Bicycle saddle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle saddles often provide low comfort and high weight, with comfort improvements being less effective in bent sitting positions compared to upright positions.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle saddle design featuring a saddle shell with a first cushion element, an intermediate shell made of harder plastic with recesses, and a second cushion element, which allows for enhanced flexibility and damping characteristics, particularly in the central region to improve comfort in bent sitting positions by distributing load and absorbing hip tilting movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional single-shell saddle design is used, then the structure is simple and weight is low, but the comfort is relatively low especially in bent sitting positions
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle is divided into multiple functional layers: a first cushion element, an intermediate shell with recesses, and a second cushion element. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions - the intermediate shell provides structural support while the recesses create flexibility zones, and the cushion elements provide comfort. This resolves the contradiction by achieving enhanced comfort without requiring complete structural complexity throughout the entire saddle.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate shell features recesses specifically in regions where flexibility is needed (central region and rear portion), while maintaining structural integrity in other areas. This local modification of the shell structure provides targeted flexibility improvement in bent sitting positions without compromising overall structural strength or adding excessive weight throughout the entire saddle.
2Ease of operation
If gel pads are arranged inside the seat cushion to improve comfort, then the comfort is improved, but the weight of the saddle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate shell with recesses acts as a flexible structural element that adapts to the rider's position and movements. This thin-walled shell design provides the necessary flexibility and comfort adaptation without the weight penalty of gel pads, as it relies on geometric design rather than heavy viscous materials.
3Ease of operation
If damping elements are provided between the saddle frame and saddle shell, then comfort is improved, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate shell with pre-formed recesses provides built-in flexibility and shock absorption capability before the rider even sits on the saddle. The recesses are designed in advance to allow the shell to flex and adapt to riding positions and impacts, eliminating the need for additional damping elements that would add weight and complexity.
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 significantly increases comfort by allowing the saddle shell to be more flexible and absorb hip tilting movements effectively, providing improved sitting comfort in both upright and bent positions while maintaining effective load distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A first cushion element is arranged on an upper surface of the saddle shell... A second cushion element is arranged on an upper side of the intermediate shell
Implementation Method 2
The intermediate shell, as well as the saddle shell itself, is made of a harder plastic material... the intermediate shell can be designed to be softer in a central region of the saddle
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle saddle includes a saddle shell with a saddle frame arranged on the lower side thereof. A first saddle cushion is arranged on the upper side of the saddle shell. An intermediate shell is arranged on an upper side of the saddle cushion. On the upper side of the latter, a second cushion element is arranged. The intermediate shell includes at least one recess for improving comfort in particular in the case of a perched sitting position.