Shock-Absorbing Seatpost Preload Adjustment Without Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shock-absorbing seatposts require removal from the bicycle frame for adjusting preload, causing inconvenience due to varying rider weights and road conditions.

Innovation Solution

A preload adjustable shock-absorbing seatpost assembly with an adjustment device that allows direct adjustment of the buffering member's preload without removing the seatpost, featuring a linkage device and a pressure adjusting unit protruding outward for easy manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the nut at the lower end of the compression spring is adjusted to change the preload, then the shock-absorbing coefficient can be adapted to different rider weights and road conditions, but the entire seatpost must be removed from the frame for adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock-absorbing coefficient adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device is segmented into two functional parts: a pressure adjusting unit that interfaces with the compression spring and a protruding adjustment handle that extends outside the seatpost. This segmentation allows the adjustment mechanism to be operated from outside the seatpost while maintaining the structural integrity of the integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protruding adjustment handle acts as an intermediary element that transmits the rider's adjustment actions from outside the seatpost to the internal pressure adjusting unit. This intermediary structure enables preload adjustment without requiring removal of the seatpost from the frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the seatpost is removed for nut adjustment, then the preload can be changed, but significant inconvenience and time loss occur during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment mechanism simplicityVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment handle is preliminarily positioned to extend outward from the seatpost during assembly, preparing the system for future adjustments without requiring disassembly. This preliminary configuration of the adjustment device eliminates the need for time-consuming removal and reinstallation operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the pressure adjusting unit protrudes outward from the seatpost end, then direct adjustment without removal is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment accessibilityVSAvoidseatpost structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment device merges the pressure adjusting unit with the linkage device by positioning the pressure adjusting unit to abut against the linkage device. This merging combines multiple functions into a unified structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adjustment accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 quick and convenient adjustment of shock-absorbing preload, providing a comfortable riding experience by attenuating vibrations without disassembly, accommodating different rider weights and road conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a compression spring is disposed inside the seatpost... the buffering member is disposed between the pressure adjusting unit and the auxiliary pressure adjusting unit... providing effective shock absorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a compression spring is disposed inside the seatpost, with its upper end abutting against a fixing component, and its lower end provided with a positioning member and a nut

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4707142A1Shock-absorbing seatpost assembly with adjustable preload
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 J D COMPONENTS CO LTD
  • EP4707142A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4707142A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4707142A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A shock-absorbing seatpost assembly includes a seatpost (1), a linkage device (2), an adjustment device (3), and a buffering member (4). The linkage device (2) is connected with an end of the seatpost (1), and the adjustment device (3) is movably inserted into the seatpost (1). The adjustment device (3) is provided with a pressure adjusting unit (31) abutted against a pushing member (24) provided at the linkage device (2). An end of the pressure adjusting unit (31) protrudes outward from the end of the seatpost (1). The buffering member (4) is disposed inside the seatpost (1) and has an end abutted against the pressure adjusting unit (31) of the adjustment device (3). Accordingly, the portion of the pressure adjusting unit (31) exposed outside the seatpost (1) provides adjustment of the preload of the buffering member (4) for riders of different body weights.