Bicycle Seat Post with Powered Actuator for Dynamic Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle seat post adjustment systems require riders to stop the bicycle to adjust seat height, which is inconvenient for off-road riding where dynamic adjustments are beneficial for changing terrain and speed.
Innovation Solution
A seat post assembly with a powered actuator, such as a threaded rod driven by an electric motor, and a ball lock coupler that allows for adjustable height changes while riding, enabling the seat to be lowered or raised without stopping, using a combination of motor-driven movement and spring biasing for efficient adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a binder bolt is used to secure the seat post in the seat tube, then the seat height can be adjusted, but the bicycle must be stationary and the rider must be off the bicycle for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The seat post system transitions from a static adjustment mechanism (binder bolt requiring stationary bicycle) to a dynamic adjustment mechanism (motor-driven threaded rod with ball lock coupler) that allows continuous adjustment while riding. The powered actuator enables the seat height to be changed on-the-fly without stopping the bicycle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a motor-driven threaded rod with ball lock coupler is used, then the seat height can be adjusted while riding, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is extracted from the traditional binder bolt system and implemented as a separate powered actuator system with motor, threaded rod, and ball lock coupler. This modular extraction allows the complex adjustment mechanism to operate independently while maintaining the simplicity of the basic seat post structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system (binder bolt requiring hand operation) is replaced with an automated electromechanical system (motor-driven threaded rod). The electric motor provides automated actuation, replacing the need for manual intervention and enabling dynamic adjustment while riding.
3Reliability
If the seat is lowered to reduce center of gravity at high speeds, then control is improved, but the rider cannot efficiently pedal after downhill sections
Solution Approach 1:
The seat height is made dynamically adjustable during riding, allowing the rider to optimize the center of gravity position for different terrain conditions. The powered actuator enables quick transition between lowered position (for control on downhill) and raised position (for comfortable pedaling after downhill), making the system adaptable to changing riding conditions.
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 dynamic adjustment of seat height during riding, improving control and comfort by allowing riders to lower their center of gravity at high speeds and return to a comfortable position efficiently, enhancing the riding experience.
Implementation Method 1
a powered actuator, such as a threaded rod driven by an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
spring biasing for efficient adjustment
Data Source
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AI summary
A bicycle seat post assembly (32) includes a lower seat support (34) secured to the frame (26), an upper seat support (36) secured to the seat and movable relative to the lower seat support, and an adjusting mechanism coupling the lower seat support to the upper seat support. The adjusting mechanism includes a powered actuator (40) engageable with both the lower seat support (34)and the upper seat support (36) and configured to move the upper seat support relative to the lower seat support, and a coupling device (60) selectively connecting the powered actuator (40) to one of the lower seat support or the upper seat support. The coupling device (60) has a connected state wherein the powered actuator (60) is operatively connected to the one of the lower seat support (34) or the upper seat support (36) and a disconnected state wherein the powered actuator (40) is operatively disconnected to the one of the lower seat support (34) or the upper seat support (36).