Bicycle Saddle Damping Layer Segmentation and Tape Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle saddles often fail to provide ergonomic comfort due to a standardized damping layer that does not adapt to individual cyclists' buttock contours, and the material in these saddles can be damaged over time, especially in areas bearing significant force.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle saddle design featuring a damping layer made of elastic material, such as E-TPU, with attachable tape elements that adjust to the cyclist's anatomy, providing customized support and protection by altering the layer's hardness and concealing unevenness, while the tape elements ensure effective absorption of forces and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized damping layer is used in conventional bicycle saddles, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the saddle cannot adapt to individual cyclists' buttock contours, reducing ergonomic comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The damping layer is divided into multiple independent foam elements (first, second, third foam elements) with different densities and hardnesses. These segmented elements can be independently selected and arranged to match specific anatomical regions, allowing customization without requiring a completely new saddle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the damping layer are assigned different material properties - higher density foam elements in areas requiring support, lower density elements in areas requiring cushioning. This local differentiation enables anatomical adaptation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured using standard processes.
2Ease of operation
If a soft cushioning layer is used to provide comfort, then seating comfort is improved, but the material can be damaged under long-term stress in high-force areas
Solution Approach 1:
The damping layer uses a gradient of foam densities - softer foam elements in areas requiring comfort and cushioning, harder foam elements in areas subjected to high forces. This local differentiation allows the soft material to provide comfort where needed while the harder material provides durability in stress-bearing areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping layer is constructed as a composite of multiple foam elements with different material properties (different densities, hardnesses, and compression characteristics). This composite structure combines the benefits of soft, comfortable materials with harder, more durable materials to achieve both comfort and long-term reliability.
3Shape
If the damping layer surface is left as-is, then the structure remains simple, but unevenness in the surface cannot be compensated or concealed
Solution Approach 1:
The damping layer is segmented into multiple foam elements of varying heights and densities. This segmentation allows the top surface to be naturally leveled, as the different elements can be arranged to compensate for underlying irregularities, creating a smooth seating surface without requiring additional leveling layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses surface unevenness by introducing vertical dimensionality through foam elements of different heights. Rather than trying to flatten the surface horizontally, the varying heights of adjacent foam elements create a level top surface that conforms to the desired shape, effectively compensating for unevenness in a third dimension.
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 solution provides enhanced ergonomic comfort and protection by adapting the saddle's surface to the cyclist's anatomy, reducing the risk of damage and improving seating stability, thus ensuring long-term usability and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a damping layer which is fastened to the bicycle saddle shell, wherein the damping layer comprises an elastic material which is designed to absorb forces acting on the bicycle saddle by deformation of the elastic material
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of tape elements which are fastened in sections to the damping layer by a material-to-material connection
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a bicycle saddle (1) which can be attached to a bicycle, comprising a bicycle saddle shell (2), a damping layer (3) which is attached to the bicycle saddle shell (2), wherein the damping layer (3) comprises an elastic material which is designed to absorb forces acting on the bicycle saddle (1) by deformation of the elastic material, and a plurality of tape elements (4, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7) which are attached at least partially to the damping layer (3) by a material-bonded connection in order to ensure an ergonomic adaptation of the bicycle saddle (1) to the anatomy of a cyclist and to protect the elastic material of the damping layer (3).