Variable Configuration Bicycle Frame with Dual Fork Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-wheeled bicycles with variable configurations face challenges such as high weight, complicated conversion processes, and limited stiffness due to rigid frames and numerous moving parts, making it difficult to switch between upright and recumbent positions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A two-wheeled bicycle design featuring a frame with two front and two rear mounting locations for the forks, a steering mechanism with bevel gears, and a backrest, allowing for quick and simple configuration changes between upright and recumbent positions without requiring complex geometric adjustments, utilizing an extension element for the front fork in the recumbent configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid frame with multiple moving parts is used to enable configuration changes, then the bicycle can switch between upright and recumbent positions, but the frame stiffness is reduced and the conversion process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into two separate parts: a main frame that remains stationary and a fork assembly (front fork and rear fork) that can be repositioned. This segmentation allows the main frame to maintain its stiffness while the detachable fork assembly provides configuration change capability through multiple mounting locations.
2Device complexity
If all frame parts remain on the assembled bicycle regardless of configuration, then the structure is simplified, but the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fork assembly (front fork and rear fork) is extracted as a separate, detachable component from the main frame. This allows the forks to be removed when not needed, reducing the overall weight of the bicycle while maintaining a simple main frame structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the frame geometry is changed to enable configuration switching, then the bicycle can adapt to different positions, but the conversion process becomes time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple mounting locations are pre-provided on the main frame for both the front fork and rear fork. These pre-positioned mounting points allow for rapid configuration changes by simply moving the fork assembly between predetermined locations, eliminating the need for complex geometric adjustments or time-consuming conversions.
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
Enables rapid configuration changes within 5 minutes, maintains lightweight construction, and eliminates the need for complex procedures, ensuring the cyclist's position relative to the frame remains consistent in both configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a steering mechanism with bevel gears
Data Source
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AI summary
A two-wheeled, variable configuration bicycle having a frame, a handlebar, a saddle, pedals with pedal cranks and a drive gear rotatably mounted on the frame, a front wheel mounted on the front fork, a rear wheel with a sprocket mounted on a rear fork, wherein the configuration of the bicycle includes the upright configuration and the recumbent configuration, and in recumbent configuration, the bicycle provides support for the back of the cyclist, according to invention is characterized in that on the frame (2, 2') there are provided two front mounting locations for attaching the front fork (14), wherein the first front mounting location is provided for attaching the front fork (14) in the upright configuration, and the second front mounting location is provided for attaching the front fork (14) in the recumbent configuration, and on the frame (2, 2') there are further provided two rear mounting locations for attaching the rear fork (17), the first rear mounting location being provided for attaching the rear fork (17) in the upright configuration, and the second rear mounting location being provided for fastening the rear fork (17) in the recumbent configuration.