Sport Accessory Height Adjustment With Tilt-Locking Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height adjustment systems for sports device accessories, such as bicycle saddles, lack precision and ergonomics, limiting fine adjustments and requiring both hands to operate, which complicates user handling.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a tube with a conduit and a rod, where the ring is tiltably mounted between sliding and blocking positions, constrained by an elastic means, allowing for precise height adjustment with reduced user effort, enabling one-handed operation by sliding the ring and tube along the rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a locking pin mechanism with distributed holes is used for height adjustment, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment precision is limited by the number of holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical locking pin system with a friction-based clamp mechanism. The clamp applies continuous friction force to the rod through an elastic element, eliminating the need for discrete holes and locking pins, thereby enabling continuous height adjustment while simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the adjustment parameter from discrete hole positions to continuous rod position. By using a clamp that can be positioned at any height and applies frictional force, the system transforms the adjustment mechanism from a discrete set of predetermined positions to a continuous range of adjustable heights.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed-height lever is used for actuation, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates as both hands are required for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is designed to be self-locking through friction. Once the user releases the lever, the elastic element automatically maintains clamping force on the rod, holding the adjusted position without requiring additional locking actions or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static locking mechanism to a dynamic friction-based system. The clamp can be easily engaged and disengaged by moving the lever, allowing one-handed operation, while automatically maintaining its position through continuous frictional force during normal use.
3Manufacturing precision
If continuous height adjustment is implemented with a tilting ring mechanism, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to complex two-handed coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of the tilting ring mechanism (friction-based clamping) and simplifies it by removing the complex tilting and lever coordination requirements. The result is a straightforward clamp-lever system that achieves continuous adjustment through a single linear motion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a lever that tilts to engage/disengage locking mechanisms, the invention inverts the approach by using a lever that directly controls a clamp applying frictional force. This reversal simplifies the operation from complex coordinated tilting to simple linear lever movement.
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
Enables precise and reliable height adjustment of sports device accessories with improved ergonomics, allowing users to adjust the saddle height easily and efficiently with minimal movement and using only one hand.
Implementation Method 1
said blocking position being constrained by an elastic means and said sliding position being actuated against said elastic means
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2~3
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a height adjustment system for an accessory of a sports device, said system comprising said accessory, a tube (10) having a conduit (11) and a rod (12) disposed in said conduit, said tube being equipped with an adjustment module (19) carrying a ring (20) having an orifice (21) in which the rod (12) is disposed, said ring being mounted in a tilting position in the module (19) between a sliding position in which the orifice (21) is aligned with the rod (12) and a locking position of said sliding by inclination of said ring, said locking position being constrained by an elastic means and said sliding position being actuated against said elastic means, the accessory being associated on the tube (10), the ring (20) being mounted in a sliding position on the rod (12) over an adjustment height of said tube along the rod (12).