Bicycle Frame Saddle Support Assembly with Telescopic Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle frames fail to allow the saddle to rapidly change its position from a normal to a lowered position, which is ergonomically advantageous for downhill rides.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle frame design featuring a saddle support assembly with a telescopic member and connecting rod that allows the saddle to move between raised and lowered positions, incorporating an oil chamber and gas chamber mechanism for smooth adjustment, and a command rod for manual control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid subframe with adjustment rod is used for saddle position adjustment, then progressive and stable adjustment is achieved, but rapid movement to lowered position is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of saddle adjustmentVSAvoidspeed of saddle position change
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a movable subframe that can pivot relative to the main frame through a connecting rod mechanism. This allows the saddle support assembly to transition between fixed (stable) and movable (rapid adjustment) states, resolving the contradiction between stability and speed of adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If a telescopic saddle tube is used for height adjustment, then height adjustment is achieved, but substantial longitudinal position change is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaddle height adjustmentVSAvoidlongitudinal position change capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by adding a pivoting degree of freedom to the subframe through the connecting rod mechanism. This transforms the adjustment from a single-dimensional (vertical telescopic) movement to a two-dimensional movement that includes both vertical height adjustment and longitudinal position change, enabling substantial position variation for different riding conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the saddle support assembly is pivotally mounted to allow adjustment, then position adaptability is improved, but rapid lowering capability is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaddle position adaptabilityVSAvoidspeed of position change
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a connecting rod as a mediator between the subframe and the main frame. This connecting rod enables rapid transmission of motion to pivot the subframe and lower the saddle quickly, while still maintaining the adaptability benefits of the pivotal mounting for various riding positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 rapid and ergonomic adjustment of the saddle position, enhancing stability and control during downhill rides by altering the saddle and steering geometry.

Implementation Method 1

the telescopic member and the subframe delimit an oil chamber, said oil chamber having a volume that is reduced in the lowered position and increased in the raised position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic damping: Viscous Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4558383B1Bicycle frame with adjustable saddle supporting frame
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 SELLEN STEPHAN
  • EP4558383B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4558383B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4558383B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention is directed to a bicycle frame (4) comprising a main frame (10) comprising a front tube (10.1) for bearing a steering column (16); and a rear end for bearing a swing arm; a saddle support assembly (12) pivotally mounted to the main frame (10) so as to allow adjusting the saddle (14); wherein the saddle support assembly (12) comprises a subframe (12.1); a telescopic member (12.2) extending from a front end of the subframe (12.1) and pivotally linked to a front portion of the main frame (10); and a connecting rod (12.3) pivotally linked to the subframe (12.1) and to a rear portion of the main frame (10).