Compact Lifting-Magnet Operating Device for Height-Adjustable Seatposts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable seatpost tube operating devices face challenges with limited installation space and the need for rapid, reliable operation, particularly due to the complexity of arranging Bowden cables and the requirement for compact electric motors.
Innovation Solution
An operating device utilizing a lifting magnet with a magnetic core and an electric coil, optionally combined with a preloading spring, allows for compact design and rapid operation by transferring force to an actuating device without the need for a Bowden cable, enabling forces of up to 40 N or more.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a Bowden cable is used to operate the locking device, then operation is possible with a lever on the handlebar, but the cable requires significant installation space and needs compensating bends due to seatpost tube height adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Bowden cable system with an electromagnetic actuator (solenoid or lifting magnet) that is integrated into the seatpost tube. This substitution eliminates the need for external cable routing through the frame, removing the space-consuming compensating bends and simplifying the overall mechanical structure while maintaining remote operability through an electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator is nested within the seatpost tube structure itself, with the coil and magnetic core arranged concentrically around the tube's longitudinal axis. This nesting approach minimizes the space required within the seat tube while still providing sufficient force for the locking mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a heavily stepped down electric motor is used to operate the lifting device, then no Bowden cable is needed, but time delays occur and strong motors cannot be arranged within the seat tube
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric motor with a direct electromagnetic actuation system (solenoid or lifting magnet) that converts electrical energy to mechanical motion in a single step. This eliminates the gear reduction stages required in motor systems, dramatically reducing response time while providing sufficient force through the direct magnetic field action on the plunger or armature.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator operates in brief periodic pulses to open and close the stop valve, requiring only short bursts of electrical energy to achieve the necessary mechanical work. This pulsed operation allows for rapid response times while minimizing energy consumption and heat generation.
3Speed
If a lifting magnet with sufficient force is used, then rapid operation is achieved with minimal installation space, but the magnet requires forces of more than 20 N which demands compact design
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting magnet is designed with a nested structure where the coil windings surround the magnetic core, which in turn surrounds the plunger or armature. This concentric arrangement maximizes the magnetic field density within the available radial space of the seatpost tube, enabling high force output from a compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the magnetic circuit parameters including the permeability of the core material, the number of coil turns, and the air gap dimensions to achieve maximum force density. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system generates forces exceeding 20 N within the constrained space of the seatpost tube.
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 reliable and rapid operation of the lifting device with minimal installation space, reducing time delays and mechanical complexity, while providing sufficient force for hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting magnet has a magnetic core surrounded by an electric coil. The coil is in particular energized in order to cause a movement of the magnetic core.
Implementation Method 2
By operating the switching device, the magnetic core is preferably moved. For this purpose, the coil is in particular energized in order to cause a movement of the magnetic core.
Implementation Method 3
In a particularly preferred embodiment, a preloading device is provided in addition to the lifting magnet.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device for a height-adjustable seatpost tube including a lifting magnet. The lifting magnet has a magnetic core surrounded by a coil. The magnetic core cooperates with an actuating device of a lifting device, the lifting device being a pneumatic lifting device for height-adjustment of the seatpost tube and thus for heigh-adjustment of the seat, for example.