Bicycle Seat Post Valve Layout to Prevent Seal Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height adjustable seat posts for bicycles are susceptible to seal deformation and extrusion under air pressure, leading to reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution includes a piston assembly with a solenoid-operated valve and a unique plug assembly that features a seal coupled to a plug, secured by a seal retainer, to prevent seal deformation and extrusion. Additionally, the solenoid wires are not disposed in the pressurized volumes, reducing sealing issues and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seals are placed in pressurized volumes to control fluid flow, then the seat post can maintain height adjustment, but the seals are susceptible to deformation and extrusion under air pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the solenoid wires from the pressurized volumes, placing them outside the sealed chambers. This removes the seals that would otherwise be required to protect the wires from pressure, eliminating the deformation and extrusion problems while maintaining fluid flow control through the valve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a valve mechanism as an intermediary component that controls fluid flow without requiring seals within the pressurized volumes. The valve operates externally to the sealed chambers, allowing pressure control while keeping the problematic seal-wire interface eliminated.
2Device complexity
If solenoid wires are disposed in pressurized volumes, then the valve can be compactly integrated, but sealing issues and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid wires are extracted from the pressurized volumes and routed externally. This simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need to create sealed pathways for the wires through the pressure chambers, while the valve remains functionally integrated through external mounting.
3Stability of the object's composition
If seals are used to contain pressurized fluid, then height adjustment is maintained, but seal extrusion leads to reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The valve acts as an intermediary that controls fluid containment without requiring seals within the pressurized volumes. By managing fluid flow externally, the system maintains stable fluid containment while eliminating the reliability issues associated with seals subjected to high pressure and potential extrusion.
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
This design enhances the reliability of the seat post by preventing seal deformation and extrusion, ensuring consistent performance and reducing manufacturing time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a valve and an internal actuator to operate the valve to enable the height adjustable seat post to expand or contract
Implementation Method 2
a piston assembly with a solenoid-operated valve
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Height adjustable seat posts for bicycles are described herein. An example apparatus includes a height adjustable seat post including a valve and an internal actuator to operate the valve to enable the seat post to expand or contract. The apparatus also includes a control device including a housing and a microcontroller in the housing. The control device is outside of the seat post. The microcontroller is to control power to the internal actuator based on wireless signals from a seat post actuator on the bicycle. The apparatus also includes a cable to electrically couple the seat post and the control device.