Electronic Bicycle Shock Damping Without Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional adjustable bicycle dampers require manual operation, which is time-consuming and impractical for on-the-fly adjustments, and often involve bulky cables or tubes that add weight and are prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
The development of electronically controlled dampers with a motor-driven flow control member, allowing for wireless command signal activation to adjust damping rates without physical interaction, reducing weight and vulnerability to external hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to adjust damping rates, then the adjustment can be made, but it is time-consuming and impractical for on-the-fly adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system 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 cable manipulation and enabling instantaneous damping rate changes without physical contact with the damper.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system allows the rider to adjust damping rates independently through a remote device (such as a smartphone or handheld controller), without requiring assistance from a mechanic or another person. The system serves itself by automatically translating electronic commands into mechanical adjustments of the flow control member.
2Reliability
If bulky cables or tubes are used for manual adjustment, then mechanical connection is achieved, but weight is added and vulnerability to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for bulky cables or tubes by replacing the mechanical cable-driven adjustment system with an electronic signaling system. The remote device communicates with the motor controller through electronic signals, which then actuate the flow control member, thereby removing the heavy and vulnerable cable infrastructure while maintaining reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the cable or tube components from the damper system. By separating the control function from the mechanical connection, the system eliminates the need for physical cables running to the damper, thereby reducing weight and eliminating the vulnerability associated with external cable exposure to damage.
3Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanism is exposed, then accessibility for adjustment is achieved, but vulnerability to external hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the exposed manual adjustment mechanism with a sealed electronic control system. The motor-driven flow control member is actuated remotely through electronic signals, eliminating the need for exposed adjustment ports or cable access points that would be vulnerable to dirt, water, and physical damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic control system between the rider and the damper mechanism. The remote device serves as a mediator that transmits adjustment commands electronically to the motor controller, which then actuates the flow control member, thereby eliminating direct exposure of the adjustment mechanism to external hazards.
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, optimal damping adjustments while riding, minimizing weight and risk of damage, with electronic control devices providing instantaneous adjustments and improved rider safety.
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.