Composite Bicycle Rim Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle wheels experience significant vibrations, which can lead to discomfort and reduced performance, especially when using lightweight composite materials that lack effective vibration suppression.
Innovation Solution
A composite bicycle wheel design featuring a rim constructed with multiple layers, including structural support layers and vibration suppression layers made from fiber-reinforced polymers and polyester-based resin, which are laminated together with a binder material to provide both strength and vibration attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If lightweight composite materials are used for bicycle rims, then weight is reduced, but vibration suppression capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining fiber-reinforced polymers (structural layer) with polyester-based resin (damping layer). This creates a multi-layer composite rim structure where each material contributes its unique properties: the fiber-reinforced polymer provides strength and light weight, while the polyester-based resin provides vibration damping. The composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating both lightweight and vibration-suppressing functionalities in a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the bicycle rim into multiple functional layers: an outer structural layer made of fiber-reinforced polymer and an inner damping layer made of polyester-based resin. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently - the outer layer handles structural loads and maintains lightweight properties, while the inner layer specifically addresses vibration suppression. The segmented structure resolves the technical contradiction by separating the conflicting requirements into distinct functional zones.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple layers are added to suppress vibrations, then vibration suppression improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function and vibration damping function into a single integrated rim component. Instead of adding separate vibration suppression devices to an existing rim, the damping functionality is built directly into the rim structure through the multi-layer composite construction. This merging approach improves vibration suppression while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the additional layers are integral to the rim itself rather than separate attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of composite materials allows multiple functions to be combined in a unified structure. The fiber-reinforced polymer and polyester-based resin are bonded together to form a single composite rim that simultaneously provides structural integrity and vibration damping. This composite approach resolves the complexity issue by creating an integrated multi-functional component rather than assembling separate parts.
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 composite bicycle wheel effectively suppresses and attenuates vibrations, enhancing rider comfort and performance by reducing the transmission of road-induced vibrations through its structural and vibration-damping layers.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the outer bridge and the first and second circumferential side walls includes a vibration suppression layer
Implementation Method 2
a vibration suppression layer made from fiber-reinforced polymers and polyester-based resin, which are laminated together
Data Source
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AI summary
A composite bicycle wheel is provided with a first circumferential side wall, a second circumferential side wall and an outer bridge. The first circumferential side wall has a radial inner end and a radial outer end. The second circumferential side wall has a radial inner end and a radial outer end. The outer bridge connects the radial outer ends of the first and second circumferential side walls. At least one of the outer bridge and the first and second circumferential side walls includes a vibration suppression layer.