Compact Folding Electric Bicycle with Shortened Wheelbase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding bicycles are inefficient in compacting lengthwise due to traditional designs that prioritize directional stability over compactness, resulting in bicycles that are unnecessarily long when folded.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a greater head tube angle combined with a smaller fork offset to increase trail and shorten the wheelbase by moving the front wheel backward, allowing the bicycle to fold into a more compact length while maintaining directional stability through a unique configuration of the rear wheel assembly and handlebar folding mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional folding bicycle designs prioritize directional stability through traditional head tube angle and fork offset configurations, then directional stability is improved, but the wheelbase length increases making the folded bicycle unnecessarily long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the head tube angle to be greater than traditional values and reducing the fork offset to smaller than conventional dimensions. This combination of parameter changes allows the bicycle to achieve adequate trail for directional stability while significantly shortening the wheelbase, enabling a more compact folded configuration without sacrificing stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If the front wheel is positioned forward in traditional configurations, then directional stability is improved, but the overall length of the bicycle increases reducing compactness when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes dimensional optimization by repositioning the front wheel backward in the longitudinal dimension, achieved through the modified head tube angle and reduced fork offset. This dimensional change allows the bicycle to maintain stability while reducing the overall length and folded package volume, creating a more compact storage configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is configurable between an expanded arrangement and a folded arrangement. A front wheel is rotatably and removably mounted in a front fork at a front axle. A front wheel quick release skewer configured to couple the front wheel to and decouple the front wheel from the front fork. A main frame has a head tube configured to receive the front fork and a seat tube distal therefrom. A rear wheel assembly includes a rear wheel carrier pivotably coupled with the seat tube and selectively coupled with the seat tube by seat stays. A quick release clamp is configured to enable selective pivoting of the handlebar relative to a steering tube about a pivot axis of steering tube hinge. A rear wheel carrier mount is provided to the rear wheel carrier and is configured for removable coupling of the front axle with the front wheel removed from the front fork.