Bicycle Saddle Spring Stack for Quasi-Zero Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle saddles experience vibrations when ridden over rough surfaces, leading to rider discomfort and reduced ride quality due to inadequate vibration management.
Innovation Solution
A vibration isolator system is integrated into the bicycle frame, featuring a stack of spring members with a non-linear stiffness profile, including a region of quasi-zero stiffness, to effectively absorb and isolate vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a linear spring system is used in the bicycle saddle, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the vibration isolation performance is insufficient leading to rider discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from a linear spring system to a non-linear spring system with specifically engineered stiffness characteristics. The non-linear spring exhibits a stiffness profile that varies with compression distance, providing optimal vibration isolation across different ride conditions while maintaining manufacturability through standardized spring design methodologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple spring members with different stiffness characteristics into a unified vibration isolator assembly. This composite structure integrates springs with varying wire diameters, coil densities, or material properties to achieve a composite stiffness profile that superiorly isolates vibrations compared to single-spring designs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-linear spring system with quasi-zero stiffness region is used, then the vibration isolation performance is significantly improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the vibration isolator into multiple discrete spring members, each contributing to different portions of the overall stiffness profile. This segmentation allows the complex non-linear behavior to be achieved through simpler individual components that can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by designing springs whose stiffness characteristics change dynamically with compression distance. The non-linear springs exhibit a stiffness profile that naturally transitions through different rigidity states during vibration cycles, automatically adapting to varying load conditions without requiring active control mechanisms or complex mechanical adjustments.
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 system significantly improves vibration isolation performance compared to linear spring systems, enhancing rider comfort and ride quality by effectively managing vibrations encountered during bicycle use.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration isolator can include a stack of spring members arranged in a stack. The spring members can be configured to provide a non-linear force-deflection curve. The non-linear force-deflection curve can include a region of quasi-zero stiffness.
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration isolator can be configured to provide improved vibration isolation performance, such as in connection with a bicycle saddle. The bicycle saddle can be operatively connected to a bicycle frame. The vibration isolator can be located within a portion of the bicycle frame. The vibration isolator can be operatively positioned with respect to the bicycle saddle. The vibration isolator being configured to exhibit a non-linear stiffness profile. The non-linear stiffness profile can include a region of quasi-zero stiffness. The vibration isolator including a plurality of spring members arranged in a stack.