Folding Bicycle With Transverse Front-Wheel Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding bicycles are not satisfactory in terms of structural simplicity, folding efficiency, overall dimensions, and performance, especially when incorporating pedal assistance, jeopardizing design, weight, and performance similar to high-range bicycles.
Innovation Solution
A folding bicycle design with multiple folding axes, including a transverse second folding axis for the front wheel and a third folding axis for the seat tube, combined with a crank axle unit featuring an electric motor, allowing for compact folding and quick locking/unlocking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a folding bicycle uses a conventional single folding axis design, then the structure is simpler, but the overall dimensions in folded condition are larger and folding efficiency is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The folding bicycle employs multiple folding axes (first folding axis for the rear wheel and second folding axis for the front wheel) instead of a single folding axis. This segmentation allows different parts of the bicycle to be folded independently, achieving more compact overall dimensions while maintaining structural clarity and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second folding axis oriented transverse to the general plane of the bicycle, adding a dimensional aspect to the folding mechanism. This transverse axis enables the front wheel to be folded perpendicular to the main folding plane, significantly reducing the folded footprint without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the front wheel is folded using a conventional single-axis system, then the folding operation is simpler, but the folded position does not achieve minimum overall dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The folding operation is divided into two independent rotational movements: one around the first folding axis for the rear wheel and another around the second folding axis for the front wheel. This segmentation allows each wheel to be folded to its optimal position independently, achieving minimum overall dimensions while keeping each individual folding action relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The second folding axis for the front wheel is oriented transverse to the general plane of the bicycle, enabling the front wheel to be folded in a direction perpendicular to the main folding plane. This dimensional change allows the front wheel to achieve a compact folded position alongside the rear wheel without complicating the folding operation mechanism.
3Reliability
If the bicycle is designed to match high-range bicycle performance and design quality, then performance and styling are improved, but weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle employs dynamic folding mechanisms with articulated connections that allow the structure to adapt between folded and unfolded states. The locking and unlocking devices enable the frame to transition smoothly between configurations, maintaining high-range bicycle performance and design quality in the unfolded state while achieving compact folding without excessive weight gain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the folding mechanism, particularly the orientation of the second folding axis transverse to the general plane of the bicycle. This parameter change enables the front wheel to be positioned closer to or substantially coincident with the rear wheel axis in the folded condition, achieving minimum overall dimensions while maintaining design quality and performance characteristics similar to high-range non-folding bicycles.
Data Source
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AI summary
A folding bicycle (B) comprises a frame (T), a rear wheel (4) rotatably mounted on a rear-wheel support (5), and a front wheel (6) rotatably mounted on a front-wheel support (7). The frame (T) has at least one first, substantially vertical, folding axis (I) that enables the rear wheel (4) to be moved, together with the rear-wheel support (5) and the crank- axle unit of the bicycle (G), via a rotation through approximately 180°, from a position of normal use to a folded position in which the rear wheel (4) is substantially arranged alongside the front wheel (6). The front-wheel support (7) moreover includes a second folding axis (II) oriented in a direction transverse to the general plane of the bicycle (B), which enables the front wheel (6) to be moved from a position of normal use to a folded position in which the axis of the front wheel (6) is closer to, or substantially coincident with, the axis of the rear wheel (4) when the latter is in its folded position.