Automated Bicycle Saddle Height Control for Transport and Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle saddle adjustments do not effectively accommodate changing positions for riding, transportation, or maintenance, particularly for older riders and electric bicycles, which can be cumbersome and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bicycle saddle with an electrically or hydraulically operated seat post, controlled by a method that detects specific situations (parking, transport, or maintenance) using start signals to change the saddle height, allowing for lifting, locking, and anti-theft functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the saddle height is manually adjusted for different riding positions, then the rider can adapt to different riding scenarios, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and requires rider skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electric motor system. The motor-driven seat post automatically adjusts saddle height based on detected riding scenarios, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing adjustment time while maintaining adaptability across different riding conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect riding scenarios and triggers automatic saddle height adjustment without requiring rider intervention. The control unit processes sensor data and autonomously operates the adjustment mechanism, enabling the system to serve itself in the adjustment process.
2Reliability
If the saddle is manually adjusted for transportation or maintenance positions, then the bicycle can be positioned for safe transport or repair, but the process requires rider skill and physical effort
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor system replaces manual mechanical adjustment, enabling reliable positioning for transportation and maintenance without requiring physical effort or skill from the rider. The automated system ensures consistent and accurate positioning for safe bike handling and repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when transportation or maintenance mode is activated through sensor input and autonomously adjusts the saddle to the appropriate height, eliminating the need for rider skill in operating the adjustment mechanism while ensuring reliable positioning.
3Speed
If the saddle height is quickly adjusted during riding, then the rider can respond to changing conditions, but the adjustment mechanism must be complex and fast
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor system provides rapid saddle height adjustment through powered actuation, achieving quick response to changing riding conditions. The motor-driven mechanism simplifies the overall system by using a single reliable actuator rather than complex mechanical linkages, maintaining both speed and simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention claims a method and a control unit comprising this method, or a two-wheeled vehicle (100) equipped with this control unit, for controlling the height of the saddle (110) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100). For this purpose, the two-wheeled vehicle is provided with a saddle whose height can be adjusted by means of a corresponding adjustment device (120). To carry out the control, the system detects whether a first start signal is present, depending on the detected parking, transport, and/or maintenance situation. Upon receiving this first start signal, the adjustment device is activated such that the saddle initially assumes a higher position relative to the frame and/or the ground. Subsequently, the generation of a second start signal is detected before the adjustment device (120) is activated again. This second start signal causes the previously set saddle height to be reduced again.