Curved Leaf Spring Bicycle Frame for Damping and Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring-loaded rear structures in bicycle frames are not suitable for racing bikes due to their high weight, which compromises their damping properties and overall performance.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight bicycle frame design for racing and triathlon bikes featuring a curved leaf spring integrated between the rear structure and the main frame element, with adjustable connections to seat and chain stays, and a swivel joint for enhanced damping and comfort, utilizing fiber composite materials for flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional spring-loaded rear structures are used in bicycle frames, then damping properties are improved, but frame weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the spring element by using a curved leaf spring design instead of conventional coil springs. This geometric transformation allows achieving comparable damping properties with significantly reduced weight, as the curved configuration provides mechanical advantage and damping effectiveness without the mass penalty of traditional spring assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials, specifically carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), for the leaf spring construction. This composite material approach enables the spring to achieve the necessary flexibility and damping characteristics while maintaining extremely low weight, resolving the contradiction between damping performance and weight reduction.
2Strength
If the rear triangle is rigidly connected to the main frame element, then structural strength is improved, but riding comfort deteriorates due to lack of damping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the frame structure by replacing the rigid connection with a flexible leaf spring connection. This allows the rear triangle to move relative to the main frame element in a controlled manner, providing damping and improving riding comfort while maintaining structural integrity through the engineered flexibility of the spring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring acts as an intermediary element between the rear triangle and the main frame element. It mediates the connection by providing both structural support and damping functionality, allowing the rigid rear triangle to be connected to the main frame in a way that combines strength with comfort through the spring's elastic properties.
3Weight of moving object
If fiber composite materials are used for frame elements, then weight is reduced and flexibility is improved, but connection reliability at joints may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the inherent flexibility of fiber composite materials to create a leaf spring that functions as a flexible structural element. The composite construction allows the spring to bend and deform elastically under load, providing damping while maintaining connection reliability through the distributed stress field created by the flexible composite structure rather than rigid joints.
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 design significantly improves driving comfort and damping properties while maintaining a low frame weight, with adjustable spring characteristics and flexible frame elements providing optimal suspension performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element, in particular a curved leaf spring, is arranged between the rear triangle and the main frame element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A bicycle fork, particularly one for racing or triathlon bikes, has a steerer tube (12). The steerer tube (12) is connected to two fork legs (18) via a fork crown (16). Each of the two fork legs (18) is connected to a swingarm (22) for receiving a bicycle axle. A leaf spring (28) is arranged between the swingarm (22) and the associated fork leg (18), curved in the direction of the fork leg (18) and/or the swingarm (22). A corresponding damping or suspension principle can also be provided for the rear triangle.