3D Printed Bicycle Saddle With Adaptive Vertical Ribs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bicycle saddles lack adaptability to varying road conditions and body postures, resulting in inadequate dynamic shock absorption and discomfort for cyclists.

Innovation Solution

A 3D-printed saddle body with vertically arranged ribs that deform adaptively in response to force variations, providing a pressure-supporting surface and integrating a reinforcing side circumferential rib for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional mass production methods are used for saddle fabrication, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but product adaptability and ergonomic performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidproduct adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies 3D printing technology to enable customization of saddle parameters including rib spacing, rib height, and hollowed portion configurations. This allows the saddle structure to be adapted to different user needs and riding conditions while maintaining efficient production through digital modeling and additive manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The saddle is divided into multiple vertical ribs with hollowed portions between them, creating a segmented structure that can independently deform under load. This segmentation enables localized adaptation to different body positions and road conditions while the overall saddle maintains structural integrity through the base layer connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If rigid saddle structures are used, then structural strength is improved, but shock absorption capability and riding comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidvibration and shock

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates hollowed portions between the vertical ribs, creating a porous-like structure that allows for controlled deformation and energy absorption. These hollowed spaces enable the saddle to compress and expand dynamically, absorbing shock and vibration while maintaining the overall structural strength of the rib framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The saddle structure is designed to be dynamically responsive, with vertical ribs that can individually deform under varying loads. The hollowed portions allow the structure to adapt its stiffness in real-time based on the applied force, providing rigidity when needed for support and flexibility when needed for shock absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform rib spacing is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ergonomic performance and adaptive shock absorption deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptive shock absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs varying rib spacing distances across different regions of the saddle, with closer spacing in areas requiring higher support and wider spacing in areas needing greater flexibility. This local variation in structure quality optimizes both ergonomic performance and shock absorption while the 3D printing process maintains manufacturing efficiency through digital design control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 adaptive deformation of the vertical ribs enhances shock absorption and stress relief, providing improved comfort and ventilation for cyclists across different riding conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the plurality of vertical ribs, in response to the action force, individually generate adaptive inclined deformations of different degrees

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250026423A1Three-dimensional bicycle saddle structure

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 NINI ROBERTO

AI summary

A three-dimensional bicycle saddle structure includes a saddle body mounted on a support frame. The saddle body includes a plurality of vertical ribs, which are spaced from each other by a spacing distance and are arranged on a base layer in an arrangement direction. Each of the plurality of vertical ribs has a bottom on and extending upward from the base layer in an upward extension direction to a height. The tops of the plurality of vertical ribs jointly form a pressure supporting surface for the saddle body. When the tops of the plurality of vertical ribs receive an action force acting thereon, the plurality of vertical ribs, in response to the action force, individually generate adaptive inclined deformations of different degrees.