Telescopic Saddle Support With Adjustable Extension Limit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescopic seat posts require complex designs for the telescopic element and locking device, leading to increased production effort and potential strength disadvantages, with the design of the telescopic element being linked to the locking element and adjustment mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic seat post with a coupling device that allows independent adjustment of the maximum longitudinal extent, featuring a profiled notch adjustment mechanism and a blocking device for controlled telescoping movement, enabling axial force transmission between the telescopic unit and support unit without relying on radial grooves or complex locking mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radial grooves are added to the telescopic element for locking mechanism interaction, then the locking function is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and machining effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidmachining effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is extracted from the telescopic element by removing the radial grooves. Instead, a separate locking device with a locking lever and spring mechanism is introduced that interacts with the telescopic element through a simple collar interface, eliminating the need for complex radial groove machining while maintaining reliable locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If radial grooves are added to the telescopic element, then the locking function is improved, but the structural strength of the telescopic element is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidtelescopic element strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The radial grooves are completely removed from the telescopic element design. The locking function is transferred to a separate locking device that engages with the telescopic element through a collar structure, preserving the full structural integrity and strength of the telescopic element while achieving reliable locking through the alternative mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the telescopic element design is linked to the locking element and locking device, then the locking function is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoiddesign linkage complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seat post system is segmented into independent functional modules: the telescopic element for height adjustment, the locking device with locking lever and spring for securing the position, and the collar interface for connection. This segmentation allows each component to be designed and manufactured independently with standard interfaces, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining reliable locking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4021785B1Telescopic saddle support
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 LUPAAN GMBH
  • EP4021785B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4021785B1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP4021785B1 patent drawingFigure 1d

AI summary

The invention relates to a telescopic saddle support (1) for supporting a bicycle saddle, comprising a support unit (2) which can be secured on or in the frame of a bicycle; a telescoping unit (3) which can be moved in a guided manner relative to the support unit (2) within a specified telescoping range, said telescoping range extending from a minimum length of the saddle support (1) to a maximum length of the saddle support (1); a coupling device (4) which is arranged between the telescoping unit (3) and the support unit (2), wherein a coupling device (4) part which is paired with the support unit (2) is connected to the support unit (2) in a fixed manner, and the telescoping unit (3) can be coupled to the support unit (2) via the coupling device (4); and a blocking device (5) for releasably blocking the guided telescoping movement of the telescoping unit (3) relative to the support unit (2). The coupling device (4) has an adjustment mechanism (6) via which the maximum length of the saddle support (1) can be adjusted, an axial force which acts on the telescoping unit (3) being transmitted to the support unit (2) via the coupling device (4).