Bicycle Damper Deflection Display with Magnetic Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining negative and maximum spring deflection in spring-loaded bicycle rear structures are inaccurate and difficult to read, particularly due to damage risks from scales on smooth surfaces and the need for precise adjustments to ensure driving comfort and prevent damper bottoming out.

Innovation Solution

A display device utilizing a pivoting rear structural element with a first display element surrounding the bearing axis and a second display element connected to the rear structure, allowing for direct reading of deflection through relative movement, with a scale and pointer for precise measurement, and a friction connection to maintain the maximum position for accurate post-ride readings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a scale is arranged on the surface of the damper piston or dip tube to indicate spring deflection, then the spring deflection can be read, but the smooth surface is damaged which leads to leaks and dirt accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring deflection readingVSAvoidsurface damage, leaks, dirt accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary indicator element that is magnetically coupled to the piston but physically separated from it by a gap. This magnetic coupling allows the indicator to follow piston movement and spring deflection without direct contact, thus reading spring deflection while preventing surface damage and leaks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If markings are provided on the seat tube to determine negative spring deflection, then the deflection can be displayed, but the reading is difficult and inaccurate since it must be done while the rider is sitting on the bicycle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenegative spring deflection readingVSAvoidreading difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical reading system (markings on seat tube requiring visual estimation while riding) with a magnetic indicator system that provides clear, direct visual indication of spring deflection. The magnetic indicator element moves with the piston and provides precise positional information that is easily readable at any time, not just while riding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If an O-ring is used on the piston to indicate negative spring deflection, then the deflection position can be determined, but it is difficult to read the actual travel from the smooth surface of the damper piston

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespring deflection measurementVSAvoidreading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs visual contrast through color or reflectivity differences on the indicator element and scale. The magnetic indicator element is designed with contrasting visual properties that make its position easily distinguishable against the scale background, enabling accurate reading of spring deflection without difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Reliability

If the damper is adjusted to achieve precise negative spring deflection for driving comfort, then potholes can be rebounded better, but the adjustment process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving comfortVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides immediate visual feedback through the magnetic indicator system that shows the current spring deflection status. This real-time feedback allows users to quickly adjust the damper and immediately see the effect, enabling precise adjustment of negative spring deflection for driving comfort without complex procedures or extended time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 reliable and easy reading of negative and maximum spring deflection, improving driving comfort by allowing precise adjustments and preventing damper bottoming out, while minimizing damage risks to the bicycle components.

Implementation Method 1

an indicator element which can be magnetically attracted to the piston

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a friction connection to maintain the maximum position for accurate post-ride readings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2277769B1Display device

Publication Date: 2011.06.29 CANYON BICYCLES

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The display device has a rear structural element i.e. compensator (30), generating pivot movement around a bearing axis during spring compression and spring extension of a rear structure. A display element (50) is pivoted relative to the rear structural element around the bearing axis. The display element partially surrounds the bearing axis. Another display element (70) e.g. scale, is connected with the rear structural element so that the negative spring travel and/or maximum compression travel of the rear structure is detected from the relative movement between the display elements.