Electronic Bicycle Damper Control for On-the-Fly Damping Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional adjustable bicycle dampers are cumbersome and require manual operation, making it difficult for riders to adjust damping rates while riding, and are often bulky and prone to damage from external hazards.
Innovation Solution
The development of electronically controlled dampers with a motor-driven flow control member that can be remotely actuated via wireless command signals, allowing for instantaneous adjustments of damping rates without physical interaction and minimizing weight and vulnerability to external damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used in traditional dampers, then the damping rate can be adjusted, but the device becomes bulky and cumbersome, making it difficult to adjust while riding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system. A motor-driven flow control member is actuated by electronic signals received from a remote device, eliminating the need for manual operation of bulky mechanical adjusters. This allows damping rate adjustment without physical interaction with the damper itself, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic control system between the rider and the damper adjustment mechanism. The flow control member is controlled by electronic signals transmitted from a remote device (such as a smartphone or controller), serving as a mediator that enables adjustment without direct manual manipulation of the damper. This intermediary system reduces the complexity and bulk of the adjustment mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional manual adjustment mechanisms are used, then the damper can be adjusted, but it increases weight and vulnerability to external hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical adjustment components with a lighter electronic control system. The motor-driven flow control member actuated by electronic signals eliminates the need for robust manual adjustment mechanisms, reducing the overall weight of the damper while maintaining full adjustability. This allows the damper to adapt to different riding conditions without the weight penalty of traditional mechanical systems.
3Productivity
If manual flow control members are used, then the damping rate can be changed, but the rider must stop and physically adjust the damper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with electronic control, allowing the rider to change damping rates instantly while riding. The motor-driven flow control member responds to electronic signals from a remote device, enabling adjustment without stopping the bicycle. This dramatically increases adjustment speed and operational convenience, allowing real-time adaptation to changing terrain and riding conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electronic control devices are added to enable remote adjustment, then adjustability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified electronic control system. The same motor-driven flow control member handles both compression and rebound damping adjustments, and the control device can receive commands from various sources (manual input, sensors, or external devices). This multi-functionality approach enables remote adjustability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single control system performs multiple adjustment tasks.
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 riders to adjust damping rates on the fly, improving ride comfort and control while reducing the weight and vulnerability of the suspension system.
Implementation Method 1
a motor to operate the flow control member to affect fluid flow between the first chamber and the second chamber
Implementation Method 2
A spring and a damper configured in a telescoping arrangement with the spring
Implementation Method 3
The damper has a damper body defining a first chamber. A flow path is defined between the first chamber and a second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Example bicycle suspension components and control devices are described herein. An example shock absorber includes a damper body defining a first chamber and a reservoir defining a second chamber. A flow path is defined between the first chamber and the second chamber. The example shock absorber also includes a flow control member disposed in the flow path and a motor to operate the flow control member to affect fluid flow between the first chamber and the second chamber.