Bicycle Saddle Shell Lateral Tilting via Elastomer Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle saddles often compromise between comfort and weight, with many designs offering low comfort and/or being heavy, and struggle to accommodate asymmetrical body shapes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle saddle design featuring a saddle shell with a seat pad of varying hardness and material composition, connected to a carrier element via an elastomer body, allowing the saddle shell to tilt laterally and synchronize with pelvic movement, and adjustable rigidity to accommodate different user weights and comfort preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the saddle shell is rigidly connected to the carrier element, then structural stability is improved, but comfort and adaptability to pelvic movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection between the saddle shell and carrier element movable rather than rigid. The elastomeric body allows the saddle shell to tilt laterally and rotate about its longitudinal axis, enabling the structure to adapt dynamically to pelvic movements during cycling while maintaining overall structural integrity through the stiff carrier element.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric body serves as an intermediary element between the rigid carrier element and the saddle shell. This intermediate component provides both mechanical coupling and movement freedom, allowing the stiff carrier element to maintain structural stability while the saddle shell can move independently to accommodate pelvic motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple padding layers and damping elements are added, then comfort is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the thickness and material properties of the elastomeric body in different regions of the saddle. The elastomeric body has different thicknesses in the front, middle, and rear sections, providing differentiated comfort and damping characteristics without requiring multiple separate padding layers, thus controlling weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the elastomeric body with the saddle shell and carrier element made of different materials. The elastomeric body provides damping and comfort properties, while the saddle shell and carrier element provide structural support, creating a composite structure that achieves both comfort and weight efficiency.
3Strength
If the saddle shell has high rigidity, then structural strength is improved, but seating comfort and pressure distribution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the saddle structure into distinct functional components: a stiff carrier element for structural strength, a compliant elastomeric body for comfort and damping, and a saddle shell for user contact. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its properties independently without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the saddle have different rigidity characteristics. The carrier element is made stiff for overall structural strength, while the elastomeric body and saddle shell contact areas are made more compliant for comfort and pressure distribution, creating local variations in mechanical properties.
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
Enhances comfort by distributing pressure evenly and compensating for body asymmetry, while allowing for customizable comfort levels through material and geometric adjustments, reducing painful pressure points and improving pedaling experience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric body (32) made of foam material is arranged between the carrier element (34), which is preferably made of relatively stiff plastic, and the saddle shell (22)
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric body (32) made of foam material is arranged between the carrier element (34), which is preferably made of relatively stiff plastic, and the saddle shell (22)
Implementation Method 3
the carrier element is made of fiber-reinforced plastic or has fiber-reinforced plastic. It is particularly preferred here to use glass fiber reinforced and/or carbon fiber reinforced plastic
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a bicycle saddle comprising a saddle shell (22). A seat cushion (26) is arranged on the upper side (24) of the saddle shell (22). A support element (34) which is connected to a saddle frame (18) is also provided. An elastomer body (32) is arranged between the saddle shell (22) and the support element (34) in order to decouple the saddle shell (22) from the support element (34). The saddle shell (22) has a lower stiffness than the support element (34).