Folding Vehicle Saddle Pivot Mechanism for Standing Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional folding bicycles face issues where the saddle is obstructive and prone to loss in the standing driving mode, and driving is hindered by the saddle supporting frame when the saddle is removed.

Innovation Solution

A folding vehicle design featuring a main frame mechanism with a parallel link structure, a swing arm, and lock mechanisms that allow the saddle to remain attached in all modes, enabling seamless transitions between folded, seated, and standing driving positions without obstructing the standing mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the saddle is removed in standing driving mode to avoid obstruction, then the obstruction problem is solved, but the saddle is prone to loss and requires separate storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving convenience in standing modeVSAvoidsaddle retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle position is made dynamically adjustable through a pivot mechanism that allows the saddle to rotate between a forward position (obstructing less in standing mode) and a rearward position (providing better support). This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the saddle to serve different functions in different driving modes without removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the saddle remains attached in standing driving mode to prevent loss, then the saddle retention is improved, but driving is hindered by the saddle supporting frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaddle retentionVSAvoiddriving convenience in standing mode
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle assembly is segmented into the saddle body and the supporting frame, which can be independently positioned. The supporting frame can be pivoted forward to clear the driving area while the saddle remains attached to the main frame mechanism, thus preventing loss while eliminating obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The saddle supporting frame is made dynamically repositionable through a pivot mechanism, allowing it to move between a rearward position (providing support) and a forward position (clearing the driving area). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between retention and convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the saddle is removed and separately kept, then the obstruction in standing mode is eliminated, but the complexity of managing the saddle increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving convenience in standing modeVSAvoidsaddle management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle and its supporting frame are merged into a single pivotable assembly that remains attached to the main frame mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate storage and management of the saddle, while the pivot mechanism allows the assembly to be positioned to avoid obstruction during standing driving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3246235B1Folding vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 TOYODA IRON WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3246235B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3246235B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3246235B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a folding vehicle that can be in all of a folded mode, a seated driving mode, and a standing driving mode without removing a saddle member from a main frame mechanism, and can achieve the standing driving mode with the driving not hindered by the saddle member. A saddle member 16 is attached to at least one of an upper end portion of a first frame member 10 and an upper end portion of a second frame member 11 of a main frame mechanism 9 and remains to be in a state of being attached to at least one of the upper end portion of the first frame member 10 and the upper end portion of the second frame member 11 in the folded mode, the seated driving mode, and the standing driving mode, with locking function of a third lock mechanism L3.