Segmented Bicycle Seat with Counter-Pivoting Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard bicycle seats compress tissues and organs, restrict blood flow, and cause discomfort due to excessive pressure on the perineum area, leading to potential long-term medical issues for cyclists.

Innovation Solution

The design features a larger, contoured seat surface with pivotable elements that redistribute pressure, allowing for natural movement and stability, including adjustable mechanisms for different anatomies and counter-pivoting to mimic leg movement, reducing friction and pressure points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a standard bicycle seat is used, then the seat provides basic support, but it compresses tissues and organs and restricts blood flow in the perineum area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat supportVSAvoidcompression of tissues and organs

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bicycle seat is divided into multiple independent support elements (first support element and second support element) that are separable and can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the seat to provide support while creating space between the perineum and the seat surface, preventing compression of tissues and organs in the perineum area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by positioning support elements not only laterally but also in vertical and depth dimensions. The support elements extend toward the rider's body in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, creating a three-dimensional support structure that lifts and redistributes pressure away from sensitive areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a standard bicycle seat is used, then the seat structure is simple, but it causes excessive pressure on the ischia tuberosties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat structureVSAvoidpressure on ischia tuberosties

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The seat is segmented into multiple support elements that can be independently adjusted in position and orientation. This allows the support elements to be precisely positioned to contact and support the ischia tuberosties, distributing the load across multiple points rather than concentrating pressure on single areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the seat structure have specialized functions: the first support element is positioned to support one ischial tuberosity, the second support element supports the other ischial tuberosity, and the nose provides additional support. Each element can be independently adjusted to provide localized support exactly where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If a convex seat surface is used, then the seat provides a compact design, but it applies pressure and separation forces to the pelvic bones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat compactnessVSAvoidpressure and separation forces on pelvic bones

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a single convex surface, the seat is divided into separate support elements that can be independently positioned. This segmentation eliminates the continuous convex surface that applies separation forces to the pelvic bones, while still providing compact overall dimensions through strategic positioning of the individual elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than using a convex surface that pushes outward on the pelvic bones, the patent uses support elements that can be positioned to cradle and support the pelvic structure from below, inverting the traditional approach of applying outward pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Device complexity

If a static seat design is used, then the seat structure is simple, but it causes chafing and friction at the transition between body and seat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat designVSAvoidchafing and friction

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust to the rider's movements and body position changes. This dynamic capability enables the seat to accommodate the natural motion of the body during cycling, preventing chafing and friction at the transition areas between body and seat.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11459049B2Bicycle seats

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 XSENSOR TECH CORP

AI summary

A seat for a pedal-powered vehicle includes a support frame, a left seat element, a right seat element, and a nose. The left and right seat elements and the nose are implemented as separate components supported by the support frame. The two seat elements support a seated rider's weight while the nose does not. The seat elements and the nose form a gap below the seated rider's perineum area. The seat elements pivot forwards and backwards when the seated rider is pedaling. The seat elements counter-pivot when the seated rider is pedaling. Each seat element includes a concave surface that supports the seated rider.