Bicycle Saddle Ventilation with Angled Struts and Splash Guard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle saddles with ventilation openings suffer from inadequate airflow, as air flow is obstructed by the rider and does not effectively circulate to provide cooling, and may allow spray water to penetrate, leading to discomfort and potential health issues.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle saddle design featuring a central opening with angled web elements and semi-circular indentations that direct airflow directly to the cyclist, creating turbulence for enhanced cooling and a splash guard to prevent water ingress, optionally integrated with a heating device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a central opening is provided in the bicycle saddle to improve ventilation, then airflow to the cyclist is improved, but water can splash through the opening causing discomfort and health issues
Solution Approach 1:
A splash guard is introduced as an intermediary element between the opening and the cyclist. This guard prevents water from splashing through the opening while allowing air to pass through, thus resolving the contradiction between ventilation and water protection
Solution Approach 2:
The opening is segmented into multiple smaller openings rather than a single large opening. This segmentation maintains ventilation effectiveness while reducing the likelihood of water splashing through, as water is less likely to penetrate multiple small openings compared to one large opening
2Temperature
If ventilation openings are provided in the bicycle saddle to improve cooling, then air circulation is improved, but the airflow is obstructed by the rider preventing effective circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is designed to utilize the vertical dimension by providing openings in the saddle surface that allow air to flow from below the saddle (through the support plate) to above the saddle surface. This vertical airflow path bypasses the rider's body obstruction, maintaining effective circulation
Solution Approach 2:
Air is channeled through the support plate and directed toward the cyclist before the rider's body can obstruct the flow. The preliminary action of pre-positioning air flow paths ensures that cooling air reaches the cyclist effectively despite the rider's presence
3Temperature
If multiple ventilation openings are provided to improve air flow, then ventilation area is increased, but the structural complexity of the saddle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system uses multiple small openings arranged in a pattern rather than fewer large openings. This segmentation increases the total ventilation area while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the openings can be uniformly distributed without requiring complex shaping or positioning
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 design improves airflow and cooling efficiency by directing and mixing air effectively, while preventing water entry, providing a more comfortable riding experience and maintaining rider hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
These strut elements allow incoming air to be directed straight to the cyclist, creating a cooling effect
Implementation Method 2
The recesses are preferably semicircular, with a diameter that can vary even on the same strut element. The semicircular recesses on the strut elements or crossbars create an air vortex similar to that of a golf ball. This creation of air vortices, based on the golf ball principle, transforms a laminar boundary layer into a turbulent one
Implementation Method 3
The turbulence generated by the semicircular recesses in the angled strut elements thus converts the laminar air boundary layer into a turbulent one, enabling enhanced air mixing
Implementation Method 4
The increased mixing of the air then provides a higher heat transport compared to laminar airflows and thus contributes to cooling
Implementation Method 5
To prevent water from splashing through the opening according to the invention and reaching the cyclist, it is advantageous for the bicycle saddle according to the invention to have a splash guard that closes the opening
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bicycle saddle with - a support plate or saddle shell, - a saddle surface arranged on a top side of the support plate or saddle shell comprising a padding element, - an opening preferably provided in the central area of the bicycle saddle extending through the support plate or saddle shell and the saddle surface and is characterized in that the opening comprises at least one, preferably several, rib elements arranged one behind the other.