Removable Insert System for Bicycle Fork Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damping systems for motorcycles and bicycles face challenges in handling high speeds and large strokes while maintaining adjustable damping without causing cavitation, and they often require heavy and inflexible designs that are not adaptable to different fork dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A removable insert system with parallel medium flow passages and a dual tube design that uses the inner leg of the fork as part of the damping system, allowing for adjustable damping characteristics and reduced weight, and can be easily adapted to different fork dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If serial damping is used to pressurize two locations in series to avoid cavitation, then cavitation is prevented, but the flow resistance can only be adjusted within a limited range and the system becomes heavy and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system is divided into two independent parallel damping circuits instead of a single serial circuit. Each circuit has its own damping piston and flow resistance adjustment mechanism, allowing independent adjustment of each circuit's damping characteristics. This segmentation enables a wider overall adjustment range while maintaining cavitation prevention in each circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional serial arrangement to a two-dimensional parallel arrangement of damping circuits. By organizing damping circuits in parallel rather than series, the system gains an additional degree of freedom in adjusting flow resistance, expanding the usable damping range while maintaining pressure stability.
2Power
If high flow speeds are used in serial damping to force oil through both valves, then damping force is generated, but uncontrollable pressure buildup occurs due to flow resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The total damping force is distributed across multiple parallel damping circuits rather than concentrating flow through a single serial path. This segmentation reduces the flow speed and pressure buildup in each individual circuit while maintaining the total damping force output of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate pressure regulation mechanisms in each parallel circuit that act as mediators between the high-speed flow and the final damping output. These intermediaries prevent uncontrollable pressure buildup by regulating flow locally in each circuit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a compact and light system is designed to fit several different front fork dimensions, then versatility is improved, but the system must handle complex adaptations to different dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The damping system is designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized component dimensions that can accommodate multiple front fork sizes. The parallel circuit architecture allows the same basic unit to be adapted to different applications by simply adjusting flow resistance settings rather than redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability to different fork dimensions through parameter changes in flow resistance settings rather than structural modifications. By adjusting the flow resistance in each parallel circuit, the same damping unit can be optimized for different fork sizes and applications.
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 system effectively reduces flow speeds and prevents uncontrollable pressure buildup, allowing for smooth and adjustable damping across various terrains and fork dimensions, while minimizing weight and enhancing versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The damping system comprises medium flow passages that are parallel in relation to each other, and that run between upper and lower sides of the piston, the flow being partially directed straight through the piston and partially through a space between the first tube and the inner leg
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a removable insert system (R) for a telescopic fork leg (1) of a bicycle, said telescopic fork leg (1) comprising outer and inner legs (1b, a), wherein said removable insert system comprises a piston and piston rod arrangement (6, 8) comprising a piston rod (8) arranged at least partly within a first tube (7), said removable insert system (R)being removably arranged within at least one of said inner legs (1a) such that, when being mounted in said inner leg, the removable insert system is adapted to form a damping system (D) with said inner leg, and wherein said inner leg and said first tube are both acted upon by a flow of medium created by compression and expansion movements of the fork legs, said damping system further comprising medium flow passages (C1, C2) that are parallel in relation to each other, and that run between the upper and lower sides of said piston (6)The invention also relates to a damping cartridge kit (DC) for upgrading a telescopic fork leg of a bicycle, said cartridge kit comprising a removable insert system (R).