3D-Printed Bicycle Saddle With Gradient Lattice Struts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D-printed bicycle saddles constructed with uniform lattice parameters lack both softness and sufficient support, failing to provide a comfortable and supportive riding experience under sudden downward compression forces.
Innovation Solution
A 3D-printed bicycle saddle with a lattice structure featuring varying lattice strut diameters in a gradient manner, varying lattice densities across different sections, and interconnected lattice unit cells, enhancing both comfort and support capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If uniform lattice parameters are used to construct the elastic pad, then the manufacturing process is simple and material usage is efficient, but the saddle cannot provide both softness and sufficient support simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the lattice strut diameter across different regions of the elastic pad. The strut diameter is smaller in the upper region and larger in the lower region, creating locally optimized properties: softer compression in the upper region and stronger support in the lower region, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of lattice strut diameter from uniform to gradient variation. By controlling the diameter to increase from top to bottom, the elastic pad achieves different mechanical properties in different zones, simultaneously providing softness for comfort and sufficient support for reliability.
2Device complexity
If uniform lattice parameters are used, then the structure is simple and material efficient, but the saddle fails to provide soft haptics and high elasticity simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating spatial variation in lattice strut diameter within the elastic pad. The upper portion has smaller diameters for soft haptics and elasticity, while the lower portion has larger diameters for structural support, achieving both comfort and reliability without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from uniform to gradient lattice strut diameters. This controlled parameter variation enables the structure to exhibit different mechanical behaviors in different zones, achieving both softness and high elasticity while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
3Strength
If larger lattice strut diameters are used throughout, then the support capability increases, but the softness and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating lattice strut diameters across regions: smaller diameters in the upper region for softness and comfort, larger diameters in the lower region for support capability. This spatial differentiation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the elastic pad into functional zones with different strut diameter characteristics. The upper segment provides softness for comfort, while the lower segment provides strength for support, resolving the contradiction between support capability and comfort through functional segmentation.
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 saddle achieves both soft haptics and high elasticity, providing enhanced comfort and support by distributing weight effectively and absorbing vibrations, while reducing material usage and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the bicycle saddle is unable to provide both a soft and elastic feel and sufficient support to withstand sudden downward compression forces (compression stress)
Implementation Method 2
absorbing vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a 3D-printed bicycle saddle including a shell and an elastic pad disposed on the shell, wherein the elastic pad has a bottom surface facing the shell and a top surface facing away from the bottom surface. The elastic pad features a 3D-printed lattice structure including a plurality of lattice struts, wherein the diameter of each lattice strut gradually increases in a gradient manner from the top surface to the bottom surface of the elastic pad. The difference between the maximum diameter and the minimum diameter of each of the lattice struts is smaller than or equal to 0.5 mm.