Integrated frame apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus can include an enclosure defining a space for a battery and a motor. The enclosure can couple with a suspension assembly at a first portion of an electric bike and can couple with a frame at a second portion of the electric bike. The suspension assembly can extend substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of the enclosure.

Description

INTEGRATED FRAME APPARATUSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 582,895, filed on September 15, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.INTRODUCTION

[0002] Bicycles can include an electric motor that receives power from a battery.SUMMARY

[0003] This technical solution is generally directed to a frame apparatus of a bike, and particularly a frame apparatus of an electric bike. The apparatus can include an enclosure that defines a space to store various components of the electric bike including, but not limited to, an internal battery of the bike and various drive or propulsion unit components of the bike (e.g., motors, gears, printed circuit boards, sensors, bearings, invertors, controllers, wires, wire harnesses, or other components). The enclosure can facilitate consolidating such components in a confined and packaged space and integrating such components with a frame of the bike. Integrating the confined apparatus with the frame of the bike allows for higher manufacturability and product quality through parts reduction, interfaces reduction, and wire harnesses reduction. Further, integrating the battery into the apparatus facilitates eliminating the mass and volume of a redundant battery pack housing and improves the overall center of gravity of the bike. Additionally, integrating the geartrain with the motor and inverter into one space facilitates improving manufacturability, environmental protection, unsprung mass, among other improvements.

[0004] At least one aspect is directed to an apparatus. The apparatus can include an enclosure defining a space for a battery and a motor. The enclosure can couple with a suspension assembly at a first portion of an electric bike and can couple with a frame at a second portion of the electric bike. The suspension assembly can extend substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of the enclosure.

[0005] At least one aspect is directed to an electric bike. The electric bike can include an enclosure defining a space for a battery and a motor. The electric bike can include asuspension assembly that can couple with the enclosure at a first portion of the electric bike. The suspension assembly can extend substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of the enclosure. The enclosure can couple with a frame of the electric bike at a second portion of the electric bike.

[0006] At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include defining, by an enclosure, a space for a battery and a motor. The method can include coupling a suspension assembly with the enclosure at a first portion of an electric bike. The method can include coupling the enclosure with a frame of the electric bike at a second portion of the electric bike. The suspension assembly can extend substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of the enclosure.

[0007] These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawings provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and implementations, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The foregoing information and the following detailed description and drawings include illustrative examples and should not be considered as limiting.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts an example electric bicycle, in accordance with implementations.

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts an example perspective view of an apparatus of the electric bicycle ofFIG. 1, in accordance with implementations.

[0011] FIG. 3 depicts an example front view of the apparatus of FIG. 2, in accordance with implementations.

[0012] FIG. 4 depicts an example front view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 with a portion of an enclosure of the apparatus removed, in accordance with implementations.

[0013] FIG. 5 depicts another example front view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 with a portion of the enclosure removed, in accordance with implementations.

[0014] FIG. 6 depicts an example flow diagram of a process, in accordance with implementations.

[0015] FIG. 7 depicts an example flow diagram of a process, in accordance with implementations.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems of integrating an apparatus into a frame or chassis of a bike. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways.

[0017] This technical solution is generally directed to a frame apparatus of a bike, and particularly a frame apparatus of an electric bike. The apparatus can include an enclosure that defines a space to store various components of the electric bike including, but not limited to, an internal battery of the bike and various drive unit components of the bike (e.g., motors, gears, printed circuit boards, sensors, bearings, invertors, controllers, wires, wire harnesses, or other components). The enclosure can facilitate consolidating such components in a confined and packaged space and integrating such components with a frame of the bike. The enclosure can couple with a frame of the bike at a middle portion of the bike at an underside section of the frame along a top portion of the enclosure. The enclosure can couple with a rear-end component, such as a suspension assembly, of the bike at or near a rear section of the bike along a side portion of the enclosure. The apparatus can include a one or more additional batteries that can be permanent, removable, or replaceable that can electronically couple with a battery stored in the enclosure.

[0018] The disclosed solutions have a technical advantage of confining and integrating the propulsion (e.g., drive) unit and components thereof into a confined space to improve manufacturability. For example, integrating the confined apparatus with the frame of the bike enables rapid development of multiple product variants on top of a common bike frame / platform (e.g., by coupling the enclosure with the frame. Further, the apparatus facilitates allowing for higher manufacturability and product quality through parts reduction,interfaces reduction, and wire harnesses reduction. Further, coupling the suspension at specific portions of the apparatus and the frame of the bike facilitates providing a shorter structural load path as compared to conventional techniques. Additionally, the suspension kinematics and propulsion output forces are concurrently optimized. Further, integrating the battery into the apparatus facilitates eliminating a mass and volume of a redundant battery pack housing and improves the overall center of gravity of the bike. Additionally, integrating the geartrain with a motor and inverter into one space facilitates improving manufacturability, environmental protection, mass, among other improvements.

[0019] FIG. 1 depicts an example perspective view of an electric bicycle (e.g., bike) 100. The electric bike 100 can be or can include any vehicle that can carry at least one rider, is operable by at least one motor, and includes at least one wheel or similar movement component (e.g., single rider bicycles, tandem bicycles, cargo bicycles, motor-assist bicycles, pedicabs, electric-assist bicycles, road bicycles, mountain bicycles, or unicycles, among others).

[0020] The bike 100 can include at least one frame 105 (e.g., chassis). The frame 105 can support various components of the bike 100, such as a handlebar 110, a saddle 115, or an apparatus 120 having one or more batteries, motors, and other components, as described herein. The frame 105 can span a front portion 130. The front portion 130 can support, be coupled with, or include, for example, a front wheel 145 of the bike 100, a fork of the bike 100, the handlebar 110, among other components. The bike 100 can include one or more wheels 145 (e.g., one wheel, two wheels, three wheels, or more wheels). The frame 105 can span a middle portion 135. The middle portion 135 can support, be coupled with, or include, for example, the saddle 115, the apparatus 120, a crank shaft of the bike 100, or a pedal of the bike 100, among other components. The frame 105 can include a rear portion 140. The rear portion 140 can support, be coupled with, or include, for example, a rear wheel 145 of the bike 100, a drive train of the bike 100, a suspension assembly 150 of the bike 100, or a rack of the bike 100, among other components.

[0021] The bike 100 can be fully electric or partially electric (e.g., pedal -powered) and further, the electric bike 100 can be fully autonomous, partially autonomous, semi-autonomous, or unmanned. The electric bike 100 can also be human operated or non-autonomous. A human operator or the rider of the bike 100 can sit on a saddle 115 to operate the bike 100. The rider of the bike 100 can steer, grip, balance, or otherwise control the bike 100 using the handlebar 110.

[0022] The bike 100 can include batteries (e.g., one or more packs holding one or more battery cells), described herein, which can include batteries, battery modules, or battery cells that can power the electric bike 100. The battery can be installed or placed within the bike 100. For example, the one or more batteries can be installed on the frame 105 of the bike 100 within one or more of the front portion 130, the middle portion 135, or the rear portion 140 or within a portion of the apparatus 120. The batteries can include or connect with at least one busbar, e.g., a current collector element. For example, the busbar can include electrically conductive material to connect or otherwise electrically couple the battery with other electrical components of the bike 100 to provide electrical power to various systems or components of the bike 100.

[0023] FIG. 2 depicts an example perspective view of a portion of the bike 100 (e.g., the apparatus 120) and FIG. 3 depicts an example front view of the apparatus 120. The apparatus 120 can include at least one enclosure 205. The enclosure 205 can define a space for various components of the bike 100 to be stored such as at least a primary battery and a motor, as described herein. For example, the enclosure 205 can include one or more walls or surfaces (e.g., walls 225, 230) that extend around an area to define the space. The enclosure 205 can at least partially or entirely enclose the space including components stored within the space (e.g., such that components in the enclosure 205 are not exposed to the outside of the enclosure 205). The enclosure 205 can define one monolithic space or the enclosure 205 can include a plurality of walls, surfaces, or other features that define multiple spaces. For example, the enclosure 205 can include a first enclosure section (e.g., defined by walls 225) that can store at least one battery 405 as described herein and a second enclosure section (e.g., defined by walls 230) that can store at least one motor as described herein. For example, the enclosure 205 can be positioned such that the battery 405 stored within the space of the enclosure 205 is positioned between a motor (e.g., of subassemblies 410 and 415) and a front portion 130 of the bike 100.

[0024] The enclosure 205 can couple with a suspension assembly 150 at a first portion of the bike 100. The enclosure 205 can couple with the frame 105 of the bike 100 at a second portion of the electric bike 100. For example, the enclosure 205 can couple with the frame 105 at a top portion 215 of the enclosure 205 (e.g., by one or more fasteners, welding, etc.) and at an underside of the frame 105 (e.g., a portion of the frame closest to the ground, opposite the saddle 115) along the middle portion 135 (e.g., second portion) of the bike, as depicted in at least FIGS. 1-3. The enclosure 205 can couple with the suspension assembly 150 at a sideportion 210 of the enclosure 205 at or near the rear portion 140 (e.g., first portion) of the bike 100.

[0025] The suspension assembly 150 can include at least one suspension linkage. For example, the suspension assembly 150 can include a first suspension linkage 235 and a second suspension linkage 240. The first suspension linkage 235 can couple with the enclosure 205 at a first section of the enclosure 205 along a side portion 210 of the enclosure 205 (e.g., at a section proximate the top portion 215 of the enclosure 205). The second suspension linkage 240 can couple with the enclosure 205 at a second section of the enclosure 205 along the side portion 210 of the enclosure 205 (e.g., at a section proximate a bottom portion 220 of the enclosure 205). The suspension assembly 150 can include at least one damping component (e.g., spring 245) to facilitate damping vibrations of the bike 100 during operation.

[0026] The suspension assembly 150 can couple with the enclosure 205 in various ways including, but not limited to, fasteners, pivot pins, etc. The suspension assembly 150 can include various rigid components or non-rigid components. For example, the suspension assembly 150 can be or can include various components that can couple with the rear portion 140 of the bike 100 including, but not limited to, a portion of a rigid triangular frame (e.g., a rigid rear triangle), a portion of a suspended triangular frame (e.g., a suspended rear triangle), or a portion of a linkage suspension. For example, the suspension assembly 150 can be a rigid structure without any suspension, similar to other portions of the bike frame 105, or the suspension assembly 150 can include one or more suspension components (e.g., spring 245).

[0027] The enclosure 205 can couple with the suspension assembly 150 such that the suspension assembly 150 extends substantially perpendicular relative to a vertical axis 125 of the enclosure 205. For example, each of the first suspension linkage 235 or the second suspension linkage 240 can extend substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis 125. For example, at least one of the first suspension linkage 235 or the second suspension linkage 240 can extend perpendicularly, within + / -25% or + / -25 degrees, from the vertical axis 125 of the enclosure. In other words, the suspension assembly 150 (e.g., the first suspension linkage 235 or the second suspension linkage 240) may not extend substantially parallel with the vertical axis 125 of the enclosure 205.

[0028] The suspension assembly 150 can movably (e.g., pivotably) couple with the enclosure 205. For example, the first suspension linkage 235 can couple with the enclosure205 at a first pivot point 260 and the second suspension linkage 240 can couple with the enclosure 205 at a second pivot point 265. Each pivot point 260, 265 can be generally positioned along a side portion 210 of the enclosure 205 (e.g., in the rear portion 140 of the bike 100, as depicted in at least FIG. 1). Such coupling of the suspension assembly 150 at specific portions of the apparatus 120 and the frame 105 of the bike 100 facilitates providing a shorter structural load path as compared to conventional techniques.

[0029] The apparatus 120 can include one or more additional or alternative batteries 250, 425, 430 (e.g., independent from or in addition to a battery cell 405 stored in the enclosure 205 as shown in at least FIGS. 4 and 5). The one or more batteries 250, 425, 430 can include one or more battery cells 420 (e.g., depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5) enclosed in a casing that can removably couple with a portion of the bike 100, such as the enclosure 205, the frame 105, or another portion of the bike 100. The one or more batteries 250, 425, 430, can removably couple with the frame 105 or permanently couple with the frame 105. For example, the battery 250 can couple with the enclosure 205 at a top portion 215 of the enclosure 205 or at another portion of the enclosure 205. The batteries 250, 425, 430 can couple with the frame 105 at various additional or alternative portions of the frame 105 including, but not limited to, the middle portion 135 of the bike 100 (e.g., on top of the enclosure 205 or coupled with the frame 105 at a position above the enclosure 205) or at the front portion 130 of the bike 100 (e.g., coupled with the frame 105 at a position forward of the enclosure 205).

[0030] The batteries 250, 425, 430 can removably attach with the bike 100 in various ways including, but not limited to, fasteners, clamps, snaps, harnesses, or other components. The batteries 250, 425, 430 can rigidly or permanently couple with the bike 100 in various ways including, but not limited to, welding, molding, or by other components or means. The batteries 250, 425, 430 can electrically connect to one or more components stored within the enclosure 205 in various ways, such as through a busbar. The batteries 250, 405, 425, 430 can be identical or the batteries 250, 405, 425, 430 can differ in various ways (e.g., size, shape, or other ways). The bike 100 can include one of the batteries 250, 405, 425, 430, a subset of the batteries 250, 405, 425, 430, or the bike 100 can include all of the batteries 250, 405, 425, 430 located at any of the positions shown in the Figures or coupled with other portions of the bike 100. Batteries 250, 405, 420, 425, 430and any other batteries described herein can be disposed in any areas of apparatus 120, including, for example, anywhere within frame 105 or within the area defined by walls 225.

[0031] The battery 250, or any of the additional or alternative batteries 405, 430 can be removable such that a user of the bike 100 can remove the battery 250 or attach the battery 250 as an additional power supply for the bike 100 (e.g., such that the bike 100 can operate can longer periods of time as opposed to just having the battery cells 405 stored in the enclosure 205 as described herein). The battery 250 can be removable and coupleable with various parts of the bike 100 (e.g., along the frame 105) for aesthetic purposes or various other purposes. For example, the bike 100 can include a plurality of electrical attachments (e.g., busbars, harness, etc.) to receive the secondary battery 250 at various locations along the bike 100.

[0032] The apparatus 120 can include at least one bike lock 255 coupled with the bike 100. For example, the bike lock 255 can couple with the enclosure 205. The bike lock 255 can include at least one portion that extends out beyond the enclosure 205 and can receive a post, fence, or other fixture to lock the bike 100 with the fixture. For example, at least a portion of the bike lock 255 can separate and removably couple with another portion of the bike lock 255 such that the bike lock 255 can be uncoupled, attached to a fixture, and recoupled. The bike lock 255 can include one or more electrical connections, sensors, or other components to facilitate electrically coupling and decoupling with the bike 100.

[0033] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict sectional views of the apparatus 120 with a section of the enclosure removed or hidden from view to at least partially expose internal components of the enclosure 205. As depicted, the enclosure 205 can store a plurality of battery cells 405, at least one motor or gear train, and various other components including, but not limited to, inverters, gears, shafts, bearings, sensors, printed circuit boards, controllers, chain mechanisms, wire harnesses, or other components in the enclosure 205. In other words, the apparatus 120, such as the enclosure 205, can store the components that facilitate the electrical functioning of the bike 100 in one, compact location that can be attached and integrated into the bike frame 105 such that the apparatus 120 can be coupled with a plurality of various types of bike frames 105. For example, the motors / gear trains can be part of the drive unit for the bike 100. For example, the drive unit can include a first subassembly 410 including at least one first motor (e.g., traction E-machine) and corresponding gears (e.g., to perform a first function of driving a belt that couples with a rear wheel 145 of the bike 100) and a second subassembly 415 including at least one second motor (e.g., E-machine) and corresponding gears (e.g., to perform a second, different function).

[0034] The positioning of the enclosure 205 and features coupled with the enclosure 205 (e.g., the suspension assembly 150) facilitates absorbing suspension loads (e.g., a suspension load is absorbed into upper frame portion due to the angle and positioning of the suspension assembly 150 relative to the enclosure 205), storing the drive unit components, and providing a structural and electrical attachment point for the primary or internal battery (e.g., battery cells 405). Additionally, the positioning of the enclosure 205 maximally concentrates the mass of the enclosure 205 below the frame 105 at the middle portion 135 of the bike 100 (e.g., as opposed to coupling the enclosure 205 at the front portion 130, rear portion 140, or at a position on an opposing side of the frame 105 of the bike 100). Thus, the configuration and positioning of the apparatus 120 provides a wholistic and integrated propulsion and suspension design that reduces complexity of suspension and harness attachments to the frame 105 and achieves lower mass and higher manufacturability and reliability through integration into the frame 105 of the bike 100. Further, the integration facilitates providing a standardized propulsion platform that facilitates rapid development of a broad vehicle product line.

[0035] The width of the enclosure 205 can be less than a Q factor of the bike 100 (e.g., a side-to-side distance between petals of the bike 100). For example, the width of the enclosure 205 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical axis 125 can be in the range of 100 mm to 180 mm (e.g., 115 mm, 130 mm, 145 mm, etc.).

[0036] FIG. 6 depicts an example illustration of a method 600. The method 600 can include defining a space by the enclosure 205, as depicted in act 605. For example, the enclosure 205 can define a space for various components of the bike 100 to be stored, such as at least a primary battery (e.g., battery cells 405) and one or more components of a drive unit (e.g., a first motor of the first subassembly 410, and a second motor of the second subassembly 415, one or more gears, invertors, sensors, etc.). The enclosure 205 can include one or more walls or surfaces (e.g., walls 225, 230) that extend around an area to define the space.

[0037] The enclosure 205 can at least partially or entirely enclose the space including components stored within the space (e.g., such that components in the enclosure 205 are not exposed to the outside of the enclosure 205). The enclosure 205 can define one monolithic space or the enclosure 205 can include a plurality of walls, surfaces, or other features that define multiple spaces. For example, the battery cells 405 can be stored in a first section of the enclosure 205 and the drive unit can be stored in a second section of the enclosure 205, or theenclosure 205 can include one defined space that can store each of the battery cells 405 and drive unit components.

[0038] The enclosure 205 can store a plurality of battery cells 405, at least one motor or gear train, and various other components including, but not limited to, inverters, gears, shafts, bearings, sensors, printed circuit boards, controllers, chain mechanisms, wire harnesses, or other components in the enclosure 205. In other words, the apparatus 120, such as the enclosure 205, can store the components that facilitate the electrical functioning of the bike 100 in one, compact location that can be attached and integrated into the bike frame 105 such that the apparatus 120 can be coupled with a plurality of various types of bike frames 105. For example, the motors / gear trains can be part of the drive unit for the bike 100. For example, the drive unit can include a first subassembly 410 including a first motor (e.g., traction E-machine) and corresponding gears (e.g., to perform a first function of driving a belt that couples with a rear wheel 145 of the bike 100) and a second subassembly 415 including a second motor (e.g., E-machine) and corresponding gears (e.g., to perform a second function).

[0039] The method 600 can include coupling the enclosure 205 with the suspension assembly 150, as depicted in act 610. The enclosure 205 can couple with the suspension assembly 150 at a first portion of the bike 100. For example, the enclosure 205 can couple with the suspension assembly 150 at a side portion 210 of the enclosure 205 at or near the rear portion 140 (e.g., first portion) of the bike 100 such as, for example, at a position between the enclosure 205 and the rear wheel 145 of the bike 100. The suspension assembly 150 can extend substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis 125 of the enclosure 205. For example, each of the first suspension linkage 235 or the second suspension linkage 240 can extend substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis 125. For example, at least one of the first suspension linkage 235 or the second suspension linkage 240 can extend perpendicularly, within + / -25% or + / -25 degrees, from the vertical axis 125 of the enclosure. In other words, the suspension assembly 150 (e.g., the first suspension linkage 235 or the second suspension linkage 240) may not extend substantially parallel with the vertical axis 125 of the enclosure 205.

[0040] The suspension assembly 150 can movably (e.g., pivotably) couple with the enclosure 205. For example, the first suspension linkage 235 can couple with the enclosure 205 at a first pivot point 260 and the second suspension linkage 240 can couple with the enclosure 205 at a second pivot point 265. Each pivot point 260, 265 can be generallypositioned along a side portion 210 of the enclosure 205 (e.g., in the rear portion 140 of the bike 100, as depicted in at least FIG. 1).

[0041] The method 600 can include coupling the enclosure 205 with the frame 105 of the bike 100, as depicted in act 615. The enclosure 205 can couple with the frame 105 of the bike 100 at a second portion of the electric bike 100 (e.g., at a different portion of the bike 100 than the portion in which the enclosure 205 is coupled with the suspension assembly 150. For example, the enclosure 205 can couple with the frame 105 at a top portion 215 of the enclosure 205 (e.g., by one or more fasteners, welding, etc.) and at an underside of the frame 105 (e.g., a portion of the frame closest to the ground, opposite the saddle 115) along the middle portion 135 (e.g., second portion) of the bike, as depicted in at least FIGS. 1-3.

[0042] FIG. 7 depicts an example illustration of a method 700. The method 700 can include providing the apparatus 120, as depicted in act 705. The apparatus 120 can include at least one enclosure 205. The enclosure 205 can define a space for various components of the bike 100 to be stored such as at least a primary battery 405. For example, the enclosure 205 can include one or more walls or surfaces (e.g., walls 225, 230) that extend around an area to define the space. The enclosure 205 can at least partially or entirely enclose the space including components stored within the space (e.g., such that components in the enclosure 205 are not exposed to the outside of the enclosure 205). The enclosure 205 can define one monolithic space or the enclosure 205 can include a plurality of walls, surfaces, or other features that define multiple spaces.

[0043] The enclosure 205 can couple with a suspension assembly 150 at a first portion of the bike 100. The enclosure 205 can couple with the frame 105 of the bike 100 at a second portion of the electric bike 100. For example, the enclosure 205 can couple with the frame 105 at a top portion 215 of the enclosure 205 (e.g., by one or more fasteners, welding, etc.) and at an underside of the frame 105 (e.g., a portion of the frame closest to the ground, opposite the saddle 115) along the middle portion 135 (e.g., second portion) of the bike, as depicted in at least FIGS. 1-3. The enclosure 205 can couple with the suspension assembly 150 at a side portion 210 of the enclosure 205 at or near the rear portion 140 (e.g., first portion) of the bike 100.

[0044] The suspension assembly 150 can include at least one suspension linkage. For example, the suspension assembly 150 can include a first suspension linkage 235 and a secondsuspension linkage 240. The first suspension linkage 235 can couple with the enclosure 205 at a first section of the enclosure 205 along a side portion 210 of the enclosure 205 (e.g., at a section proximate the top portion 215 of the enclosure 205). The second suspension linkage 240 can couple with the enclosure 205 at a second section of the enclosure 205 along the side portion 210 of the enclosure 205 (e.g., at a section proximate a bottom portion 220 of the enclosure 205). The suspension assembly 150 can include at least one spring 245 to facilitate damping vibrations of the bike 100 during operation. The suspension assembly 150 can couple with the enclosure 205 in various ways including, but not limited to, fasteners, pivot pins, etc. The suspension assembly 150 can be a rigid structure without any suspension, similar to other portions of the bike frame 105, or the suspension assembly 150 can include one or more suspension components (e.g., spring 245).

[0045] The suspension assembly 150 can pivotably couple with the enclosure 205. For example, the first suspension linkage 235 can couple with the enclosure 205 at a first pivot point 260 and the second suspension linkage 240 can couple with the enclosure 205 at a second pivot point 265. Each pivot point 260, 265 can be generally positioned along a side portion 210 of the enclosure 205 (e.g., in the rear portion 140 of the bike 100, as depicted in at least FIG. 1).

[0046] The apparatus 120 can include at least one secondary battery 250, 425, 430. For example, the one or more batteries 250, 425, 430 can include one or more battery cells 420 enclosed in a casing that can removably couple with a portion of the bike 100, such as the enclosure 205, the frame 105, or another portion of the bike 100. The battery 250 can couple with the enclosure 205 at a top portion 215 of the enclosure 205 or at another portion of the enclosure 205. For example, the one or more batteries 250, 425, 430 can couple with the frame 105 at the middle portion 135 of the bike 100 (e.g., on top of the enclosure 205 or coupled with the frame 105 at a position above the enclosure 205) or at the front portion 130 of the bike 100 (e.g., coupled with the frame 105 at a position forward of the enclosure 205). The one or more batteries 250, 425, 430 can removably attach with the bike 100 in various ways including, but not limited to, fasteners, clamps, snaps, harnesses, or other components. The one or more one or more batteries 250, 425, 430 can permanently attach to the bike 100 in various ways including, but not limited to, welding. The one or more batteries 250, 425, 430 can electrically connect to one or more components stored within the enclosure 205 in various ways, such as through a busbar. The bike 100 can include one of the batteries 250, 405, 425, 430, a subset ofthe batteries 250, 405, 425, 430, all of the batteries 250, 405, 425, 430, or any combination thereof.

[0047] The positioning of the enclosure 205 and features coupled with the enclosure 205 (e.g., the suspension assembly 150) facilitate absorbing suspension loads (e.g., a suspension load is absorbed into upper frame portion due to the angle and positioning of the suspension assembly 150 relative to the enclosure 205), storing the drive unit components, and providing a structural and electrical attachment point for the primary or internal battery (e.g., battery cells 405). Additionally, the positioning of the enclosure 205 maximally concentrates the mass of the enclosure 205 below the frame 105 at the middle portion 135 of the bike 100 (e.g., as opposed to coupling the enclosure 205 at the front portion 130, rear portion 140, or at a position on an opposing side of the frame 105 of the bike 100). Thus, the configuration and positioning of the apparatus 120 provides a wholistic and integrated propulsion and suspension design that reduces complexity of suspension and harness attachments to the frame 105 and achieves lower mass and higher manufacturability and reliability through integration into the frame 105 of the bike 100. Further, the integration facilitates providing a standardized propulsion platform that facilitates rapid development of a broad vehicle product line.

[0048] While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, such operations are not required to be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and all illustrated operations are not required to be performed. Actions described herein can be performed in a different order.

[0049] Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations or implementations.

[0050] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well asalternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0051] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein may also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element may include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element.

[0052] Any implementation disclosed herein may be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation may be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation may be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0053] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0054] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

[0055] Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within + / -25% or + / -25 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of + / -25% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising: an enclosure defining a space for a battery and a motor; the enclosure to couple with a suspension assembly at a first portion of an electric bike and to couple with a frame at a second portion of the electric bike; and the suspension assembly extending substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of the enclosure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: the suspension assembly including a first suspension linkage and a second suspension linkage; the first suspension linkage coupled with the enclosure at a first portion of the enclosure; and the second suspension linkage coupled with the enclosure at a second portion of the enclosure.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a secondary battery removably coupleable with the electric bike; and the secondary battery independent from the battery within the enclosure.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: the space to hold a second motor; and the second motor performs a different function than the motor.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: the battery to be disposed between the motor and the front of the electric bike.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a width of the enclosure in a direction perpendicular to the vertical axis in a range of100 mm to 180 mm.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: the enclosure coupled to the frame of the electric bike at a middle portion of the electric bike at an underside section of the frame.

8. An electric bike, comprising: an enclosure defining a space for a battery and a motor; a suspension assembly to couple with the enclosure at a first portion of the electric bike, the suspension assembly extending substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of the enclosure; and the enclosure to couple with a frame of the electric bike at a second portion of the electric bike.

9. The electric bike of claim 8, comprising: the suspension assembly including a first suspension linkage and a second suspension linkage; the first suspension linkage coupled with the enclosure at a first portion of the enclosure; and the second suspension linkage coupled with the enclosure at a second portion of the enclosure.

10. The electric bike of claim 8, comprising: a secondary battery removably coupleable with the electric bike; and the secondary battery independent from the battery within the enclosure.

11. The electric bike of claim 8, comprising: the space to hold a second motor; and the second motor performs a different function than the motor.

12. The electric bike of claim 8, comprising: the battery to be disposed between the motor and the front of the electric bike.

13. The electric bike of claim 8, comprising: a width of the enclosure in a direction perpendicular to the vertical axis in a range of100 mm to 180 mm.

14. The electric bike of claim 8, comprising: the enclosure coupled to the frame of the electric bike at a middle portion of the electric bike at an underside section of the frame.

15. A method, comprising: defining, by an enclosure, a space for a battery and a motor; coupling a suspension assembly with the enclosure at a first portion of an electric bike; coupling the enclosure with a frame of the electric bike at a second portion of the electric bike; and the suspension assembly extending substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of the enclosure.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising: the suspension assembly including a first suspension linkage and a second suspension linkage; the first suspension linkage coupled with the enclosure at a first portion of the enclosure; and the second suspension linkage coupled with the enclosure at a second portion of the enclosure.

17. The method of claim 15, comprising: a secondary battery removably coupleable with the electric bike; and the secondary battery independent from the battery within the enclosure.

18. The method of claim 15, comprising: the space to hold a second motor; and the second motor performs a different function than the motor.

19. The method of claim 15, comprising: the battery to be disposed between the motor and the front of the electric bike.

20. The method of claim 15, comprising: a width of the enclosure in a direction perpendicular to the vertical axis in a range of100 mm to 180 mm.

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