Bicycle Shock Absorber Common Pivot Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing bicycle shock absorber systems require complex manufacturing procedures, difficult assembly, and high costs due to multiple pivot points, and suffer from limited shock absorption due to interference between components.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle with a common point shock absorber featuring a simplified design with a front frame, upper and lower linkage devices, and a shock absorber connected pivotally and coaxially, reducing the need for multiple pivot points and allowing smoother operation by staggering the retracting path of the shock absorber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple pivot points and linkages are used to connect the shock absorber, then the shock absorber can be mounted, but the manufacturing procedure becomes complex and assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorber mountingVSAvoidmanufacturing procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple pivot points (A, B, C, D, E) into a single common pivot point O. The shock absorber's first connecting member and second connecting member both pivot around this common point, merging five separate pivot connections into one unified pivot mechanism. This significantly simplifies the manufacturing procedure and assembly process while maintaining the shock absorber's mounting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common pivot point O serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the pivot point for the first connecting member, the pivot point for the second connecting member, and the connection point for the lower linkage device. This multi-functional pivot point eliminates the need for separate pivot points A, B, C, and D, reducing device complexity while maintaining all necessary connection functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple pivot points and linkages are used to connect the shock absorber, then the shock absorber can be mounted, but assembly and repair become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorber mountingVSAvoidassembly and repair
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By merging five pivot points into one common pivot point O, the patent creates a unified connection mechanism that is much easier to assemble and repair. Instead of needing to align and connect five separate pivot points, technicians only need to work with a single pivot point, significantly improving ease of repair and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary pivot points (A, B, C, D) from the system, retaining only the essential common pivot point O. This extraction of redundant components simplifies the overall structure, making assembly and repair operations much more straightforward and accessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the cylinder is pivotally connected to the link, then the shock absorber can be mounted, but the retracting path is blocked causing interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorber mountingVSAvoidcomponent interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mounting dimension by connecting the first connecting member to the upper linkage device rather than directly to the link. This dimensional change in the connection architecture allows the cylinder to retract along a path that does not intersect with the link, eliminating the interference problem while maintaining proper shock absorber mounting.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The upper linkage device acts as an intermediary between the shock absorber's first connecting member and the link assembly. This intermediary connection allows the shock absorber to be properly mounted while providing a different geometric relationship that prevents the retracting path from being blocked by the link, thus eliminating component interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the cylinder is pivotally connected to the link, then the shock absorber can be mounted, but the piston stroke is restricted limiting shock absorbing effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorber mountingVSAvoidpiston stroke
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the mounting dimension to connect the first connecting member to the upper linkage device rather than directly to the link, the patent creates additional clearance space. This dimensional change allows the piston rod to travel a longer distance during retraction and extension, increasing the piston stroke and improving shock absorbing effects.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The upper linkage device serves as an intermediary that provides a different geometric configuration, allowing the cylinder to achieve a greater range of motion. This intermediary connection enables the piston stroke to extend beyond what would be possible with direct link connection, thereby increasing the duration of action and improving shock absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP1990266B1Bicycle with shock absorber
Publication Date: 2012.07.11 GIANT MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • EP1990266B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1990266B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1990266B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bicycle with a common point shock absorber comprises a bicycle frame (2,5) and a shock absorber (6). The bicycle frame comprises a front frame (2) and a rear frame (5), an upper linkage device (3) and a lower linkage device (4) connected pivotally to the front frame (2) and the rear frame (5). The shock absorber (6) is mounted in the bicycle frame and comprises a first connecting member connected pivotally to the upper linkage device, and a second connecting member connected pivotally and coaxially to the lower linkage device and the front frame. Thus, assembling the component and the assembly process can be simplified. Convenience for component assembly and repair has been improved. Manufacturing costs are reduced.