Hybrid Shock Assembly for Entry Stroke and Bottom-Out Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock absorbing systems for bicycles, such as those using mechanical springs, lack bottom out resistance or end stroke support, while air springs have harsh entry stroke support and unsupportive mid-stroke characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid shock absorption assembly combining an air shock with a mechanical spring, where the mechanical spring is disposed radially outward and annularly surrounds the air shock, providing a cooperative damping mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a mechanical spring is used in the shock absorbing system, then the system provides good entry stroke support, but it lacks bottom out resistance or end stroke support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mechanical spring and an air spring into a hybrid shock absorbing system. The mechanical spring provides entry stroke support while the air spring provides bottom out resistance, merging the strengths of both spring types to resolve the contradiction between good entry support and adequate bottom out resistance.
2Reliability
If an air spring is used in the shock absorbing system, then the system provides good bottom out resistance, but it has harsh entry stroke support and unsupportive mid-stroke characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid system merges an air spring with a mechanical spring, where the air spring component provides bottom out resistance while the mechanical spring component provides supportive entry stroke and mid-stroke characteristics, thus resolving the contradiction between bottom out resistance and entry stroke support quality.
3Device complexity
If a singular spring element (air spring or mechanical spring) is used, then the system structure is simple, but the shock absorption performance is insufficient across all stroke phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different spring elements (mechanical spring and air spring) into a single shock absorbing assembly, creating a hybrid system that maintains relatively simple structure while achieving superior shock absorption performance across all stroke phases compared to singular spring systems.
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
The hybrid system offers improved shock absorption by balancing the strengths of both air and mechanical springs, enhancing comfort and control over uneven terrain, reducing fatigue, and minimizing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
An air spring tube defines an air spring chamber
Implementation Method 2
An oil damper tube is coupled to the piston head and is movable relative to the piston rod and the air spring tube
Data Source
AI summary
Shock absorption assemblies are provided. A shock absorption assembly includes an air shock that has a valve body. An air spring tube defines an air spring chamber. A piston rod extends through the air spring chamber to an oil piston head. An air piston head movably coupled to the piston rod. An oil damper tube is coupled to the piston head and is movable relative to the piston rod and the air spring tube. The shock absorption assembly further includes a mechanical spring disposed radially outward from, and that annularly surrounds, at least a portion of the air shock.