Bicycle Saddle Post Assembly with Collet Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable bicycle saddle post assemblies are often complex, unreliable, and difficult to operate or maintain, failing to provide efficient power positioning and comfort for cyclists.
Innovation Solution
A vertically-adjustable bicycle saddle post assembly featuring a slidable inner support relative to an outer support, with a collet expansion portion and retention assembly that allows for easy height adjustment using a cable or pneumatic system, ensuring secure engagement with the bicycle frame and seat post.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustable seat post assemblies are used, then saddle height can be adjusted, but the device becomes overly complicated and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable seat post assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: an expandable member with gripping elements for height adjustment, a separate retention member with spring-loaded locking mechanism, and a cable actuation system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining adjustability capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanical locking system that requires multiple moving parts, the invention inverts the approach by using a spring-loaded retention member that automatically engages with the expandable member. The system relies on elastic recovery rather than mechanical interlocking, reducing complexity while ensuring reliable engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustable seat post assemblies are used, then saddle height can be adjusted, but the system becomes difficult to operate and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a cable actuation system that uses tensile force to control the expandable member. The cable can be routed through the bicycle frame and operated from a convenient location, allowing easy height adjustment without requiring the rider to access or manipulate complex mechanical components on the seat post itself.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable acts as an intermediary between the rider's control input and the expandable member. This intermediary allows the adjustment force to be applied remotely and smoothly, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation of the locking mechanism and simplifying operation while maintaining precise control.
3Reliability
If expansion portions are made resilient to engage grooves, then secure engagement is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable member changes its physical parameter (radial dimension) in response to applied force, transitioning between expanded and retracted states. This parameter change allows the member to engage or disengage from grooves on the outer support tube without requiring complex mechanical linkages, achieving reliable engagement through simple elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded retention member automatically engages with the expandable member when the cable tension is released, using the elastic recovery of the spring to secure the adjusted position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate locking actions or complex engagement systems, ensuring reliable positioning while maintaining structural simplicity.
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
Enables cyclists to adjust the saddle height seamlessly during rides, enhancing power efficiency and comfort by allowing precise positioning without the complexity and reliability issues of prior systems.
Implementation Method 1
a retention assembly that, when moved to a second position relative to the expansion portion, prevents the expansion portion from being retracted
Data Source
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AI summary
According to some embodiments, an adjustable assembly for a bicycle comprises a first support and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support, such that one of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. In some embodiments, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be selectively moved between a expanded position and a retracted position. In one embodiment, the expansion portion is configured to contact and engage at least one portion of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position, and the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.