Bicycle Stem Tube Shock Absorption via Integrated Pivotal Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle stem tubes are bulky, complex, and heavy, leading to increased production costs and reduced comfort and safety due to inadequate shock absorption on uneven roads, which hampers modern demands for simplicity and lightweight design.
Innovation Solution
A shock-absorbing stem tube with a simplified structural arrangement featuring a pivotal assembly, a shock-absorbing member mounted beneath an abutting portion, and an accessory fixation structure for rapid accessory installation, which absorbs shock forces and reduces handlebar vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a swing arm-type mechanism with multiple components is used to absorb shocks, then riding comfort is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the shock-absorbing function directly into the stem tube body by forming a recessed groove within the tube structure, eliminating the need for separate swing arm mechanisms and multiple discrete components. This merging of functions reduces structural complexity while maintaining shock absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The stem tube is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for mounting the handlebar, absorbs shocks through the integrated recessed groove and elastic member, and enables pivotal movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated shock-absorbing mechanisms, simplifying the overall device
2Reliability
If a swing arm-type mechanism with multiple components is used to absorb shocks, then riding comfort is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing function is merged into the stem tube body through an integrated recessed groove and elastic member, eliminating the need for separate swing arm components. This integration significantly reduces the overall weight of the handlebar assembly while maintaining shock absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential shock-absorbing function from complex swing arm mechanisms and implements it through a simplified elastic member within a recessed groove, removing unnecessary components and reducing weight
3Reliability
If a swing arm-type mechanism with multiple components is used to absorb shocks, then riding comfort is improved, but assembly time and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing components (recessed groove and elastic member) are integrated directly into the stem tube structure, eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate swing arm components. This integration dramatically reduces assembly time and simplifies production processes
Solution Approach 2:
The stem tube is designed as a single integrated component with the recessed groove and elastic member built-in, rather than requiring assembly of multiple discrete parts. This segmentation approach reduces the number of assembly steps and lowers production costs
4Reliability
If a swing arm-type mechanism with multiple components is used to absorb shocks, then riding comfort is improved, but production and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing function is merged into the stem tube through integration of the recessed groove and elastic member, reducing the total component count. This simplification lowers manufacturing costs by reducing material requirements, assembly operations, and quality control steps
Solution Approach 2:
The stem tube serves multiple functions (structural support, shock absorption, handlebar mounting) through a single integrated design, eliminating the need for separate shock-absorbing mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces production complexity and manufacturing costs
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 solution provides improved riding comfort and safety by effectively damping shock impulses and stabilizing accessories, while simplifying assembly and reducing weight and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a shock-absorbing member (6) mounted beneath the at least one abutting portion (23) and fixed on the stem seat (2) and/or the handlebar seat (3)... When a rider is riding a bicycle to an unevenness road, causing the bicycle to shake, the handlebar seat (3) will be shaken as the front fork tube (4) shakes and moves up and down. At this time, the abutting portion (23) will press against the shock-absorbing member (6), allowing the shock-absorbing member (6) to absorb the vibration of the front fork tube (4)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is adapted for use with a bicycle, where a handlebar is connected to a front fork tube through a stem tube having a stem seat and a handlebar seat. A pair of lug clip portions and a pivotal portion are provided between the stem seat and the handlebar seat and pivotally connected to each other through a pivotal assembly. At least one abutting portion is formed beneath the pivotal portion, and a shock-absorbing member is mounted beneath the at least one abutting portion. The pivotal assembly is provided atop with a press block which is secured to and tightly abuts against the pivotal assembly using a first fastening member. The press block is provided at its upper surface with an accessory fixation structure adapted for coupling an accessory to the stem tube. The accessory fixation structure enables rapid installation of accessories onto the stem tube.