Tube Insert Structure for Handlebar Vibration Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current damping solutions for hollow tube-shaped items, such as handlebars and footrests, fail to adequately address user discomfort due to repetitive vibrations and shock impacts, requiring improved vibration damping and shock absorption with minimal modification, cost-efficiency, and customizability.

Innovation Solution

An insert comprising a core with radially extending fins or extensions made from polymers or metals, designed to fit within the tube, providing a flexible and expandable solution that can conform to the cavity's shape, offering vibration damping and shock absorption with a friction fit or adhesive properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a soft tube with hard inner core is used for vibration damping, then vibration dampening is provided, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration dampeningVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential vibration-damping components (protrusions and recesses) from complex multi-layer damping structures. The insert consists of a simple cylindrical body with radial protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the hollow structure, eliminating the need for soft tubes, hard inner cores, or multiple damping layers while maintaining effective vibration dampening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating vibration-damping functionality at specific engagement points between protrusions and recesses rather than distributing damping material throughout the entire structure. The protrusions make localized contact with the hollow structure at key vibration nodes, providing effective dampening with minimal material and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If loose particles or filler material are used in hollow chambers, then vibration damping is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration dampingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vibration-damping function into discrete protrusion elements distributed around the cylindrical insert rather than using a continuous filler material. Each protrusion acts as an independent damping element that can be precisely positioned to target specific vibration modes, while the modular segmented structure simplifies insertion and installation compared to filling entire hollow chambers with particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If vibration damping assemblies with weights and springs are installed in handlebars, then vibration damping is achieved, but the device complexity and modification requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration dampingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates complex mechanical damping components (weights, springs, mounting brackets) from the vibration-damping system. Instead, it uses a simple cylindrical insert with geometric protrusions that provide passive vibration damping through friction and mechanical engagement alone, requiring no additional weights, springs, or complex assembly mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating all vibration-damping functionality into the geometric shape and surface features of the insert itself (protrusions, recesses, and friction surfaces) rather than distributing damping function across multiple separate components like weights and springs. This localized approach simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining effective vibration damping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 insert significantly reduces vibrations and shock impacts, providing user comfort with a cost-effective and customizable solution that can be easily integrated into various hollow tube structures without extensive modification.

Implementation Method 1

the insert is adapted to be inserted into a tubular cavity so that vibrations of the cavity are reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

providing vibration damping and shock absorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

The expandable material may expand with the application of heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 4

The expandable material may include a foamable material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFoaming: Foam

Implementation Method 5

The insert may include an adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3277567B1Vibration damping insert
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 ZEPHYROS INC
  • EP3277567B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3277567B1 patent drawingFigure 6~11
  • EP3277567B1 patent drawingFigure 12

AI summary

An insert (510) comprising a core (532) and one or more extensions (530) extending from the core. The insert is adapted to be inserted into a cavity of a hollow tube-shaped member (512). The hollow member can be a motorcycle handlebar or footrest. The insert can be made of metal or a polymer and can be an extrusion product.