Rail-less Bicycle Saddle Mounting Block Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rail-less bicycle saddles lack spacing between the saddle and seat post, leading to direct shock transmission and reduced comfort, while saddles without rails are heavier and more complex to manufacture due to multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
A rail-less bicycle saddle design featuring a saddle shell with a mounting block and void, where the mounting block is integrally formed with lateral wings and a toothed surface to mate with a toothed seat post, providing vertical spacing and flexibility without direct contact, thus enhancing comfort and simplifying manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rails are removed from the saddle to reduce the number of parts, then manufacturing is simplified and weight is reduced, but shock from the seat post is felt more directly reducing comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting block serves as an intermediary element between the seat post and the saddle shell. It provides a cushioning interface that absorbs and dampens shocks from the seat post before they reach the rider, while still maintaining a rail-less design with fewer parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting block is positioned beforehand between the seat post and saddle shell to provide pre-established cushioning. This anticipatory cushioning structure absorbs impacts before they transmit to the rider, resolving the comfort issue without requiring traditional rails.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mounting block contacts the saddle shell directly to provide support, then structural stability is improved, but the saddle shell cannot flex reducing comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into the mounting block and the saddle shell as separate components. The mounting block provides stable support while the saddle shell maintains independence to flex and deform, allowing both stability and flexibility to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The saddle shell is designed as a flexible structure that can deform under load. By keeping the mounting block from directly contacting the shell, the shell maintains its flexibility to conform to rider position while the mounting block provides the necessary structural support.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional rails are used to provide spacing and shock absorption, then comfort is improved, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of spacing and shock absorption traditionally provided by separate rails are merged into the mounting block. This single component performs multiple functions: providing vertical spacing between the seat post and saddle shell, absorbing shocks, and simplifying the overall structure to fewer parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting block is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides spacing, shock absorption, and structural support. This universal component replaces multiple specialized parts (rails, spacers, etc.) with a single versatile element.
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 design reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and provides improved comfort by allowing the saddle shell to flex, while maintaining a lightweight structure without the need for conventional rails, thus addressing both weight and comfort issues.
Implementation Method 1
The saddle shell may comprises a first material while the mounting block may comprise a second material. The first material may be more flexible than the second material.
Data Source
AI summary
A rail-less bicycle saddle apparatus includes a mounting block coupled to the bottom of a saddle shell to form a void between a top of the mounting block and the bottom of the shell. The mounting block has a pair of wings that extend laterally to attach to lateral undersides of the saddle shell. A fastener secures the mounting block to the top of a seat post.