Folding Bicycle Hinge With Dynamic Pivot Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional four-bar folding mechanisms in bicycles are prone to damage from impacts during folding and handling due to rigid pivotal connections, affecting both functionality and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a stationary leaf, a moving leaf with a pivot shaft, a lever, and a linkage device with a moving gap, allowing the pivot shaft to move slightly, which maintains a non-constant distance between pivoting positions, reducing leverage-induced damage and incorporating a safety lock mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid pivotal connection is used in the four-bar folding mechanism, then the structure maintains constant distance between pivotal points ensuring stability, but it becomes prone to damage from impacts during folding and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid pivotal connection with a dynamic connection that allows the distance between pivotal points to vary. The movable connection device includes a movable leaf with a sliding slot and a corresponding pin, enabling the connection points to shift relative to each other during operation. This dynamic adjustment allows the structure to absorb impact forces while maintaining functional integrity, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and impact resistance.
2Reliability
If the distance between pivotal points is kept constant, then the folding mechanism operates reliably, but impact forces cause damage to components such as stationary leaf or moving leaf
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the distance between pivotal points to vary dynamically rather than remaining constant. The movable connection device enables the connection parameters (distance and position) to change in response to applied forces. This parameter variability allows the hinge to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation, preventing damage to critical components while maintaining operational reliability.
3Ease of operation
If frequent impacts occur during moving or carrying folding bicycles, then the rigid hinge components suffer damage, but this reduces aesthetic appeal and operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the movable connection device to inherently absorb and dissipate impact forces before they can damage critical components. The sliding slot and pin mechanism provides built-in compliance that cushions against shocks during handling and operation. This preemptive protection maintains both the aesthetic appearance and operational functionality of the hinge even under frequent impact conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hinge (1, 1a, 1b) for a folding bicycle (9) includes a stationary leaf (10), a moving leaf (20) with a pivot shaft (23), a lever (30) and a linkage device (40). The moving leaf (20) is pivotally connected to the stationary leaf (10), the lever (30)is pivotally connected to the stationary leaf (10), the linkage device (40) is pivotally connected to the lever (30) at a first pivoting position (61), and the linkage device (40) is pivotally connected to the moving leaf (20)at a second pivoting position (62). The distance between the first pivoting position (61) and the second pivoting position (62) is not constant.