Bicycle Suspension Stroke Adjustment via Nested Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle suspension systems lack the ability to adjust suspension stroke effectively, limiting their adaptability to varying riding conditions and rider preferences.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle suspension system comprising a cylinder element, a piston element, and a stroke adjustment structure with an axially movable member and an actuator, where the actuator, including a motor with a stator and rotor, is housed within the first air chamber to adjust the stroke by moving the axially movable member between long-stroke and short-stroke positions, allowing for fluid communication between air chambers to control damping and compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed suspension stroke is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different riding conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension stroke is made adjustable through an actuator (motor 66) that moves the axially movable member 60 between different positions, allowing the suspension to dynamically adapt its stroke length based on riding conditions rather than being fixed
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable stroke mechanism is added, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator (motor 66) and axially movable member 60 are nested within the first air chamber S11, with the motor housed inside the chamber and the movable member positioned within the motor assembly, creating a compact integrated structure that minimizes overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The axially movable member 60 serves multiple functions: it adjusts the suspension stroke, communicates fluid between air chambers to control damping, and integrates the motor housing within the air chamber space, reducing the need for separate components
3Volume of moving object
If the actuator is placed outside the air chamber, then the air chamber volume is maximized, but the overall suspension length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor 66 is nested within the first air chamber S11, with its housing positioned inside the chamber boundaries. This eliminates the need for external motor mounting structures and reduces the overall suspension length while preserving air chamber volume
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
Enables adjustable suspension stroke, enhancing ride comfort and control by allowing riders to select between long-stroke and short-stroke positions, improving adaptability to different terrains and riding styles.
Implementation Method 1
a stroke adjustment structure configured to adjust a stroke of the bicycle suspension and including an axially movable member configured to initiate a stroke adjustment of the bicycle suspension
Implementation Method 2
The actuator includes a motor with a stator and rotor
Implementation Method 3
the inside space of the housing is configured to be in fluid communication with the first air chamber in an airtight state with respect to an outside of the first air chamber and the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle suspension comprises a cylinder element, a piston element, and a stroke adjustment structure. The cylinder element includes an internal space extending in an axial direction of the cylinder element. The piston element is provided in the internal space to define a first air chamber and a second air chamber in the cylinder element. The second air chamber is opposite to the first air chamber with respect to the piston element. The stroke adjustment structure is configured to adjust a stroke of the bicycle suspension and includes an axially movable member configured to initiate a stroke adjustment of the bicycle suspension. The axially movable member is configured to be entirely disposed in the first air chamber.