Electronic Bicycle Shock Absorber for Remote Damping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional adjustable bicycle dampers require manual operation, which is time-consuming and cannot be adjusted safely while riding, and are often bulky due to the use of cables and tubes that are prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
The development of electronically controlled dampers with a motor, battery, and wireless receiver that allow for remote actuation and adjustment of damping rates, eliminating the need for bulky cables and enabling instantaneous adjustments during riding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used, then the damper can be adjusted, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and cannot be performed safely while riding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an electronic control system. A motor (220) is integrated into the damper assembly to automatically adjust the flow control member (204), eliminating the need for manual cable manipulation. This electronic substitution allows instantaneous damping rate changes without requiring the rider to stop or dismount, directly resolving the time loss and operational convenience contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If cables and tubes are used for actuation, then the damper can be controlled, but the system becomes bulky and vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the vulnerable cable and tube components from the actuation system. By integrating a motor (220) directly into the damper assembly and using an electronic control circuit (202), the system removes the external mechanical linkages that were previously necessary for remote control. This extraction of problematic components maintains remote adjustability while significantly improving reliability by eliminating parts prone to external damage.
3Productivity
If electronic control components are added, then instantaneous adjustment is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electronic control components (motor 220, control circuit 202, wireless receiver 206) directly into the existing damper assembly structure. Rather than adding separate external control units, the system integrates these elements within the damper housing, utilizing the same mounting points and structural support. This merging approach enables instantaneous adjustment capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by consolidating components into the existing framework.
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 quick and optimal damping adjustments without manual interaction, reducing weight and vulnerability to external hazards, while allowing for seamless control of damping rates based on various parameters like speed and terrain.
Implementation Method 1
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.
Implementation Method 2
An example shock absorber for a bicycle disclosed herein includes a spring and a damper configured in a telescoping arrangement with the spring
Implementation Method 3
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 a damping rate of the shock absorber.
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.