Bicycle Shock Assembly Interchangeable Caps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle suspension systems require multiple shock assemblies or components to alter performance, which is costly and inconvenient, especially for riders with multiple bicycles, as the structure of the shock must be tailored to each bicycle's unique design, limiting versatility and increasing expenses.

Innovation Solution

A shock assembly with a mount body and interchangeable caps that allow for adjustable performance characteristics without altering the mounting configuration, featuring a fluidly connected cavity system and a selector mechanism to alter damping and spring performance, enabling customization without replacing the entire assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple shock assemblies are used to alter performance characteristics, then performance customization is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance customizationVSAvoidnumber of shock assemblies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shock assembly is divided into distinct modular components: a mount body that remains fixed and interchangeable caps that can be replaced to alter performance characteristics. This segmentation allows performance customization without replacing the entire shock assembly, reducing the number of complete units needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mount body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of caps with different performance characteristics. This multi-functionality allows a single mount body to serve multiple performance purposes by simply changing the cap, eliminating the need for multiple specialized shock assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If shock structure is tailored to each bicycle's unique design, then compatibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebicycle compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mount body is designed as a universal component with standardized mounting features that can be secured to various bicycle structures. This universal design allows the same mount body to be compatible with multiple bicycle models, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to creating custom shock assemblies for each bicycle design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

While the mount body maintains universal mounting characteristics for broad compatibility, the interchangeable caps provide localized performance customization. This allows the system to adapt to different performance requirements of various bicycle designs without compromising the universal mounting capability of the mount body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If entire shock assemblies are replaced to alter performance, then performance adjustment is achieved, but time and convenience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shock assembly is segmented into a permanent mount body and replaceable caps. This segmentation enables performance adjustment by simply detaching and attaching different caps, a process that takes minimal time compared to replacing entire shock assemblies. The modular design makes performance adjustment as convenient as changing accessories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration allows for quick and efficient adjustment of shock performance to suit individual rider preferences across various bicycle models, reducing the need for multiple shock assemblies and simplifying the process of adapting to different bicycle structures, thereby enhancing versatility and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

an operating device with valves and pipes is arranged to ensure that there is an increase in pressure on the side of the piston facing towards the direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a damper for vehicles arranged with selectable or adjustable damping force characteristics

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2112401B1Bicycle shock assemblies

Publication Date: 2018.05.23 TREK BICYCLE CORPORATION

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AI summary

A shock absorber (40), which is particularly applicable to bicycles (30), includes a mount body (140), a first cap portion (142), a second cap portion (162), and a fluid cylinder (146). The fluid cylinder (146) cooperates with a valve assembly (172) that is offset from the mount body (140). The first and second cap portions (142,162) enclose a gas cavity or gas chamber (200). One of the first and second cap portions (142,162) is interchangeable with other caps so as to alter the performance of the shock absorber (40) by altering the size of the gas chamber (200). The replaceable cap cooperates with the mount body (140) such that it can be replaced without removing the shock absorber (40) from a bicycle (30).