Tool-Free Saddle Fastening Device with Independent Position and Inclination Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional saddle fastening devices are inadequate for quick and tool-free mounting and dismounting of saddles on bicycles, and they fail to allow independent and precise adjustments of saddle position and inclination, leading to difficulties in finding a suitable ergonomic fit and causing potential discomfort and damage to the saddle.

Innovation Solution

A saddle fastening device with a clamping mechanism that includes a clamping element connected to a clamping support via an axis, allowing for tool-free switching between locking and loosening positions, and featuring a rotatable design with a lever system for easy adjustment, along with a conical surface to minimize friction and prevent damage, enabling precise and independent adjustment of saddle position and inclination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional saddle fastening devices are used, then the saddle can be fastened to the carrier device, but tools are required for mounting/removing the saddle and the bicycle usually has to be dismantled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of saddle mounting and dismountingVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping element is designed to be manually operable without tools, allowing the user to quickly open and close the clamp by simply squeezing the handle. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional tools or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening device is divided into distinct functional components: the clamping element with handle, the clamp body, and the mounting bracket. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional saddle fastening devices are used, then the saddle can be fastened, but scratch marks appear on the surface of the saddle rails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrity of saddle railsVSAvoidease of saddle testing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A protective coating or film is applied to the clamping surfaces that contact the saddle rails. This flexible protective layer prevents direct metal-to-metal contact, eliminating scratch marks while maintaining the gripping effectiveness of the clamp.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Measurement precision

If conventional saddle fastening devices are used, then the saddle can be fastened, but both the fixing of the horizontal position and the saddle inclination are released at the same time when fastening screws are loosened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of saddle position adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent systems: one for horizontal position adjustment and another for inclination adjustment. Each system has its own locking mechanism, allowing one parameter to be adjusted while the other remains fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening device incorporates dynamic locking mechanisms that can be independently activated. The horizontal position lock and inclination lock can be engaged or disengaged separately, enabling precise iterative adjustment of both parameters without affecting the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If conventional saddle fastening devices are used, then the saddle can be fastened, but tools are required and the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of saddle replacementVSAvoidsimplicity of fastening process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The quick-release mechanism allows the saddle to be mounted or removed by simply squeezing the handle to release the clamp, without requiring any tools. This self-service operation dramatically reduces the time needed for saddle replacement while maintaining secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping element is pre-loaded with spring pressure or positioned to engage the saddle rails immediately upon closure. This preliminary preparation ensures that the saddle is securely fastened as soon as the clamp is closed, eliminating the need for additional tightening steps or tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 simple, quick, and precise adjustment of saddle position and inclination without tools, facilitating ergonomic fitting and reducing the risk of saddle damage, thus enhancing user comfort and simplifying the testing of various saddle models in a retail setting.

Implementation Method 1

at least one seat stay is clamped between the clamping element and the clamping support element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The clamping element (4) has an upper base and a lower base that is oval or polygonal in shape with rounded edges. The transition between the upper base and the lower base, which is oval or polygonal in shape with rounded edges, is a conical surface (9).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConical surface geometry:

Data Source

PatentEP3684678B1Saddle mounting structure
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 BIOCONFORM
  • EP3684678B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3684678B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3684678B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a saddle fastening device (1) for detachably and quickly fastening a support element, in particular a saddle, to a carrier apparatus (2), in particular a seatpost, of a vehicle, comprising a clamping device (3), which has at least one clamping element (4) for detachably fastening at least one seat stay (5) to the carrier apparatus (2) and has at least one clamping support element (6) for mechanically supporting the clamping element (4). The invention is distinguished in that the clamping element (4) is fixedly connected to the clamping support element (6) by means of a shaft (7) and can be brought into a fastening position relative to the clamping support element (6), in which fastening position at least one seat stay (5) is clamped between the clamping element (4) and the clamping support element (6). The clamping element (4) can be brought into a loosening position, in particular without tools.