Bicycle Rear Suspension Dynamics for Braking Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle suspension systems experience operational chatter and reduced rear tire traction during braking, leading to decreased rider comfort and control, due to excessive contact patch rotation and improper association of the brake system with the rear wheel suspension.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle frame assembly with interconnected rotatable members, including a chain stay and seat stay pivotably connected to the frame, and a rocker arm with an absorber, allowing the rear wheel to maintain contact patch rotation within a reduced range and enhancing braking performance by maintaining rear wheel weighting during braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional bicycle suspension systems are used, then shock absorption capability is improved, but contact patch rotation increases causing operational chatter and reduced braking performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the brake system association dynamic rather than fixed. The brake system is allowed to move with the suspension system during braking, creating a dynamic association that maintains proper braking geometry throughout the suspension travel range. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both shock absorption and reliable braking performance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the suspension system itself as an intermediary between the brake system and the frame. By allowing the brake system to be associated with the moving suspension components rather than the fixed frame, the intermediary arrangement maintains proper braking alignment while preserving shock absorption capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If conventional suspension systems allow full range of motion, then rider comfort is improved, but operational chatter increases due to excessive contact patch rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic association of the brake system with the suspension allows the system to accommodate full range of motion for rider comfort while the brake pads maintain proper alignment with the rotor throughout the travel, eliminating operational chatter that would occur with fixed brake systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of brake system position from fixed to variable, allowing it to move with the suspension. This parameter change enables the brake system to maintain optimal braking geometry across the entire suspension travel range, preventing chatter while preserving comfort.
3Stability of the object's composition
If brake system is rigidly connected to frame, then braking stability is improved, but rear wheel weighting is lost during suspension compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the brake system move with the suspension rather than remaining fixed to the frame. This dynamic association maintains rear wheel weighting during suspension compression because the brake system moves with the wheel assembly, preserving both braking stability and wheel loading.
Solution Approach 2:
By allowing the brake system to move with the suspension, the system maintains proper weight distribution and rear wheel loading during compression. The dynamic brake association prevents the loss of rear wheel weighting that would occur with rigid frame connection, effectively counteracting the negative effect.
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 reduces contact patch rotation and enhances braking performance by maintaining rear wheel weighting, improving rider comfort and control by minimizing operational chatter and maintaining traction during braking.
Implementation Method 1
a bicycle frame assembly with interconnected rotatable members, including a chain stay and seat stay pivotably connected to the frame, and a rocker arm with an absorber
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle frame assembly having a number of rotatable members configured to absorb shocks and impacts associated with operation of the bicycle. The assembly includes a frame constructed to support a rider and a chain stay having a rearward end that extends toward a wheel hub and a forward end that is pivotably connected to the frame. An absorber is pivotably connected to the forward end of the chain stay and extends to a rocker arm that is pivotably connected to the frame. A seat stay is pivotably connected to a rearward end of the rocker arm and extends to the rearward end of the chain stay. The rearward ends of the seat stay and the chain stay are pivotably connected to rotate about a common axis.