while maintaining suspension functionality through the remaining pivot points and the deformable rear triangle structure
Solution Approach 2:
The rear triangle is designed with specific geometric parameters and material properties that allow it to deform elastically under vertical loads. By carefully controlling the dimensions, cross-sectional area, and material characteristics of the rear triangle, the system achieves the desired suspension effect through controlled deformation rather than through additional pivot points
2Weight of moving object
If deformable components are used to reduce frame weight, then frame weight decreases, but lateral stiffness and energy efficiency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable rear triangle is designed with non-uniform cross-sectional properties along its length, with thicker sections at critical locations to maintain lateral stiffness and thinner sections where deformation is desired. This localized variation in structural properties allows the frame to be lightweight overall while maintaining necessary stiffness in specific regions
Solution Approach 2:
The rear triangle can be constructed using composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio and controlled elastic deformation characteristics. These composite structures enable the rear triangle to deform vertically for suspension while maintaining lateral stiffness through the inherent properties of the composite material construction
3Ease of operation
If excessive deformation is applied to the frame base, then suspension stroke is achieved, but the structure suffers excessive duress and stiffness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rear triangle is designed as a dynamic elastic structure that adapts its deformation characteristics based on the applied load. During normal suspension operation, it deforms within elastic limits to provide smooth stroke. The system dynamically adjusts the distribution of deformation across the rear triangle members based on riding conditions, preventing excessive localized stress while maintaining suspension effectiveness
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
This design achieves a better stiffness-to-weight ratio and optimal rear suspension operation with reduced weight and minimal duress on the frame structure, requiring less force for suspension stroke, thus enhancing cycling performance.
Implementation Method 1
a rear triangle (3) capable of being deformed, wherein, in the complete transition of the suspension system, it is capable of adopting at least the following positions: an initial position, in which it presents an absence of deformation, a first intermediate position, in which it presents a maximum deformation in a first direction, a second intermediate position, in which it presents an absence of deformation, and a final position, in which it presents a maximum deformation in a second direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Frame (1) for a bicycle with a rear suspension system with at least one deformable rear triangle (3) that is capable of adopting at least the following positions: an initial position with an absence of deformation, a first intermediate position in which the rear triangle (3) presents a maximum deformation in a first direction (d1), a second intermediate position with an absence of deformation, and a final position in which the rear triangle (3) presents a maximum deformation in a second direction (d2). The maximum deformation in both directions (d1, d2) is similar, thereby ensuring that the frame (1) is deformed minimally along the complete stroke of the suspension, which guarantees the optimal stiffness of the frame (1).