Fork Bushing Bypass Structure 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 flow of gases or fluids around the bushing, reducing or eliminating the pressure differential by creating pathways for fluid flow.

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 maintained, but a pressure differential is generated due to fluid or gas restriction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesliding interface integrityVSAvoidpressure differential

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing is segmented by forming channels through it, dividing the solid bushing structure into sections that allow fluid or gas to pass through. This segmentation maintains the outer diameter for sliding contact while creating internal pathways that eliminate pressure differential buildup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Channels are formed as intermediary pathways through the bushing, allowing fluid or gas to bypass the restrictive bushing structure. These channels act as mediators that enable pressure equalization while the bushing's outer surface continues to provide the necessary sliding interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If channels are formed through the bushing to allow fluid flow, then pressure differential is reduced, but the bushing structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure differentialVSAvoidbushing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bushing incorporates channel structures that function similarly to porous materials, providing pathways for fluid or gas flow through the bushing body. This approach integrates the flow channels directly into the bushing structure rather than adding separate components, thereby managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 reducing or eliminating the unwanted pressure differential between bushings, ensuring balanced pressure on both sides of the bushing.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS11993337B2Bushing bypass

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 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.