Monolithic Plastic Saddle with Elastic Gap for Stress Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional human body support structures, such as bicycle saddles, face issues with weight, aerodynamics, and shock absorption due to rigid metal connections, which are costly and uncomfortable, and fail to effectively distribute stresses during use.
Innovation Solution
An integrated support structure with monolithically and elastically joined upper and lower elements made of rigid plastic resins, allowing adjustable distance and eliminating external weight, combined with optional elastic damping for enhanced shock absorption and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid metal rods are used for connection, then strength and stability are improved, but weight increases and aerodynamics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection function into the lower support structure itself by forming a recess directly in the lower support that receives the seat post. This integration eliminates the need for separate metal rods and connection plates, reducing weight while maintaining structural strength through the unified plastic construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs plastic resin materials with predetermined elasticity coefficients that combine rigidity for structural strength with light weight. The elastic properties allow the plastic to bear connection loads while being significantly lighter than metal alternatives.
2Strength
If rigid metal rods are used for connection, then strength is improved, but aerodynamic properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the connection function into the lower support structure through a recess formation, the patent eliminates external metal rods and connection plates that would create aerodynamic drag. The unified structure presents a smoother profile to airflow.
3Strength
If metal structures are used, then strength is improved, but ease of adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of plastic materials, characterized by predetermined elasticity coefficients, to enable adjustable connections. The elastic deformation allows the structure to accommodate adjustments while maintaining strength, unlike rigid metal structures.
4Weight of moving object
If light weight materials are used, then weight is reduced, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies plastic resin materials with predetermined elasticity coefficients that provide an optimal balance between weight reduction and cost-effectiveness. These materials are lighter than metal while being more economical than advanced composites like carbon fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs plastic composite materials that combine light weight with cost-effectiveness, avoiding the need for expensive advanced composites while achieving significant weight reduction compared to metal structures.
5Ease of manufacture
If integral design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but shock absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elastic damping means with predetermined elasticity coefficients into the integral structure. These damping elements are integrated during manufacturing but provide specialized shock absorption functionality through their elastic properties, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and shock absorption capability.
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 solution provides a lightweight, aerodynamic, and cost-effective structure that effectively absorbs stresses, maintaining comfort and resistance without relying on expensive materials, while allowing easy adjustments and improved shock absorption.
Implementation Method 1
monolithically and elastically joined at one of their longitudinal ends
Implementation Method 2
elastic damping means may be interposed between the upper element and the lower element
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated human body support structure, particularly a saddle or seat for a vehicle. The structure comprises an upper element (4) having longitudinal end portions (8, 8′) and a lower element (5) having longitudinal end portions (9, 9′). The upper element (4) faces and is transversely spaced from said lower element (5). Furthermore, these elements are monolithically and elastically joined at one of their longitudinal ends (6) to define a gap (7) therebetween whereby the opposite free ends (8, 9) may adjust the gap (7) as the load applied to the structure changes. Thanks to this configuration the structure of the invention substantially helps to take up of the stresses from the vehicle on which the structure is mounted.