Spring-Loaded Bicycle Frame With Recessed Swingarm Pivot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Full-suspension bicycle frames face issues with reduced rigidity, increased weight, and maintenance requirements due to separate dynamics of the rear and front structures, along with challenges in accommodating larger wheels and ensuring proper routing of lines without elongation or mechanical abrasion.

Innovation Solution

The design features a spring-loaded two-wheeler frame with a swingarm bearing mount having a recess for the rear wheel, a cheekbone positioned below the swingarm bearing, and deep-drawn chainstay heads, allowing for larger wheel clearance without lengthening chainstays, and optimized line routing through the frame to prevent elongation and mechanical abrasion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rear suspension system is integrated into the bicycle frame, then riding comfort is improved, but the overall stiffness of the bicycle is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveriding comfortVSAvoidoverall stiffness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the rear suspension system directly into the frame structure by making the swingarm bearing mount an immovable, one-piece, non-pivotable part of the main frame. This merging of the suspension mechanism with the frame itself allows the rear triangle to be stabilized while maintaining overall frame stiffness, resolving the contradiction between comfort and rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If larger wheels are accommodated in the frame, then wheel clearance is improved, but the chainstays would need to be lengthened causing rear-end heaviness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel clearanceVSAvoidchainstay length
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates clearance for larger rear wheels by designing a recess in the swingarm bearing mount and positioning the cheekbone below the bearing, utilizing the vertical and lateral dimensions rather than extending the chainstays horizontally. This dimensional approach provides wheel clearance without lengthening the chainstays, avoiding rear-end heaviness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If lines are routed through the frame during swingarm movement, then cable routing is achieved, but cable elongation and mechanical abrasion occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routingVSAvoidcable integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a guide device as an intermediary component that directs the cable through the frame structure. This guide device ensures that the cable passes through the pivot point or within 10 mm of it, allowing smooth cable routing during swingarm movement while preventing cable elongation and mechanical abrasion by maintaining proper alignment and reducing friction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3287354B1Spring-loaded bicycle frame
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 KLIEBER JOCHEN
  • EP3287354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3287354B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3287354B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sprung two-wheeler frame (100) and a corresponding two-wheeler, in particular a bicycle, are described, in which the swingarm pivot (103) has a recess (107) to provide clearance (108) for a rear wheel of the sprung two-wheeler frame (100). The zygomatic arch (109) of this two-wheeler frame (100), which extends from the first to the second chainstay (104, 105), runs below the swingarm pivot (103) which has a recess. An opening (113) may be arranged at the base of the recess (107) of the swingarm pivot to allow a cable to pass through the frame.