Bicycle Stem Shock Absorber with Conical Pivot and Adjustable Pre-Pressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bicycle stems with shock-absorbing functions face issues such as gaps between components during stand-up pedaling, affecting rigidity, and lack of convenient adjustment for varying shock absorption strengths based on riding environments and habits.

Innovation Solution

A shock absorption device for bicycles featuring a first and second assembly connected via pivot components with conical portions and a buffering component, where the conical portions are securely fitted within conical holes to prevent gaps and utilize a pre-pressing structure to adjust shock absorption strength without changing the buffering component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a buffering component is disposed between the two components of the stem, then shock absorption function is achieved, but gaps may be created between components during stand-up pedaling affecting rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorption functionVSAvoidrigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The stem is divided into two separate assemblies (first assembly and second assembly) that can move independently relative to each other. The buffering component is contained within the second assembly, allowing shock absorption without compromising the overall structural integrity of the stem system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conical portion is pre-installed on the pivot component and the conical hole is pre-formed in the first assembly. This preliminary configuration ensures proper alignment and prevents gap formation during stand-up pedaling, maintaining rigidity while allowing the buffering component to function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the buffering component is changed to adjust shock absorption strength, then different damping values are achieved, but it is inconvenient for users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorption strength adjustmentVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorption strength is adjusted by changing the pre-pressing force applied to the buffering component through the pre-pressing structure, rather than replacing the buffering component itself. This allows users to modify damping characteristics by adjusting a single parameter (pre-pressing force) while keeping the same physical component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-pressing structure allows dynamic adjustment of the buffering component's compression state. Users can modify the pre-pressing force to adapt to different riding conditions, making the system dynamically adjustable without requiring component replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the conical portion is leaned against the inner wall of the conical hole, then gaps are prevented between assemblies, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap preventionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Conical surfaces are used instead of flat or cylindrical surfaces for the pivot component and its receptacle. The conical geometry provides self-aligning properties and ensures continuous contact between the conical portion and the inner wall of the conical hole, preventing gaps while maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 device maintains rigidity by preventing gaps between assemblies and allows for adjustable shock absorption strength, enhancing user convenience by modifying pre-pressing force rather than replacing components.

Implementation Method 1

The conical portion is leaned against and fitted on an inner wall of the conical hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a buffering component... When the first assembly and the second assembly rotate relatively to each other, force between the first assembly and the second assembly is buffered by the buffering component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3597519B1Shock absorption device
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 GIANT MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • EP3597519B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3597519B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3597519B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A shock absorption device (100) includes first and second assemblies, at least one pivot component (130) and a buffering component (140). The first assembly (110) is adapted to be connected to a first component of a bicycle and has at least one conical hole (114a). The second assembly (120) is adapted to be connected to a second component of the bicycle. The pivot component (130) is fastened on the second assembly (120) and has a conical portion (132). The conical portion (132) is inserted into the conical hole (114a) such that the first and second assemblies are pivoted to each other. The conical portion (132) is leaned against and fitted on the conical hole (114a). The buffering component (140) is disposed between the first and second assemblies. When the first and second assemblies rotate relatively to each other by taking a central axis of the conical hole (114a) as a rotation axis, force between the first and second assemblies is buffered by the buffering component (140).