Shock-Dampening Grip Assembly for Transverse Handlebar Impacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle and motor vehicle handlebar grips fail to effectively absorb transverse linear shocks, leading to hand and forearm fatigue and compromising control, especially in rough terrain, as they either prioritize comfort at the expense of control or vice versa, and do not adequately address the needs of both experienced and inexperienced riders.
Innovation Solution
A shock dampening grip assembly featuring a resiliently deformable sleeve with an oblong bore and a septum-based dampening mechanism, paired with end caps and guide formations, allowing linear transverse movement while preventing rotational movement, and utilizing repulsing magnets for a neutral position return mechanism to simulate a loose grip and enhance control and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If suspension is softened to provide better small bump absorption and comfort, then comfort is improved, but suspension reaches maximum travel distance prematurely and bottoms out with larger undulations and bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the shock absorption function into two separate components: suspension handles large bump absorption while the grip dampener handles small bump vibrations and high-frequency shocks. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip dampener acts as an intermediary component between the handlebar and the rider's hands. It provides additional shock absorption for small bumps and vibrations that the suspension system cannot adequately handle, thereby improving comfort without affecting suspension travel capacity.
2Ease of operation
If a loose grip is used to mitigate hand and forearm fatigue, then comfort is improved, but control is compromised especially in rough terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The grip dampener serves as a mediator that absorbs shocks between the handlebar and the rider's hands. This allows riders to maintain a controlled grip position while the dampener mitigates the transmission of high-frequency vibrations and small bump shocks to the hands and forearms.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip dampener changes the mechanical parameters of the grip interface by introducing controlled compliance through the elastomeric material. This compliance reduces the transmission of high-frequency shocks while maintaining sufficient grip stability for control.
3Ease of operation
If flared palm rest grips are used to distribute impact forces, then comfort is improved, but control is compromised as hands tend to push over the handlebar instead of against it
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the functions of impact distribution and steering control. The cylindrical grip shape maintains contact with the handlebar for precise steering control, while the grip dampener material distributes impact forces across the grip surface without creating the ramp effect of flared designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip employs different material properties at different locations: the outer surface provides friction and grip, while the internal elastomeric dampener material absorbs shocks. This local differentiation allows the grip to distribute forces effectively while maintaining steering control.
4Ease of operation
If rotational dampening grips are used to dampen torsional rigidity, then comfort is improved, but transverse shock damping is minimal and the structure becomes overcomplicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing rotational movement to dampen shocks (as in prior art), this invention inverts the approach by allowing linear transverse movement of the handlebar within the oblong bore while using a septum-based dampening mechanism. This provides effective transverse shock damping without the complexity of rotational mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The septum acts as an intermediary element that dampens transverse shocks while allowing the handlebar to move linearly within the bore. This provides effective transverse shock absorption without requiring complex rotational dampening mechanisms.
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 grip assembly significantly reduces hand fatigue and improves control by absorbing transverse shocks, allowing the bicycle to move freely within the grip's range of motion, maintaining steering precision and reducing impact on the rider, particularly in rough terrain, and promoting the use of core muscles for better riding dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
a sleeve to be gripped by a person's hand, in use, which sleeve is of a resiliently deformable material
Implementation Method 2
utilizing repulsing magnets for a neutral position return mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a shock dampening grip. The shock dampening grip includes a sleeve to be gripped by a person's hand, in use, which sleeve is of a resiliently deformable material, and which defines a bore for receiving a handlebar therethrough, in use, which bore is oblong shaped in cross section to allow generally linear transverse movement of the handlebar within the bore, the sleeve further including a dampening mechanism located in the operatively upper part of the bore. The grip further includes a pair of end caps configured to fit over and fasten onto a handlebar to define a pair of opposed flanges in use to capture the sleeve between them, and complementary guide formations respectively on the opposed faces of the flanges of the end caps and the edges of the sleeve to guide the movement of the sleeve along the generally linear path transverse to the handlebar, in use.