{"id":1058,"date":"2025-12-19T11:23:37","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T11:23:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/?p=1058"},"modified":"2026-01-14T10:03:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T10:03:34","slug":"cluster-1-bike-frame-dome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/?p=1058","title":{"rendered":"Cluster 1: Formable bike frame structure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>
\"\"<\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A new type of pattern for aggregating bicycle frames allows for more adaptability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Previous studies have shown, that when using the standard joints that exist in a bicycle for part connections in an aggregated structure dis-alignment remains an issue. Despite efforts to find more optimal constellations of bike-frame parts by using k-means clustering<\/a> and other approaches, deviations remain, that make it difficult to fabricate such a structure. We were able to build a physical sample<\/a>, however, that was possible mainly because the sample was small, consisting of only 5 bicycles forming a closed loop. Because no further bike parts were connected at the periphery, the kinetic form-adaptation mechanism worked well to align all connections. Another issue was, that for such constructions custom fittings are needed for each connection type, and bike-frame specimen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When instead using standard<\/strong> connectors that are normally used as pipe fixation collar<\/a>s (generously sponsored by Walraven<\/a>) in combination with custom, but standardized spacers, it is possible to connect frames sideways, with adjacent tubes in parallel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>
\"\"<\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This results in a new pattern layout combining the new connection type with connections at the rear axle which also allows to use standard parts, in this case M10 threaded rods ( because different to other bicycle parts such as saddle or handlebars, wheel axes<\/strong> are standardized across models).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>
\"\"<\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This system is capable of achieving much more precise alignment at connections, and because connection axes are oriented in parallel, the entire mesh of bike-frames could be deformed by maintaining alignment. This way, for example grid-shell structures could be designed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n