Adjustable Bicycle Suspension via Eccentric Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mountain bike rear suspension designs face challenges in optimally placing the rear shock absorber to effectively absorb shocks and prevent pedal-induced and brake-induced forces, leading to inefficiencies in power transfer and a need for adjustable configurations to suit different riders and terrain.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber assembly with an eccentric insert that can be assembled in two positions to adjust the overall length, allowing for changes in head angle and suspension geometry, coupled with anti-rotate features to prevent rotation during use, enabling customizable suspension settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rear shock absorber is placed in a fixed position in complex mountain bike rear suspension assemblies, then the suspension structure is stable, but the shock absorber cannot be optimally positioned for absorbing shocks and preventing pedal-induced and brake-induced forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the shock absorber position adjustable rather than fixed. The suspension assembly allows riders to adjust the shock absorber's position along the linkage to optimize shock absorption and prevent pedal-induced forces. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling optimal positioning without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies theParameter changesprinciple by allowing adjustment of the shock absorber's position parameter within the suspension assembly. By changing the position parameter of the shock absorber along the linkage, the system can optimize performance for different riding conditions while maintaining the same basic suspension structure, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shock absorber assembly length is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the head angle and suspension geometry cannot be adjusted for different riders and terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies theDynamicsprinciple by implementing an adjustable shock absorber assembly length mechanism. The assembly includes an eccentric insert that can be positioned at different locations along the shock absorber body, allowing the overall length to be adjusted. This enables different head angles and suspension geometries for various riders and terrain conditions while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process based on a modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies theSegmentationprinciple by dividing the shock absorber assembly into separable components: the shock absorber body, the eccentric insert, and the linkage interface. This segmentation allows the eccentric insert to be repositioned independently to adjust assembly length, providing adaptability without requiring complete redesign or complex manufacturing for each configuration.
3Reliability
If the eccentric insert is allowed to rotate freely during assembly, then the assembly process is flexible, but the insert rotates within the eyelet during use, causing unreliable positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies theIntermediary (Mediator)principle by introducing a positioning feature (such as a keyed interface or indexing mechanism) between the eccentric insert and the eyelet. This intermediary element prevents free rotation of the insert during use while still allowing flexible assembly through a simple insertion and locking process. The positioning feature acts as a mediator that maintains reliability without significantly complicating the assembly operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle assembly can include a bicycle frame having a main frame and a sub-frame, and a shock absorber assembly. The shock absorber assembly can comprise a shock absorber and an extension body. The sub-frame can rotate in relation to the main frame and the shock absorber assembly can be used to regulate that relationship. An eccentric insert positioned functionally between the shock absorber and extension body can be used to modify the overall length of the shock absorber assembly to beneficially alter the geometry of the bicycle frame.