Fork Bushing Bypass Channels for Balanced Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bushings in fork assemblies, such as bicycle or motorcycle fork assemblies, create a pressure differential due to fluid or gas restriction, which is undesirable during motion of the fork legs.

Innovation Solution

The formation of channels on both the outer diameter of the bushing and the inner diameter of the fork leg housing allows for the free flow of gases or fluids, reducing or eliminating the pressure differential by creating pathways for fluid flow around the bushing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bushings are used to provide a slidable interface between fork legs, then the sliding interface is provided, but a pressure differential is generated due to fluid or gas restriction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesliding interfaceVSAvoidpressure differential

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing is segmented by forming channels through it, dividing the solid bushing structure into sections that allow fluid passage. This segmentation maintains the bushing's sliding function while eliminating the pressure differential by creating flow paths through the bushing material itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bushing is transformed into a porous-like structure by forming channels through it. These channels allow fluid or gas to pass through the bushing, preventing pressure differential buildup while the remaining solid material maintains the sliding interface functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Stress or pressure

If channels are formed in the bushing and fork leg housing, then fluid flow is improved and pressure differential is reduced, but the structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure differentialVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than removing material to create channels, the invention segments the bushing by forming channels through it. This approach maintains most of the bushing's solid structure for strength while creating controlled pathways for fluid flow, balancing structural integrity with pressure equalization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution maintains the sliding interface integrity while eliminating the unwanted pressure differential, ensuring balanced pressure on both sides of the bushing, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of the fork assembly.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS11396344B2Bushing bypass

Publication Date: 2022.07.26 FOX FACTORY INC

AI summary

A bushing bypass. The bushing bypass includes a bushing having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bushing also includes an inner diameter surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The bushing also includes an outer diameter surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The bushing further includes a channel formed in the outer diameter surface. The channel extends from the top surface of the bushing to the bottom surface of the bushing.