Cycle Suspension Rotation Sensor for Stiction Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Telescopic front suspension forks in cycles face issues with high stiction due to large sliding bushings, requiring expensive manufacturing tolerances and frequent maintenance, while linkage suspensions suffer from poor kinematic performance and inaccurate adjustment methods for rider setup.

Innovation Solution

A suspension assembly with a rotation sensor connected to pivot assemblies to measure angular displacement between links, allowing for precise adjustment of suspension settings, including shock absorber characteristics, to improve ride performance and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If telescopic front suspension forks with large sliding bushings are used, then compliance and shock absorption are improved, but stiction increases and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomplianceVSAvoidstiction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sliding bushing system with a linkage system comprising multiple links and pivot assemblies. This substitution eliminates the large sliding surfaces that generate stiction, while maintaining suspension compliance through the articulated motion of the linkage mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension system is divided into multiple discrete links and pivot assemblies rather than a single telescoping fork. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and eliminates the need for large sliding bushings, reducing stiction while maintaining overall system compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If telescopic front suspension forks with large sliding bushings are used, then compliance and shock absorption are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomplianceVSAvoidmanufacturing tolerances

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the suspension into multiple links and pivots, the patent distributes the functional requirements across several components with simpler individual tolerances, rather than requiring one complex telescoping assembly with extremely tight tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the precision-critical telescoping mechanism with a linkage system that is inherently more tolerant of manufacturing variations, as the articulated pivots can accommodate greater dimensional variability while maintaining proper suspension function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If telescopic front suspension forks with large sliding bushings are used, then compliance is improved, but maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecomplianceVSAvoidmaintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the maintenance-intensive telescoping mechanism with a linkage system where the pivot assemblies and links have fewer wear surfaces and no seals to deteriorate, significantly reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The linkage components are designed to be simpler and more replaceable, allowing individual links or pivots to be easily swapped out if worn, rather than requiring complex seal replacements or bushing repairs in a telescoping fork.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If traditional suspension adjustment methods are used, then setup is possible, but measurement accuracy decreases and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidsuspension displacement measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual measurement methods with an electronic sensor system that automatically measures suspension displacement, eliminating human error and time-consuming manual procedures while maintaining ease of adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system between the suspension components and the adjustment process, allowing for precise electronic measurement of displacement without requiring direct human measurement with rulers or tape measures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12258095B2Cycle suspension with rotation sensor

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS INC

AI summary

A suspension assembly for a cycle includes a plurality of links pivotably connected to one another by a plurality of pivots. A rotation sensor measures an angular relationship between two links and a setpoint of the suspension assembly is adjusted based on the angular measurements.