Split Bicycle Saddle With Biased Side Supports for Perineal Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle seats exert pressure on the perineum, leading to reduced blood flow and potential erectile dysfunction or numbness, while attempts to alleviate this with dual seating pads compromise lateral stability and pedaling power.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an elongate central member with independently biased side members, featuring a curved or s-shaped profile, made of materials like metal, carbon fibre, or plastic, with a padded top surface, and a base member connecting these to the central member, providing adjustable support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional unitary seat is used, then lateral stability and pedaling power are maintained, but pressure on the perineum increases leading to reduced blood flow and potential erectile dysfunction or numbness
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is divided into a central support member and two independently biased side members. This segmentation allows the central portion to be narrow (reducing perineum pressure) while the side members provide lateral support (maintaining stability). The independent biasing of side members enables them to conform to rider anatomy while maintaining structural support.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dual seating pads are used to reduce perineum pressure, then comfort is improved, but lateral stability and pedaling power are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The side members are designed with independent biasing mechanisms that allow them to dynamically adjust to rider movement and position. This dynamic capability enables the side members to provide stable support during pedaling motions while maintaining comfort, unlike static dual pads that compromise both stability and power transmission.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a narrow central member is used to reduce perineum pressure, then health comfort is improved, but rider stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves from a single-dimensional narrow seat to a three-dimensional structure where a narrow central member is supplemented by laterally extended biased members. This dimensional expansion provides stability in the lateral direction without increasing pressure on the perineum in the vertical direction, effectively decoupling these two requirements.
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
Enhances rider comfort and stability by distributing weight evenly, reducing pressure on the perineum and maintaining pedaling power through adjustable and supportive side members that deform to provide upward biasing force.
Implementation Method 1
first and second independently biased members each located to a lateral side of the central member
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for supporting a bicycle rider. The apparatus comprises an elongate central member and first and second independently biased members each located to a lateral side of the central member. The method comprises providing an elongate central member and biasing first and second members to lateral sides of the central member.