Folding Elliptical Bicycle Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elliptical bicycles are not foldable, making them difficult to store and transport due to their elongated foot support platforms and unique frame structure, which complicates dimensional reduction.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a set of hinges allowing the frame to articulate up to 170°, a hinge in the handlebars up to 180°, and hinges between the crankset and foot support platforms up to 90°, enabling the elliptical bicycle to fold and substantially reduce its size for easier storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional elliptical bicycles use a non-foldable frame structure, then the structural integrity and stability are maintained, but the storage and transportation convenience deteriorates due to large dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple segments connected by hinges, allowing the bicycle to be folded into a compact configuration. The main frame includes a first segment and a second segment connected by a first hinge, and the foot support platform is divided into multiple segments connected by second hinges, enabling dimensional reduction while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with hinges that allow movement between folded and unfolded states. The hinges enable the frame segments and foot support segments to rotate relative to each other, providing adaptability between compact storage configuration and stable riding configuration.
2Volume of moving object
If the frame is made foldable with multiple hinges, then the storage and transportation convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple segments connected by hinges, allowing the bicycle to be folded into a compact configuration. The main frame includes a first segment and a second segment connected by a first hinge, and the foot support platform is divided into multiple segments connected by second hinges, enabling dimensional reduction while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
When folded, the frame segments and foot support segments are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller segments fit within or alongside larger segments, maximizing compactness. The articulated segments can be positioned to occupy minimal space during storage while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
3Reliability
If the foot support platforms are made elongated for proper elliptical motion, then the exercise effectiveness is maintained, but the dimensional reduction capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The foot support platform is divided into multiple segments that can articulate relative to each other through second hinges. When folded, these segments are arranged collinearly or in a compact configuration, reducing the overall length. When in use, the segments form the proper elongated structure necessary for effective elliptical exercise motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot support platform transitions between a static elongated configuration during exercise and a dynamic folded configuration during storage. The second hinges enable the platform segments to rotate and align in a compact arrangement when not in use, while maintaining the proper elongated geometry when deployed for exercise.
Data Source
AI summary
An elliptical bicycle comprises a structural frame including two stringers in opposing arcs, one upper and the other lower, a front wheel and a rear wheel driven by a crankset from its support platforms, as well as a steering box formed by fork, steering tube and handlebar. The elliptical bicycle has multiple hinges. The structural frame is provided with a set of main hinges, each applied to a bipartite stringer having an articulation at an approximate angle of up to 170°. A secondary hinge is applied in a bipartite steering tube of the handlebar having an articulation at an approximate angle of up to 180°. A set of tertiary hinges is applied between a crankset and support platforms of the user's feet, each of them having an articulation at an approximate angle of up to 90° upwards.