Configurable Cycle Vehicle with Adjustable Frame for Upright and Recumbent Riding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cycle vehicles are limited to specific riding positions, requiring separate vehicles for different riding experiences, such as upright and recumbent positions, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A configurable cycle vehicle with an adjustable frame, including a supporting frame member and crossbar that can be repositioned to provide both upright and recumbent riding conditions, equipped with pedals and an electric motor, allowing for manual operation in the upright position and electric assistance in the recumbent position, with regenerative energy generation for battery charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional upright bicycle configuration is used, then the user has a good view and comfortable positioning, but the user cannot achieve high velocity and wind resistance is not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable frame that can transform between upright and recumbent configurations. The frame includes movable seat and handlebar assemblies that can be repositioned along tracks, allowing the vehicle to adapt its geometry for different riding conditions - upright for comfort and recumbent for speed, resolving the contradiction between riding comfort and velocity capability.
2Speed
If a recumbent position is adopted to minimize wind resistance and achieve greater velocity, then wind resistance is reduced, but the user is positioned directly in the path of exhaust fumes and the centre of gravity is lower requiring tricycle configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically reconfigurable frame that allows the user to switch between upright and recumbent positions. When exhaust fume exposure is a concern, the user can adopt the upright position which elevates the head above exhaust levels. When velocity is the priority and exhaust exposure is acceptable, the recumbent position minimizes wind resistance. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing context-dependent configuration selection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different cycle vehicles are obtained for different riding experiences (upright vs recumbent), then each vehicle can be optimized for its specific purpose, but the user must own and maintain multiple vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cycle vehicle that can perform multiple functions through frame reconfiguration. The same vehicle can be transformed from an upright bicycle configuration to a recumbent trike configuration, providing both riding experiences in a single platform. This eliminates the need for users to own separate vehicles for different riding styles, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability and versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is made adjustable to provide multiple riding positions, then versatility is improved, but the frame structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame into modular components that can be independently adjusted. The seat assembly, handlebar assembly, and wheel assemblies are separate modules that can be repositioned along tracked paths. This segmentation allows complex reconfiguration capabilities while keeping individual components relatively simple and manageable, reducing overall structural complexity compared to a fully integrated adjustable frame.
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 a single cycle vehicle to offer multiple riding experiences, providing a comfortable and efficient transition between upright and recumbent positions, enhancing versatility and convenience for users.
Implementation Method 1
the electric motor providing the motive force in the second riding condition
Implementation Method 2
the propulsion means includes pedals configured to provide drive to at least one of the wheels; characterised in that the propulsion means further includes an electric motor; wherein the configurable cycle vehicle further comprises a drive shaft which couples the pedals to the at least one of the wheels
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
A configurable cycle vehicle (10) has an adjustable frame (12) which is formed from a plurality of relatively configurable frame members (26, 28, 30, 32, 34), and which can be separately arranged in a first, upright riding condition, or alternatively in a second, recumbent riding condition. A method of conversion of a cycle vehicle between first and second riding conditions is also provided.