Bicycle Suspension Isolators for Breakaway-Free Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle suspension components, such as front forks, require a breakaway force to initiate movement, leading to a delay in shock absorption and transmission of high-frequency vibrations to the rider, causing discomfort and reduced control.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating isolators with elastomeric members that enable relative movement between suspension component tubes without overcoming static friction, allowing for immediate absorption of shocks and high-frequency vibrations, thereby reducing vibrations felt at the handlebars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional suspension components are used with breakaway force requirement, then structural stability is maintained, but shock absorption response is delayed and high-frequency vibrations are transmitted to the rider
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple independent isolators (first isolator in first leg, second isolator in second leg) that can move relative to each other, allowing each segment to independently absorb vibrations and shocks, improving response speed while reducing transmitted vibrations
Solution Approach 2:
The isolators are designed with elastomeric members that enable dynamic relative movement between the isolator and the tube without requiring breakaway force. This dynamic capability allows the suspension to immediately respond to shocks and absorb high-frequency vibrations, eliminating the static friction delay present in traditional systems
2Object-affected harmful factors
If isolators with elastomeric members are added to enable relative movement without breakaway force, then shock absorption improves and vibrations are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator is designed with a nested structure where the elastomeric member is positioned within a housing that is coupled to the tube, and the translating coupler moves within the housing. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact unit, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the vibration absorption function
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric member serves as an intermediary element between the translating coupler and the tube housing, enabling relative movement while absorbing vibrations. This intermediary component simplifies the connection mechanism compared to traditional breakaway-force systems, as it provides both movement capability and vibration damping in a single element
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
Enhances shock absorption and comfort by allowing the suspension components to move before the breakaway force is reached, reducing vibrations and improving rider control and confidence.
Implementation Method 1
The isolator includes an elastomeric member to absorb vibrations
Implementation Method 2
The isolator includes an elastomeric member to absorb vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
Example bicycle suspension components are described herein. An example suspension component includes a first tube and a second tube configured in a telescopic arrangement and defining an interior space, and a damper in the interior space. The damper includes a damper body defining a chamber, a damper member in the chamber, and a shaft coupled to the damper member. The example suspension component also includes an isolator coupling the shaft to a bottom end of the second tube, the isolator including an elastomeric member to absorb vibrations.