Adjustable Eccentric Pivot Bicycle Suspension Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle suspension systems experience undesired changes in leverage ratio when geometric adjustments are made, affecting braking and contact patch performance, leading to reduced rider comfort and control, especially during off-road riding.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bicycle wheel suspension system with adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies that connect movable linkage members to the bicycle frame, allowing for infinite adjustment within a range of rotation to maintain a desired leverage ratio regardless of geometric configuration, using a coupler to create dependency between pivot assemblies and prevent undesired link positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If geometric adjustments are made to the suspension system, then adaptability is improved, but leverage ratio stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies that can be dynamically repositioned along an adjustment path to change suspension geometry. The eccentric pivot mechanism allows the suspension links to be rotated to different angular positions while maintaining a consistent leverage ratio, enabling geometric adjustments without compromising the fundamental suspension performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the suspension system by adjusting the position of eccentric pivot assemblies. By varying the angular orientation of suspension links through the eccentric pivot mechanism, the system achieves different geometric configurations (such as chainstay length and pivot angles) while maintaining a constant leverage ratio, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
2Ease of operation
If suspension geometry is adjusted, then rider comfort is improved, but braking performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies enable dynamic reconfiguration of the suspension geometry to optimize rider comfort on uneven terrain. Simultaneously, the coupler mechanism maintains the leverage ratio consistent across different geometric configurations, ensuring that braking performance remains reliable regardless of the selected geometric setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler mechanism acts as a feedback system that automatically maintains the desired leverage ratio relationship between suspension components. This feedback mechanism ensures that when geometric adjustments are made for comfort, the leverage ratio returns to or maintains the optimal value, thereby preserving braking performance.
3Ease of operation
If suspension geometry is adjusted, then contact patch response is improved, but leverage ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric pivot assembly allows dynamic adjustment of the contact patch orientation and suspension geometry to improve response to terrain variations. The adjustable mechanism enables optimization of contact patch angle and position while the coupler maintains the leverage ratio, preventing degradation of suspension mechanical advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters such as contact patch orientation and suspension link angles through the eccentric pivot mechanism. These parameter changes improve contact patch response to terrain while the coupled adjustment of multiple pivot positions maintains the leverage ratio, resolving the contradiction between improved response and maintained stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable pivot assemblies are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into modular components including adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies and couplers. This segmentation allows the adjustment mechanism to be implemented as discrete, manageable parts that can be independently positioned and adjusted, reducing the overall complexity compared to a fully integrated adjustable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric pivot assembly mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables geometric adjustment, maintains leverage ratio, and provides a mechanism for both suspension links. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle rear wheel suspension system having a number of movable suspension links includes a pair of adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies that connect respective members of the movable linkage to the underlying fixed shape portion of the bicycle frame assembly. Each adjustable eccentric pivot assembly is preferably infinitely adjustable within a range of rotation of the respective pivot assembly relative to the underlying bicycle frame to manipulate an orientation of an axis of rotation of the respective movable link relative to the underlying bicycle frame assembly. The pair of adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies is coupled to one another in a manner that creates a dependency between the orientations of the respective eccentric pivot assemblies thereby providing various geometric configurations of the moveable members of the suspension system without changing the leverage ratio provided by the suspension system.