Fluid-Distribution Suspension for Precise Bicycle Preload Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle suspension systems face challenges in adjusting preload accurately and efficiently, often requiring manual trial and error, leading to imprecision and a lengthy process, especially as user weight varies.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable suspension system with a piston and fluid distribution device that automatically adjusts preload by injecting fluid into a main chamber, allowing the piston to move from a compressed position to a deployed position based on user weight, ensuring precise and quick preload adjustment without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual air pump adjustment is used to adjust preload, then the suspension can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes lengthy and tedious requiring repeated injection and ejection of air
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own weight on the suspension to automatically determine the correct preload setting. When the user sits on the bicycle, their weight compresses the piston to a specific position that corresponds to the appropriate preload, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution device provides visual feedback through colored zones that indicate the correct preload position. The user can see when the piston reaches the appropriate position based on their weight, guiding the adjustment process without requiring repeated manual intervention
2Measurement precision
If excessive fluid pressure is injected into the main chamber, then the preload increases, but the user cannot precisely control the final preload value and must manually eject and re-inject fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution device acts as an intermediary between the fluid inlet and the main chamber. It controls fluid flow through distribution channels and evacuation channels, preventing direct excessive injection into the main chamber and automatically managing the fluid ejection process when the piston reaches the correct position
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated fluid control system. The piston's position, determined by user weight, automatically controls fluid distribution and evacuation, eliminating the need for manual ejection and re-injection operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the piston is manually positioned to adjust preload, then adjustment is possible, but the user lacks guidance on when preload is satisfactory and cannot adapt to their own weight
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution device uses colored zones visible through a transparent or translucent portion of the suspension body to indicate different preload states. Different colors correspond to different piston positions, providing clear visual guidance to the user about when the preload is appropriate for their weight
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the adjustment process in advance by having the user sit on the bicycle before adjustment begins. This preliminary action of applying user weight establishes the correct target piston position based on the user's specific weight, making the suspension adaptable to each individual user
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 system allows for quick and precise adjustment of preload to match the user's weight, eliminating the need for repetitive manual adjustments and preventing excessive fluid pressure, resulting in a convenient and accurate suspension setting.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid is therefore guided until the main chamber, which has the consequence of increasing the pressure therein and therefore the preload (or SAG)
Implementation Method 2
the piston being movable in translation in the suspension body... the fluid then exerts a force on the piston so that the latter is deployed
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable suspension comprising a suspension body having a bottom, a piston disposed in the suspension body and comprising a piston head, the bottom and the piston head delimiting a main chamber inside said suspension body, the piston being movable in translation in the suspension body; and a fluid distribution device comprising a main fluid inlet configured to inject a fluid into the suspension and a fluid outlet, the piston being able to assume a first position in which the fluid distribution device is configured to bring the fluid injected through the main fluid inlet into the main chamber so as to deploy the piston and a second position in which the fluid distribution device is configured to guide the fluid injected through the main fluid inlet to the fluid outlet in order to evacuate the fluid out of the suspension.