Bicycle Saddle Frame with Rigid Base and Flexible Rim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid bicycle saddle frames cause discomfort due to repeated rubbing of the inside thighs and localized pressure concentration during pedaling, as they lack flexibility and structural intensity.
Innovation Solution
A load-bearing frame with a base made of a rigid first plastic material and a rim of a less rigid second plastic material, featuring sections with receiving spaces and openings to distribute pressure and provide flexibility while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the frame is made of rigid materials to support body weight and allow attachment, then the structural intensity and load-bearing capacity are improved, but the rider comfort deteriorates due to repeated rubbing and localized pressure concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with different rigidity characteristics in different regions: the base portion is made of rigid material to support body weight, while the rim portion is made of flexible material to reduce rubbing and pressure concentration on the rider's thighs and buttocks. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between overall structural strength and localized comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is constructed as a composite structure combining two different plastic materials: a rigid first plastic material for the base and a flexible second plastic material for the rim. This composite approach allows the frame to simultaneously achieve the load-bearing capacity of rigid materials and the comfort benefits of flexible materials in different functional zones.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the peripheral edge is made flexible by providing strip-shaped openings to improve comfort during pedaling, then the rider comfort is improved, but the structural intensity deteriorates making the frame easily fractured
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire peripheral edge flexible with strip-shaped openings, the invention applies flexibility only to the rim portion while keeping the base portion rigid. The rim is made of a flexible second plastic material that provides comfort during pedaling without compromising the overall structural integrity, as the rigid base maintains the necessary strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The rim is constructed as a flexible shell component made of a second plastic material with lower rigidity than the base. This flexible rim portion can deform to accommodate rider movement and reduce pressure points without significantly weakening the overall frame structure, as it is integrated with the rigid base.
3Strength
If the entire frame is made of rigid materials to ensure structural integrity, then the structural intensity is improved, but the flexibility and adaptability to rider movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with spatially varying mechanical properties: the base portion maintains high rigidity for structural integrity and load-bearing, while the rim portion has lower rigidity to provide flexibility and adaptability to rider movements. This local differentiation allows the frame to simultaneously achieve both structural integrity and flexibility where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is constructed as a composite structure using two plastic materials with different rigidity characteristics. The rigid first plastic material in the base ensures structural integrity, while the flexible second plastic material in the rim provides adaptability to rider movement, creating a frame that is both strong and flexible in appropriate locations.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A load-bearing frame (20) of a bicycle saddle (10) comprises a base (40) and a rim (60) surrounding the base (40). The base (40) is made of a first plastic material of predetermined rigidity and includes a relatively narrow anterior portion (402) and a relatively wider posterior portion (406). The base (40) further has a top surface (42), a bottom surface (44), and a peripheral edge (46). The rim (60) is made of a second plastic material of rigidity being smaller than that of the first plastic material. The rim (60) has an inner side (62) coupled with the periphery edge (46) of the base (40)and an outer side (64) extending upwardly from the inner side to define a first receiving space (70) with a first upper opening (72).