Bicycle Saddle Adapter with Elastic Plate for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle saddles with rigid rods are prone to breakage, overcompression, and fail to effectively absorb vibrations, leading to discomfort and performance issues for cyclists, particularly in competitive environments, and require dedicated seatposts for different saddle types.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle saddle adapter with a plate or foil connected to the saddle shell and seatpost tube, featuring elastic properties and vibration-damping elements, allowing various saddle types to be mounted on standard seatposts without rods, thereby stabilizing the saddle and reducing vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid rods are used to support the saddle, then the saddle maintains structural stability and resists deformation, but the rods are prone to breakage and overcompression, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid rod structure is segmented into multiple components: an upper support element, a lower support element, and intermediate elastic elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while distributing mechanical stresses, preventing single-point failure and overcompression of a single rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The saddle support system uses composite construction combining rigid elements (upper and lower support structures) with elastic elements (springs or dampers). This composite approach maintains structural stability while the elastic components absorb shocks and prevent overcompression, enhancing overall reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid rods are used to support the saddle, then the saddle maintains its shape and position, but it fails to absorb vibrations and shocks, reducing cyclist comfort
Solution Approach 1:
Elastic elements are pre-installed between the upper and lower support elements to provide beforehand cushioning. These elements are designed to absorb vibrations and shocks before they reach the cyclist, maintaining saddle shape stability while protecting against harmful mechanical impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system allows dynamic parameter changes in the elastic elements (springs or dampers) that can adjust their stiffness or damping characteristics. This enables the saddle to maintain its shape under normal conditions while absorbing vibrations and shocks when subjected to rough terrain or heavy loads.
3Strength
If saddles with rods are used, then the saddle provides strong support, but the stems are vulnerable to breakage and deformation during falls or collisions, creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional single rigid rod is segmented into an upper support element and a lower support element connected by elastic elements. This segmentation eliminates the vulnerable continuous rod structure, replacing it with modular components that can flex and absorb impact energy, reducing the risk of stem breakage during falls or collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements (springs or dampers) act as flexible components between the rigid support elements. These flexible elements can deform under impact loads, absorbing collision energy and preventing the rigid stems from breaking, thereby maintaining saddle support strength while improving stem safety.
4Productivity
If conventional saddles are designed for specific bicycle types, then the saddle optimizes performance for that bicycle type, but it reduces adaptability when cyclists need to switch between different bicycle types
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle is designed with a universal support system featuring an upper support element, lower support element, and elastic elements that can accommodate different bicycle types and saddle preferences. This multi-functional design allows the same saddle to be used on various bicycle types (road, mountain, gravel) while maintaining performance optimization through adjustable elastic elements.
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 adapter provides a secure, vibration-damping solution that enhances cyclist comfort and safety, maintains performance, and allows easy saddle mounting on standard seatposts, avoiding rod breakage and overcompression, while being customizable and aesthetically pleasing.
Implementation Method 1
The adapter comprises a plate or foil (15) provided with interface means with means for tightening with respect to the head (14') of the seatpost tube (14) and means for tightening said plate or foil (15) with respect to the interface means
Implementation Method 2
The plate or foil (15) has, in a vertical plane, an arched profile comprising a front portion (15'), a central portion (15'') and a rear portion (15''') and has elastic properties
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An adapter (10) for a bicycle saddle forming a connection interface between a shell or shield (12) of a saddle (13) and a head (14') of a seatpost tube (14) of the bicycle frame, comprising a plate or foil (15) connected to the shell or shield (12) and interface means for said plate or foil cooperating with means for tightening with respect to the head (14') of the seatpost tube (14).