Suspended Bicycle Saddle Mount for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle frame designs struggle to balance rigidity for efficient power transfer with compliance for vibration absorption, leading to significant transmission of road vibrations to the rider, impacting comfort and performance, particularly on rough terrain or during long rides.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle saddle holding unit with multiple suspension elements, including parallel and cross-like arrangements, that suspend the saddle separately from the main frame, providing vertical compliance and shock absorption, and are elastically deformable to absorb vibrations, with detachable attachment means for easy installation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connection between the seat tube and frame is used, then structural integrity and power transfer efficiency are improved, but vibration transmission to the rider increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat tube is divided into multiple segments (first seat tube segment, second seat tube segment, third seat tube segment) connected by suspension elements. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain overall integrity while introducing compliance at the connection points to reduce vibration transmission to the rider.
Solution Approach 2:
Suspension elements are introduced as intermediary components between the frame and the seat tube segments. These suspension elements act as mediators that absorb and dampen vibrations while still providing structural support, thereby reducing harmful vibration transmission without compromising structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple suspension elements are used, then vibration absorption is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple suspension elements are merged into a integrated suspension system that connects the seat tube segments to the frame. This combining approach allows the system to achieve enhanced vibration absorption through the collective action of multiple elements while presenting a unified, manageable structural solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for the seat tube, absorb vibrations, and allow for controlled movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving effective vibration absorption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the seat tube is made more compliant, then vibration absorption is improved, but power transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Compliance is introduced locally at specific connection points between seat tube segments and the frame, rather than making the entire seat tube compliant. This localized compliance allows vibration absorption at critical interfaces while maintaining rigidity in other portions of the structure for efficient power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat tube structure transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic segmented structure with suspension elements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its stiffness characteristics - being compliant when subjected to vibrations and rigid when subjected to pedaling forces, thereby achieving both vibration absorption and power transfer efficiency.
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 by significantly reducing vibration transmission, allowing for customizable fit and improved ergonomics, while maintaining structural integrity and aerodynamics, suitable for various terrain conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more suspension elements may be elastically deformable to provide vibration dampening during riding
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a bicycle saddle holding unit for a bicycle frame. The bicycle saddle holding unit comprises a connection portion to be connected to a single or upper tube of the bicycle frame, and one or more suspension elements extending from the connection portion. The one or more suspension elements hold a receptacle for a seat post of a bicycle saddle. The suspension elements may comprise multiple parallel suspension struts extending from the main body portion. The main body portion is configured to receive a seat post for supporting a bicycle saddle. The one or more suspension elements are elastically deformable to provide vibration dampening during riding.