Bicycle Saddle Isolation Using Superelastic Quasi-Zero Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle saddles experience vibrations from rough surfaces, leading to rider discomfort and reduced ride quality, as existing solutions fail to effectively manage these vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A vibration isolation system for bicycle saddles, incorporating a vibration isolator with a non-linear stiffness profile and super elastic material members, including a four-bar linkage, which can exhibit a region of quasi-zero stiffness for enhanced vibration reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional rigid mounting is used for bicycle saddle, then structural strength is maintained, but vibration isolation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the temperature-dependent stiffness characteristics of superelastic material members. By changing the temperature parameter, the material transitions between different stiffness states, enabling the vibration isolator to adapt between providing vibration isolation (lower stiffness) and maintaining structural strength (higher stiffness) based on operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using superelastic material members that can dynamically change their stiffness properties in response to loading conditions and temperature variations. This dynamic behavior allows the system to automatically adjust between rigid and compliant states, resolving the contradiction between strength and vibration isolation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If linear stiffness mounting is used, then simplicity is maintained, but vibration isolation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing the inherent non-linear stress-strain behavior of superelastic materials. The material's stress-strain curve naturally exhibits regions of varying stiffness including quasi-zero stiffness regions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical mechanisms to achieve non-linear behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by combining superelastic material members with traditional structural components. This composite approach allows the system to benefit from both the non-linear vibration isolation properties of the superelastic material and the structural integrity of conventional materials, achieving effective vibration isolation without excessive complexity
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 isolates vibrations, improving rider comfort and ride quality by utilizing super elastic materials that regain shape and exhibit low stiffness, reducing the transfer of vibrations to the saddle.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration isolator can include one or more movable body members and one or more super elastic material members. The one or more super elastic material members can be configured to exhibit a non-linear stiffness profile. The non-linear stiffness profile can include a region of quasi-zero stiffness.
Implementation Method 2
utilizing super elastic materials that regain shape and exhibit low stiffness, reducing the transfer of vibrations to the saddle
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration isolator can be configured to provide improved vibration isolation performance, such as in connection with a bicycle saddle. A vibration isolator can be operatively connected to a bicycle saddle. The vibration isolator can be configured to exhibit a non-linear stiffness profile. The non-linear stiffness profile can include a region of quasi-zero stiffness. The vibration isolator can include one or more movable body members and one or more super elastic material members.