Bicycle Saddle with Threaded Slider Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle saddles lack stable adjustment capabilities, often leading to jamming or damage when adjusted to extreme configurations, and are not universally compatible with different bicycle types, while also being costly and complex to apply.
Innovation Solution
A saddle design featuring a main frame with symmetrical wings and transverse supporting bars with sliders that move along a predefined stroke, utilizing threaded bars with protruding stroke limiting elements and rotatable locking mechanisms to ensure stable adjustments without jamming, and allowing for symmetrical or asymmetrical configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment elements are added to modify saddle shape, then adaptability to user requirements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle is divided into multiple independent adjustment elements including movable wings, adjustable supporting bars, and separable sliders. Each component can be adjusted independently to modify the saddle's shape and dimensions, providing comprehensive adaptability without requiring a completely complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The saddle incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the structure to change configuration during use. The supporting bars and wings can be repositioned along predefined paths, enabling the saddle to adapt to different user anatomies and riding positions while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment range is extended to extreme configurations, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle design incorporates predefined adjustment paths and stop mechanisms that guide the adjustment elements through safe ranges of motion before reaching extreme positions. Limit stops are built into the structure to prevent over-adjustment that could cause jamming, ensuring that even at extreme configurations, the components remain within reliable operational limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism includes cushioning elements and controlled end-position features that prevent hard stops and potential jamming at extreme configurations. The sliders and supporting bars are designed with controlled engagement features that maintain smooth operation throughout the full adjustment range, preventing the unwanted jamming described in the problem statement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If universal compatibility with bicycle types is achieved, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle frame incorporates universal mounting features and standardized interface elements that enable installation on various bicycle types including road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrid bikes. The supporting bars and attachment mechanisms are designed to accommodate different seat post diameters and frame geometries, providing broad compatibility without requiring multiple specialized models.
Solution Approach 2:
The saddle design allows for parameter adjustments in width, height, and angle through the movable wings and adjustable supporting bars. These parameter changes enable the same basic saddle structure to adapt to different bicycle types and user preferences, achieving universality through adjustability rather than through multiple specialized designs.
4Reliability
If stable adjustment is achieved through limiting elements, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed with self-limiting features where the predefined paths and stop mechanisms automatically prevent over-adjustment without requiring user intervention or complex control systems. The sliders and supporting bars self-regulate their movement within safe ranges, maintaining reliability while keeping the operation simple and intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment system incorporates intermediary guide elements and transition features that mediate between the user's adjustment input and the final component positions. These intermediaries ensure smooth, controlled movement through the adjustment range and prevent direct engagement that could cause jamming, maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
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 saddle provides stable dimensional and shape adjustments, preventing jamming or damage at extreme settings, is compatible with any bicycle type, and is cost-effective and simple to apply, ensuring user comfort and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
the transverse supporting bar 6 is advantageously constituted by a threaded bar 10 and each slider 7 is usefully constituted by a nut with a thread that is complementary to the one of the threaded bar 10
Implementation Method 2
the threaded bar 10, in this case, advantageously comprises, at least at its terminal ends, protruding stroke limiting elements 11. The protruding stroke limiting elements 11 prevent the nut (slider 7) from reaching the end of the threaded bar 10 and leaving it
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A saddle (1) comprising a main frame (2) for supporting a pair of symmetrical and mutually opposite wings (3). The frame (2) comprises a member (4) for the mutual fixing of the wings (3) which is provided with at least one transverse supporting bar (6) for a pair of sliders (7); each slider (7) is coupled to an end that is chosen between the front one (5) and the rear one (9) of a respective wing (3). The sliders (7) are movable along the bar (6) according to a predefined stroke, for the adjustment of the distance of each end chosen between the front one (5) and the rear one (9) from the longitudinal central plane of symmetry of the frame (2).