Bicycle Saddle Stiffening Element for Comfort and Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle saddles often compromise between comfort and weight, with existing designs offering relatively low comfort and/or being heavy due to inadequate damping and stiffness distribution.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle saddle design featuring a saddle pad with locally arranged stiffening elements, particularly in the seating area, made from materials like E-TPU and carbon, which provides improved comfort and stiffness without increasing weight, using a multi-layer structure with cushioning elements and a cover layer for enhanced damping and movement properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cushioning elements are added to improve comfort, then comfort properties are improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing stiffening elements specifically in the seating area of the saddle pad where maximum forces occur, while omitting them from other areas. This localized approach provides enhanced comfort and stiffness exactly where needed without unnecessarily increasing weight throughout the entire saddle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining different padding elements with varying damping properties and stiffening elements made from materials like carbon fiber or fiber-reinforced plastic. This composite construction allows optimization of both comfort and weight by selecting materials with high strength-to-weight ratios and appropriate damping characteristics.
2Reliability
If stiffening elements are added to improve comfort, then comfort properties are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the saddle pad into multiple padding elements with different damping properties and strategically placing stiffening elements within specific segments. This modular approach allows complex comfort characteristics to be achieved through simple, discrete components rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by placing stiffening elements specifically in the seating area of the saddle pad where maximum forces occur, while omitting them from other areas. This localized approach provides enhanced comfort and stiffness exactly where needed without unnecessarily increasing weight throughout the entire saddle structure.
3Reliability
If multi-layer padding structure is used to improve damping, then damping properties are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the saddle pad into multiple padding elements with different damping properties and strategically placing stiffening elements within specific segments. This modular approach allows complex comfort characteristics to be achieved through simple, discrete components rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing stiffening elements within the padding elements, specifically within the lower padding element that is connected to the saddle shell. This nested arrangement integrates multiple functions (cushioning, stiffening, damping) into a compact multi-layer structure that maintains manufacturability.
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 solution significantly enhances comfort by providing targeted stiffness in the seating area while maintaining light weight and improved damping properties, addressing the limitations of existing saddles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one stiffening element is arranged within the saddle pad... the at least one stiffening element is arranged exclusively in the seating area of the bicycle saddle
Implementation Method 2
the saddle pad can consist of one or more padding elements, wherein the different padding elements can have different damping properties
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a bicycle saddle comprising a saddle shell (18). A saddle frame (22) is provided on an underside (18). A saddle padding (12, 14) is arranged on an upper side (16) of the saddle shell (18). At least one reinforcing element (36) is arranged inside one of the padding elements (14) of the saddle padding (12, 14).