Motorized Bicycle Seat Height Adjustment via Release-Triggered Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle seat height adjustment methods are limited in their ability to allow for easy and efficient adjustment of seat height while riding, often requiring manual intervention and not providing smooth transitions between preset positions.
Innovation Solution
A motorized seat height adjustment mechanism with an electric motor that raises or lowers the bicycle seat based on user input, allowing the seat to change positions only after the operating device is released, enabling seamless transitions between predetermined seat heights without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual seat height adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates as riders cannot easily adjust seat height while riding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an electric motor-driven system. The motorized seatpost assembly includes a motor, gear mechanism, and control circuitry that automatically adjusts seat height based on user input, eliminating the need for manual cranking or lever operation while riding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the seat height adjustment to occur automatically without continuous user intervention. Once the user activates the adjustment command, the motorized system self-regulates the adjustment process and stops automatically when the desired position is reached or when the user releases the control.
2Productivity
If continuous seat adjustment during operation is enabled, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential instability during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism operates in periodic cycles: when the user activates the control, the motor begins adjusting the seat height, and when the user releases or the desired position is reached, the adjustment stops and the seat is locked in place. This periodic on-demand operation allows efficient adjustment while maintaining stability during non-adjustment periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms including position sensors that detect the seatpost extension length and control circuits that monitor the adjustment process. This feedback ensures the seat stops at the correct position and prevents over-adjustment, maintaining reliability while enabling continuous adjustability during riding.
3Ease of operation
If automatic seat height adjustment is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional motorized components
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized seatpost assembly integrates multiple functions into a single device: height adjustment, position holding, and automatic locking. The same motor and control system that enables convenient adjustment also provides stable position maintenance and safety features, reducing the need for separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a telescopic seatpost design where the adjustable inner tube is nested within the outer tube. The motor, gear mechanism, and control electronics are integrated within the compact seatpost structure, minimizing space requirements and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full adjustment functionality.
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 easy and efficient adjustment of bicycle seat height during riding, allowing riders to change positions without stopping, improving comfort and control by ensuring the seat remains stationary until the desired position is reached.
Implementation Method 1
the motorized seat height adjustment mechanism including an electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle seat height adjustment method is provided for changing a height of a bicycle seat. The method includes operating an operating device to output a seat raising command which is received by a motorized seat height adjustment mechanism to adjust the seat height. The method further includes releasing the operating device after the operating of the operating device. The method further includes raising the bicycle seat using the electric motor to a higher seat position that is higher than a previous seat position existing immediately prior to the seat raising command, the raising of the bicycle seat occurring only after the releasing of the operating device such that the bicycle seat remains stationary until the operating device is released.