Ebike propulsion system

Abstract

An apparatus can include a housing (205) to couple with a frame (105) of a bicycle (100). The housing (205) can be configured to include a crank assembly (220), a traction assembly (225), and a generator (210). The crank assembly (220) can provide power from a pedal of the bicycle to at least one of the generator (210) of the bicycle (100) or the traction assembly (225). The traction assembly (225) can receive the power from at least one of the pedal (125) or the generator (210) and drive a wheel (115) of the bicycle (100) using the power received.

Description

EBIKE PROPULSION SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 580,748, filed on September 6, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.INTRODUCTION

[0002] Power can be used to drive a vehicle.SUMMARY

[0003] Electric bicycles, which can be referred to as e-bikes, can provide a limited amount of power, which may or may not be sufficient to navigate the electric bicycle in some terrain. For example, an electric bicycle may not be able to climb a steep incline. A hybrid bicycle that uses both mechanical and electrical power can address this deficiency in traditional fully electric bicycles. This disclosure is generally directed to a hybrid propulsion system for an e-bike such that the bicycle can be powered by manual power, battery power, or a combination thereof. The hybrid propulsion system can be a series or parallel system, and can be configured to modulate between both. For example, the system can include a drive unit that can switch between two configurations: a series configuration and a parallel configuration. The series configuration provides a single path for power to travel to drive the bicycle. The series configuration can include an electrical connection between a crank assembly and a traction assembly of the drive unit. Mechanical power from the crank assembly can be converted to electrical power via a generator of the drive unit. The electrical power can be transferred to a motor of the traction assembly via an electrical bus. The motor can convert the electrical energy back to mechanical energy to drive the bicycle. To switch to the parallel system, the drive unit can include an actuatable coupling assembly. The coupling assembly can be actuated automatically or manually. The coupling assembly, when engaged, can create a mechanical path that bypasses the generator and the motor such that the mechanical energy is used directly to drive the bicycle. The coupling assembly can be actuated to selectively physically couple the crank assembly with the traction assembly at desired times (e.g., no battery power, need additional torque, etc.). The electrical connectionbetween the crank assembly and the traction assembly can remain constant, while the mechanical connection can be intermittent.

[0004] At least one aspect is directed to an apparatus. The apparatus can include a housing to couple with a frame of a bicycle. The housing can be configured to include a crank assembly, a traction assembly, a coupling assembly, and a generator. The crank assembly can provide power from a pedal of the bicycle to at least one of the generator of the bicycle or the traction assembly. The traction assembly can receive the power from at least one of the pedal or the generator and drive a wheel of the bicycle using the power received. The coupling assembly can selectively mechanically couple the crank assembly with the traction assembly.

[0005] At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include providing a crank assembly to provide first mechanical power from a mechanical power input device to at least one of a generator or a drive component. The generator can convert the first mechanical power to electrical power. The method can include electrically coupling the crank assembly with a traction assembly. The traction assembly can receive the electrical power from the generator. A motor of the traction assembly can convert the electrical power to a second mechanical power. The second mechanical power can drive a traction element of a vehicle. The method can include providing a coupling assembly to selectively mechanically coupled the crank assembly with the traction assembly.

[0006] At least one aspect is directed to an electric bicycle. The electric bicycle can include a frame. The electric bicycle can include a traction element coupled with the frame. The electric bicycle can include a power input device coupled with the frame. The electric bicycle can include a drive unit coupled with the frame and disposed away from the traction element. The drive unit can include an electrical power source. The drive unit can include a crank assembly to provide power from the pedal of the electric bicycle to at least one of the electrical power source or a traction assembly. The drive unit can include the traction assembly to receive the power from at least one of the pedal or the electrical power source and drive the traction element of the electric bicycle using the power received. The drive unit can include a coupling assembly to selectively mechanically couple the crank assembly with the traction assembly. The drive unit can include a drive component to mechanically couple the drive unit with the traction element.

[0007] At least one aspect is directed to an apparatus. The apparatus can include a housing. The housing can couple with a frame of a bicycle. The housing can include a crank assembly, a traction assembly, and a generator. The crank assembly can provide power from a pedal of the bicycle to at least one of the generator or the traction assembly. The traction assembly can be coupled with the crank assembly. The traction assembly can receive the power from at least one of the pedal of the bicycle or the generator. The traction assembly can drive a wheel of the bicycle using the power.

[0008] At least one aspect is directed to an electric bike. The electric bike can include a frame. The electric bike can include a housing. The housing can be coupled with the frame. The housing can include a crank assembly, a traction assembly, and a generator. The crank assembly can provide power from a pedal of the electric bicycle to at least one of the generator or the traction assembly. The traction assembly can be coupled with the crank assembly. The traction assembly can receive the power from at least one of the pedal of the electric bicycle or the generator. The traction assembly can drive a wheel of the electric bicycle using the power.

[0009] At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include providing a crank assembly to provide first mechanical power from a mechanical power input device to at least one of a generator or a drive component. The generator can convert the first mechanical power to electrical power. The method can include electrically coupling the crank assembly with a traction assembly. The traction assembly can receive the electrical power from the generator. A motor of the traction assembly can convert the electrical power to a second mechanical power. The second mechanical power can drive a traction element of a vehicle.

[0010] 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

[0011] 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:

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an example apparatus, in accordance with some aspects.

[0013] FIG. 2A depicts a side cross-sectional view of an example drive unit, in accordance with some aspects.

[0014] FIG. 2B depicts a side cross-sectional view of an example drive unit, in accordance with some aspects.

[0015] FIG. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of an example drive unit, in accordance with some aspects.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method for assembling a drive unit, in accordance with some aspects.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example architecture for an example computer system that can be employed to implement elements of the systems and methods described and illustrated herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems of a drive unit of a vehicle, specifically an electric bicycle. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways.

[0019] The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods of an electric bicycle. The present disclosure is directed to an electric bicycle that can be powered by electric power and mechanical power (e.g., a hybrid bicycle). The electric bicycle can incorporate both a series system and a hybrid system. For example, the system disclosed herein can switch between a series system and a hybrid system based on riding characteristics of the electric bicycle. For example, depending on the amount of torque needed to drive the electricbicycle, the speed of the electric bicycle, the pedal speed, among others, the drive system of the electric bicycle can modulate between the series and hybrid configurations to accommodate the different scenarios.

[0020] The disclosed solutions have a technical advantage of using both mechanical power and electrical power to power an electric bicycle. The bicycle can include a drive unit. The drive unit can be disposed away from a traction element of the bicycle. For example, the bicycle can include a drive component that extends between the drive unit and a wheel of the bicycle. The drive unit can alternate between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration can be a series configuration. For example, the power to drive the bicycle can follow a single path. For example, the drive unit can include a crank assembly and a traction assembly. The crank assembly can include a pedal to receive user input and a generator. The user input can create mechanical power. The generator can receive the mechanical power and convert the mechanical power into electrical power. Traction assembly can include a motor. The generator can be electrically coupled to the motor via an electric conduit. The motor can receive the electrical energy from the generator and convert the electrical energy back into mechanical energy to drive the bicycle. In the first configuration the pedal the generator the motor and the wheel can all be along the single path.

[0021] The second configuration can be a parallel configuration for example the power to drive the bicycle can follow more than one path for example the drive unit can include the mechanical connection between the crank assembly and the traction assembly. The crank assembly can be selectively mechanically coupled with the traction assembly via a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly can be actuated based on a need (e.g., more torque is needed than can be provided via the generator) to provide direct mechanical power to the wheels. In both configurations, the crank assembly can be electrically coupled with the traction assembly. Only in the second configuration, can the crank assembly be mechanically coupled with the traction assembly.

[0022] FIG. 1 depicts an apparatus, shown as bicycle 100. The bicycle 100 can be an electric bicycle. For example, the bicycle 100 can be at least partially powered by electrical power. The bicycle 100 can be a hybrid bicycle. For example, the bicycle 100 can be powered by both electrical power and mechanical power. For example, the bicycle 100 can receive mechanical power from a user (e.g., pedaling) or electrical power from an energystorage device (e.g., a battery) or a generator. The bicycle 100 can receive mechanical power and electrical power separately or at the same time. For example, the mechanical power can supplement the electrical power or the mechanical power can replace the electrical power, or vice versa. While the examples discussed herein refer mainly to a bicycle 100, the concepts described herein can apply to any other vehicle comprising at least one traction element (e.g., a wheel). For example, the bicycle 100 can be a unicycle, a tricycle, or a cargo bike, among others.

[0023] The bicycle 100 can include at least one frame 105. The frame 105 can provide the structure for the bicycle 100. The frame 105 can include at least one structural member 110. The structural members 110 can extend between the various components of the bicycle 100 to couple the components together.

[0024] The bicycle 100 can include at least one traction element, shown as wheel 115. The wheel 115 can be coupled with the frame 105. The wheel 115 can interface with a surface such as a road to drive the bicycle 100 in a desired direction. The bicycle 100 can include at least one support member, shown as seat 120. The seat 120 can support the user. For example, a user of the bicycle 100 can sit on the seat 120. The bicycle 100 can include at least one power input device, shown as pedal 125. The pedal 125 can be coupled with the frame 105. The pedal 125 can be a mechanical power input device. For example, a user can provide mechanical power to the bicycle 100 via the pedal 125. The user can apply a force to the pedal 125 to ultimately drive the bicycle 100. The bicycle 100 can include at least one steering mechanism, shown as handlebar 130. The user can use the handlebar 130 to steer the bicycle 100.

[0025] The bicycle 100 can include at least one drive unit 135. The drive unit 135 can be coupled with the frame 105. The drive unit 135 can transfer power from the various power sources to at least one wheel 115 of the bicycle 100 to drive the bicycle 100. The drive unit 135 can be disposed away from the wheels 115 of the bicycle 100. For example, the bicycle 100 can include at least one drive component 140. The drive component 140 can extend between the drive unit 135 and the wheel 115. The drive unit 135 can actuate the drive component 140 to drive the wheel 115. The drive unit 135 can transfer the power to the wheel 115 via the drive component 140.

[0026] FIG. 2 A depicts a side cross-sectional view of the drive unit 135. The drive unit 135 can include at least one housing 205. The housing 205 can be coupled with the frame 105. The housing 205 can contain or receive components of the drive unit 135. The housing 205 can at least partially enclose the components. The pedal 125 of the bicycle 100 can couple with the housing 205.

[0027] The drive unit 135 can include at least one electrical power source, shown as generator 210. The generator 210 can convert mechanical power to electrical power. For example, a user can provide mechanical power to the bicycle 100 via a pedal 125. The generator 210 can receive the mechanical power and convert the mechanical power to electrical power.

[0028] The drive unit 135 can include at least one power storage device, shown as battery 215. The battery 215 can also be an electrical power source. The battery 215 can be coupled with or be a part of the generator 210. The battery 215 can store electrical power generated by the generator 210 or provided by an external electrical power source (e.g., the bicycle 100 can be plugged in to charge the battery 215). The battery 215 can provide electrical power to drive the bicycle 100.

[0029] The drive unit 135 can include at least one sub-assembly. For example, the drive unit 135 can include a first sub-assembly, shown as crank assembly 220. The crank assembly 220 can provide mechanical power to drive the bicycle 100. For example, the pedal 125 can be a part of the crank assembly 220. The pedal 125 can provide mechanical power to the drive unit 135. The generator 210 can be a part of the crank assembly 220. The battery 215 can be a part of the crank assembly 220. The generator 210 can receive the mechanical power provided by the pedal 125 and convert the mechanical power into electrical power.

[0030] The drive unit 135 can include a second sub-assembly, shown as traction assembly 225. The traction assembly 225 can receive power from at least one of the pedal 125, the battery 215, or the generator 210 to drive the bicycle 100. For example, the traction assembly 225 can receive either mechanical power or electrical power. The traction assembly 225 can include or interact with the drive component 140. The drive component 140 can transfer power from the traction assembly 225 to at least one wheel 115 of the bicycle 100.

[0031] FIG. 2B depicts a side cross-sectional view of the drive unit 135. The drive unit 135 can include a third sub-assembly, shown as coupling assembly 230. The coupling assembly 230 can selectively mechanically coupled the crank assembly 220 with the traction assembly 225. For example, the crank assembly 220 can be mechanically coupled with the traction assembly 225 or mechanically decoupled from the traction assembly 225. For example, the drive unit 135 can switch between a first configuration (e.g., mechanically decoupled) and a second configuration (e.g., mechanically coupled). With the crank assembly 220 mechanically coupled with the traction assembly, mechanical power can be directly transferred from the crank assembly 220 to a wheel 115 (e.g., without first being converted to electrical energy). With the crank assembly 220 decoupled from the traction assembly 225, the traction assembly 225 can receive electrical power from the crank assembly 220, convert the electrical power to new mechanical power, and transfer the new mechanical power to the wheel 115.

[0032] The housing 205 can be configured to include at least one crank assembly 220, at least one traction assembly 225, at least one coupling assembly 230, and at least one electrical energy source (e.g., generator 210).

[0033] FIG. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of the drive unit 135. The crank assembly 220 can include at least one pedal 125. The crank assembly 220 can receive mechanical power from a user via the pedal 125. The crank assembly 220 can include at least one clutch 305. The clutch 305 can be mechanically coupled with the pedal 125. The clutch 305 can be a one-way clutch. The crank assembly 220 can include at least one geartrain, shown as first geartrain 310. The clutch 305 can engage the first geartrain 310. For example, the clutch 305 can selectively engage the first geartrain 310 when a user moves the pedal 125 in a predetermined direction. The first geartrain 310 can include any number of gears disposed in any configuration. The first geartrain 310 can be a single speed geartrain. For example, the first geartrain 310 can have a fixed ratio.

[0034] The crank assembly 220 can include at least one generator 210. The crank assembly 220 can include at least one battery 215. The mechanical power provided by the user via the pedal 125 can be transferred to the generator 210 via the clutch and the first geartrain 310. For example, the first geartrain 310 can be mechanically coupled with the generator 210. The generator 210 can convert the mechanical power provided via the first geartrain 310 into electrical power. The electrical power can be stored in the battery 215 orcan be transferred to another component of the bicycle 100 (e.g., the motor 320) to power another component of the bicycle 100. As such, the crank assembly 220 can provide power from a pedal 125 of the bicycle 100 to at least one of the generator 210, battery 215, or the traction assembly 225.

[0035] The drive unit 135 can include at least one electrical conduit, shown as electrical bus 315. The electrical bus 315 can electrically couple the crank assembly 220 with traction assembly 225. The crank assembly 220 can be constantly electrically coupled with the traction assembly 225. For example, the electrical bus 315 can create a permanent electrical connection between the crank assembly 220 and the traction assembly 225. Electrical power can transfer from the generator 210 or battery 215 to the traction assembly 225 via the electrical bus 315.

[0036] The traction assembly 225 can include at least one motor 320. The electrical bus 315 can electrically couple at least one of the generator 210 or the battery 215 with the motor 320 of the traction assembly 225. The electrical power created by the generator 210 or stored by the battery 215 can be transferred to the motor 320 via the electrical bus 315. As such, the traction assembly 225 can receive the electrical power from at least one of the generator 210 or the battery 215 and drive a wheel 115 of the bicycle 100 using the electrical power received. For example, the motor 320 can convert the electrical power to mechanical power. The motor 320 can be mechanically coupled with a another geartrain, shown a second geartrain 325. The motor 320 can use the electrical power received via the electrical bus 315 to drive the second geartrain 325.

[0037] The drive unit 135 can include at least one drive component 140. The drive component 140 can be coupled with or be a part of the traction assembly 225. The drive component 140 can mechanically couple the drive unit 135 with the wheel 115 of the bicycle 100. For example, the drive component 140 can be or include a chain or belt. The drive component 140 can extend between and mechanically couple the traction assembly 225 with the wheel 115. For example, the drive unit 135 can be disposed away from the wheel 115 with the drive component 140 extending between the traction assembly 225 and the wheel 115. The drive component 140 can transfer mechanical power from the drive unit 135 to the wheel 115 to drive the bicycle 100.

[0038] The drive component 140 can be mechanically coupled with the second geartrain 325 of the traction assembly 225. The drive component 140 can receive mechanical power from the motor 320 of the traction assembly 225 via the second geartrain 325. The drive component 140 can be constantly or permanently mechanically coupled with the second geartrain 325. For example, the mechanical connection between the drive component 140 and the second geartrain 325 can remain constantly intact.

[0039] The crank assembly 220 can introduce a torque path from the pedals 125 to the traction assembly 225. For example, as illustrated by line 370 in FIG. 3, the torque path can come from the pedals 125 to at least one of the second geartrain 325 or the drive component 140. As example, the crank assembly 220 can introduce the torque path to the traction assembly 225 via the line 370. The torque path can ultimately drive or more one or more components. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the wheel 115 (e.g., a drive wheel) is shown mechanically coupled with the second geartrain 325 and the drive component 140. Accordingly, the torque path, from the pedals 125, can drive and / or otherwise cause the wheel 115 to move across a ground surface (e.g., a road, a street, sidewalk, hill, etc.).

[0040] The torque, provided via the torque bath, can flow in a bi-directional direction. For example, the torque can flow from the second geartrain 325 to the motor 320. As another example, the torque can flow to the drive component 140 from the second geartrain 325. The torque can also flow according to whether the torque is providing traction or regeneration. For example, if the torque is providing regeneration, the torque can flow from the second geartrain 325 to the motor 320. As another example, if the torque is providing traction, the torque can flow from the second geartrain 325 to the drive component 140.

[0041] The drive component 140 can be mechanically coupled with the crank assembly 220. The drive component 140 can receive mechanical power from the pedal 125 of the crank assembly 220 via the first geartrain 310. The drive component 140 can be selectively or intermittently mechanically coupled with the first geartrain 310 of the crank assembly 220. For example, the drive component 140 can alternate between being mechanically coupled with, and mechanically decoupled from, the crank assembly 220. With the crank assembly 220 mechanically decoupled from the drive component 140, the only coupling or connection between the crank assembly 220 and the traction assembly 225 can be an electrical connection via the electrical bus 315.

[0042] The drive unit 135 can include at least one coupling assembly 230. The coupling assembly can selectively mechanically couple the crank assembly 220 with the traction assembly 225 (e.g., the drive component 140). With the crank assembly 220 mechanically coupled with the traction assembly 225, the traction assembly 225 can receive power directly from the pedal 125 of the crank assembly 220. The coupling assembly 230 can be or include a clutch 330. The clutch 330 can selectively engage or disengage the crank assembly 220 and the traction assembly 225. For example, the clutch 330 can selectively mechanically couple the first geartrain 310 of the crank assembly 220 with the drive component 140 of traction assembly 225. The clutch 330 can be actuated manually or automatically to engage and disengage the coupling assembly 230 to selectively mechanically couple the crank assembly 220 with the traction assembly 225. For example, the coupling assembly 230 can be coupled with an actuator 335. A user of the bicycle 100 can actuate the clutch 330 of the coupling assembly 230 via the actuator 335. The coupling assembly 230 can be coupled with a controller 340. The controller 340 can automatically actuate the clutch 330. For example, the controller 340 can automatically actuate the clutch 330 based on riding conditions (e.g., bicycle speed, pedal speed, include, etc.). The controller 340 can be a part of or coupled with the drive unit 135. The controller 340 can control or actuate the coupling assembly 230 to engage or disengage the crank assembly 220 and the traction assembly 225 period.

[0043] The controller 340 can control the coupling assembly 230, or at least the clutch 330, based on various riding conditions. For example, the controller 340 can control the clutch 330 based on at least one of a pedal speed or a bicycle speed. For example, the controller 340 can identify a bicycle speed. For example, the bicycle 100 can include speed sensor. The speed sensor can be any mechanism capable of determining a speed of the bicycle 100 or a component thereof (e.g., rotation speed of the wheel 115). The controller 340 can include the speed sensor, or the controller can receive a signal from the speed sensor indicating the bicycle speed. The controller 340 can determine an equivalent pedal speed. For example, the bicycle 100 can include a pedal speed sensor to detect a speed of the pedal 125. The controller 340 can include the pedal speed sensor, or the controller can receive a signal from the pedal speed sensor indicating the pedal speed. The equivalent pedal speed can be the pedal speed (e.g., RPM of the pedal), or can be a relationship between the speed of the pedal 125 and the bicycle speed. For example, the equivalent pedal speed can be a number of wheel rotations for every pedal rotation.

[0044] The controller 340 can compare the bicycle speed with the equivalent pedal speed. The controller 340 can actuate the clutch 330 to engage the crank assembly 220 with the traction assembly 225 based on the equivalent pedal speed being equal to or greater than the bicycle speed. For example, when riding the bicycle 100 up a steep incline with the crank assembly 220 decoupled from the traction assembly 225, the equivalent pedal speed can be greater than the bicycle speed. Based on the equivalent pedal speed being greater than the bicycle speed, the controller 340 can transmit a signal to the coupling assembly 230 to actuate the clutch 330 to engage the first geartrain 310 of the crank assembly 220 with the drive component 140 of the traction assembly 225.

[0045] The controller 340 can actuate the clutch 330 to disengage the crank assembly 220 from the traction assembly 225 based on the equivalent pedal speed being less than the bicycle speed. For example, when riding the bicycle 100 down an incline with the crank assembly 220 coupled with the traction assembly 225, the equivalent pedal speed can be less than the bicycle speed. Based on the equivalent pedal speed being less than the bicycle speed, the controller 340 can transmit a signal to the coupling assembly 230 to actuate the clutch 330 to disengage the first geartrain 310 of the crank assembly 220 from the drive component 140 of the traction assembly 225.

[0046] With the coupling assembly 230, the drive unit 135 can switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the crank assembly 220 can be only electrically coupled with the traction assembly 225. For example, the only connection between the crank assembly 220 and the traction assembly 225 in the first configuration is the electrical connection via the electrical bus 315. In the first configuration, the coupling assembly 230 cannot form a mechanical connection between the crank assembly 220 and the traction assembly 225. In the second configuration, the crank assembly 220 can be both electrically and mechanically coupled with the traction assembly 225. For example, in the second configuration the coupling assembly 230 can create a mechanical connection between the crank assembly 220 and the traction assembly 225 with the crank assembly 220 still electrically coupled with the traction assembly 225 via the electrical bus 315. For example, the coupling assembly 230 can selectively couple the first geartrain 310 of the crank assembly 220 with the drive component 140 of traction assembly 225.

[0047] The first configuration can represent a series system drive unit 135 (e.g., a series hybrid system). For example, all of the power to drive the bicycle 100 can follow a singlepath. For example, power can initiate at a pedal 125 of the bicycle 100. The power can be a first mechanical power. The first mechanical power can transfer from the pedal to a generator to 210. The generator 210 can convert the first mechanical power to electrical power. The electrical power can be transferred to the motor 320 of the traction assembly 225 via an electrical bus 315. The motor 320 can convert the electrical power to a second mechanical power. The second mechanical power can be transferred from the motor 320 to the drive component 140. The drive component 140 can be coupled with a traction element (e.g., wheel 115) of the bicycle 100. The second mechanical power provided to the drive component 140 can cause the drive component 148 to drive the traction element, and drive the bicycle 100.

[0048] The second configuration can represent a parallel system drive unit 135 (e.g., a parallel hybrid system). For example, the power to drive the bicycle 100 can flow through separate paths. A first path can include transferring power from the pedal 125 to the generator 210 and the motor 320 before getting to the drive component 140. The second path can include the transferring power from the pedal 125 directly to the drive component 140 (e.g., without the power being converted into electrical energy). For example, the coupling assembly 230 can mechanically couple the crank assembly 220 with the drive component 140 such that the generator 210 and motor 320 are bypassed. In the second configuration, the first mechanical power generated by the pedal 125 can be directly applied to the drive component 140 without first being converted to electrical power and then being converted back to a second mechanical power.

[0049] In the second configuration, the power provided by the pedal 125 can be transferred to the drive component 140 in any combination. For example, the pedal 125 can provide a first mechanical power. A first portion of the first mechanical power can be transferred directly to the drive component 140. A second portion of the first mechanical power can be transferred to the generator 210 and the motor 320, and converted into a second mechanical power, prior to reaching the drive component 140. The first portion of the first mechanical power can be greater than, less than, or equal to the second portion.

[0050] The controller 340 can control how much of the first mechanical power follows which path. For example, the controller 340 can detect when the generator 210 is faulty or malfunctioning. With a faulty generator 210, the controller can cause the coupling assembly to mechanically couple the crank assembly 220 with the traction assembly 225 and route allmechanical power from the pedal 125 directly to the drive component 140. The controller 340 can detect when the bicycle 100 is going up an incline. With the bicycle 100 going up an incline, the controller 340 can determine how much of the mechanical power can be provided directly to the drive component 140 and how much to provide to the generator 210. The amount can be, for example, based at least partially on the bike speed and equivalent pedal speed. For example, with the equivalent pedal speed exceeding the bike speed, the controller 340 can cause the coupling assembly 230 to mechanically couple the crank assembly 220 with the traction assembly 225. The amount of power directed to each path can be based on a difference between the equivalent pedal speed and the bike speed. For example, the controller 340 can compare the difference to a predetermined threshold. With a difference that exceeds the threshold, the controller 340 can cause more power from the pedal 125 to go directly to the drive component 140. With a difference that does not exceed the threshold, the controller 340 can cause more power from the pedal 125 to go to the generator 210. For example, more power can be provided directly to the drive component 140 on a steeper incline due to the motor 320 and second geartrain 325 not being able to provide enough torque to drive the bicycle 100 up the incline.

[0051] FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram of an example method 400 for assembling a drive unit 135. Method 400 can include providing a crank assembly 220 (Act 405). The crank assembly 220 can provide a first mechanical power from a first power input device (e.g., a pedal 125) to at least one of a generator 210 or drive component 140. The generator 210 can be a part of the crank assembly 220. The generator 210 can convert the first mechanical power to electrical power. The crank assembly 220 can include at least one pedal 125. The pedal 125 can receive a force from a user to provide the first mechanical power to the drive unit 135. Act 405 can include operably coupling the pedal 125 with the generator 210 via a clutch 305 and a geartrain (e.g., the first geartrain 310).

[0052] Method 400 can include electrically coupling the crank assembly 220 with a traction assembly 225 (Act 410). The traction assembly 225 can receive the electrical power from the generator 210. For example, the drive unit 135 can include at least one electrical conduit (e.g., electrical bus 315). The traction assembly 225 can include at least one motor 320. The generator 210 can transfer the electrical power to the motor 320 via the electrical conduit. The motor 320 can convert the electrical power to a second mechanical power. Thesecond mechanical power can drive a traction element (e.g., a wheel 115) of a vehicle (e.g., bicycle 100) via the drive component 140.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, method 400 can include providing a coupling assembly 230. The coupling assembly 230 can selectively mechanically couple the crank assembly 220 with the traction assembly 225. For example, the drive unit 135 can be configured to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration can include the crank assembly 220 being only electrically coupled with the traction assembly 225. The second configuration can include the crank assembly 220 being both electrically and mechanically coupled with the traction assembly 225. In the first configuration, the drive unit 135 can have a series system configuration, wherein power travels along a single path. In the second configuration, the drive unit 135 can have a parallel system configuration where in power can travel along at least two separate paths. Selectively mechanically coupling the crank assembly 220 with the traction assembly 225 can include switching the drive unit 135 between the first configuration and the second configuration. The coupling assembly 230 can include or be coupled with at least one of the controller 340 or an actuator 335. A user can manually actuate the coupling assembly 230 via the actuator 335. The coupling assembly 230 can automatically actuate via the controller 340.

[0054] FIG. 5 depicts an example block diagram of an example computer system or computing device 500. The controller 340 can be or include the computer system 500. The computer system or computing device 500 can include or be used to implement a data processing system or its components. The computing system 500 can include at least one bus 505 or other communication component for communicating information and at least one processor 510 or processing circuit coupled to the bus 505 for processing information. The computing system 500 can include one or more processors 510 or processing circuits coupled to the bus for processing information. The computing system 500 can include at least one main memory 515, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus 505 for storing information, and instructions to be executed by the processor 510. The main memory 515 can be used for storing information during execution of instructions by the processor 510. The computing system 500 may further include at least one read only memory (ROM) 520 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 505 for storing static information and instructions for the processor 510. A storage device 525, suchas a solid state device, magnetic disk, or optical disk, can be coupled to the bus 505 to persistently store information and instructions.

[0055] The computing system 500 may be coupled via the bus 505 to a display 535, such as a liquid crystal display, or active matrix display, for displaying information to a user such as a driver of the bicycle 100 or other end user. An input device 530, such as a keyboard or voice interface can be coupled to the bus 505 for communicating information and commands to the processor 510. The input device 530 can include a touch screen display 535. The input device 530 can also include a cursor control, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor 510 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 535.

[0056] The processes, systems and methods described herein can be implemented by the computing system 500 in response to the processor 510 executing an arrangement of instructions contained in main memory 515. Such instructions can be read into main memory 515 from another computer-readable medium, such as the storage device 525. Execution of the arrangement of instructions contained in main memory 515 causes the computing system 500 to perform the illustrative processes described herein. One or more processors in a multiprocessing arrangement may also be employed to execute the instructions contained in main memory 515. Hard-wired circuitry can be used in place of or in combination with software instructions together with the systems and methods described herein. Systems and methods described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0057] Although an example computing system has been described in FIG. 5, the subject matter including the operations described in this specification can be implemented in other types of digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them.

[0058] Some of the description herein emphasizes the structural independence of the aspects of the system components or groupings of operations and responsibilities of these system components. Other groupings that execute similar overall operations are within the scope of the present application. Modules can be implemented in hardware or as computer instructions on a non-transient computer readable storage medium, and modules can bedistributed across various hardware or computer based components.

[0059] The systems described above can provide multiple ones of any or each of those components and these components can be provided on either a standalone system or on multiple instantiation in a distributed system. In addition, the systems and methods described above can be provided as one or more computer-readable programs or executable instructions embodied on or in one or more articles of manufacture. The article of manufacture can be cloud storage, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a flash memory card, a PROM, a RAM, a ROM, or a magnetic tape. In general, the computer-readable programs can be implemented in any programming language, such as LISP, PERL, C, C++, C#, PROLOG, or in any byte code language such as JAVA. The software programs or executable instructions can be stored on or in one or more articles of manufacture as object code.

[0060] Example and non-limiting module implementation elements include sensors providing any value determined herein, sensors providing any value that is a precursor to a value determined herein, datalink or network hardware including communication chips, oscillating crystals, communication links, cables, twisted pair wiring, coaxial wiring, shielded wiring, transmitters, receivers, or transceivers, logic circuits, hard-wired logic circuits, reconfigurable logic circuits in a particular non-transient state configured according to the module specification, any actuator including at least an electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuator, a solenoid, an op-amp, analog control elements (springs, filters, integrators, adders, dividers, gain elements), or digital control elements.

[0061] The subject matter and the operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. The subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer programs, e.g., one or more circuits of computer program instructions, encoded on one or more computer storage media for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatuses. Alternatively or in addition, the program instructions can be encoded on an artificially generated propagated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus for execution by a data processing apparatus. A computer storage medium can be, or be included in, a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memoryarray or device, or a combination of one or more of them. While a computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, a computer storage medium can be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially generated propagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or be included in, one or more separate components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices include cloud storage). The operations described in this specification can be implemented as operations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.

[0062] The terms “computing device”, “component” or “data processing apparatus” or the like encompass various apparatuses, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple ones, or combinations of the foregoing. The apparatus can include special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The apparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a cross-platform runtime environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them. The apparatus and execution environment can realize various different computing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing and grid computing infrastructures.

[0063] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, app, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program can correspond to a file in a file system. A computer program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0064] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatuses can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data can include non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0065] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or a combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 as alternate 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] For example, descriptions of positive and negative electrical characteristics may be reversed. Elements described as negative elements can instead be configured as positive elements and elements described as positive elements can instead by configured as negative elements. For example, elements described as having first polarity can instead have a second polarity, and elements described as having a second polarity can instead have a first polarity. Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within + / - 10% or + / -10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of + / - 10% 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

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising: a housing to couple with a frame of a bicycle, the housing configured to include a crank assembly, a traction assembly, and a generator; the crank assembly to provide power from a pedal of the bicycle to at least one of the generator or the traction assembly; and the traction assembly coupled with the crank assembly, and the traction assembly to: receive the power from at least one of the pedal of the bicycle or the generator; and drive a wheel of the bicycle using the power.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: an electrical bus to electrically couple the crank assembly with the traction assembly, wherein the crank assembly is constantly electrically coupled with the traction assembly and intermittently mechanically coupled with the traction assembly.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: the generator to convert mechanical power from the pedal of the bicycle to electrical power; the traction assembly comprising a motor; and an electrical bus to electrically couple the crank assembly with the traction assembly, the electrical power to transfer from the generator to the motor via the electrical bus.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a coupling assembly to selectively mechanically couple the crank assembly with the traction assembly; and a clutch to automatically engage and disengage the coupling assembly to selectively mechanically couple the crank assembly with the traction assembly based on a pedal speed and bicycle speed.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: the traction assembly comprising a drive component to mechanically couple the apparatus to the wheel of the bicycle, the drive component to transfer mechanical power fromthe apparatus to the wheel of the bicycle to drive the wheel.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a clutch to selectively mechanically couple the crank assembly with the traction assembly; and a controller to automatically actuate the clutch; the controller configured to: identify a bicycle speed; determine an equivalent pedal speed; and actuate the clutch based on the equivalent pedal speed being equal to or greater than the bicycle speed.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: a drive component to operably couple the apparatus with the wheel of the bicycle; and a controller to switch the apparatus between a first configuration and a second configuration; the first configuration comprising a single path for the power to follow to reach the drive component; and the second configuration comprising at least two paths for the power to follow to reach the drive component.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: the crank assembly comprising the generator; the traction assembly comprising a motor; and an electrical bus; wherein the crank assembly is only coupled with the traction assembly via the electrical bus.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising: the traction assembly comprising a motor; the pedal of the bicycle to provide a first mechanical power; the generator to receive the first mechanical power and convert the first mechanical power into electrical power; and the motor to:receive the electrical power; and convert the electrical power into a second mechanical power to drive a drive component of the bicycle.

10. An electric bicycle, comprising: a frame; a housing coupled with the frame, the housing including a crank assembly, a traction assembly, and a generator; the crank assembly to provide power from a pedal of the electric bicycle to at least one of the generator or the traction assembly; and the traction assembly coupled with the crank assembly, and the traction assembly to: receive the power from at least one of the pedal of the electric bicycle or the generator; and drive a wheel of the electric bicycle using the power.

11. The electric bicycle of claim 10, comprising: an electrical bus to electrically couple the crank assembly with the traction assembly, wherein the crank assembly is constantly electrically coupled with the traction assembly and intermittently mechanically coupled with the traction assembly.

12. The electric bicycle of claim 10, comprising: the generator to convert mechanical power from the pedal of the electric bicycle to electrical power; the traction assembly comprising a motor; and an electrical bus to electrically couple the crank assembly with the traction assembly, the electrical power to transfer from the generator to the motor via the electrical bus.

13. The electric bicycle of claim 10, comprising: a coupling assembly to selectively mechanically couple the crank assembly with the traction assembly; and a clutch to automatically engage and disengage the coupling assembly to selectively mechanically couple the crank assembly with the traction assembly based on a pedal speed and bicycle speed.

14. The electric bicycle of claim 10, comprising: the traction assembly comprising a drive component to mechanically couple the housing to the wheel of the electric bicycle, the drive component to transfer mechanical power from the housing to the wheel of the electric bicycle to drive the wheel of the electric bicycle.

15. The electric bicycle of claim 10, comprising: a clutch to selectively mechanically couple the crank assembly with the traction assembly; and a controller to automatically actuate the clutch; the controller configured to: identify a bicycle speed; determine an equivalent pedal speed; and actuate the clutch based on the equivalent pedal speed being equal to or greater than the bicycle speed.

16. The electric bicycle of claim 10, comprising: a drive component to operably couple a drive unit with the wheel of the electric bicycle; and a controller to switch the drive unit between a first configuration and a second configuration; the first configuration comprising a single path for the power to follow to reach the drive component; and the second configuration comprising at least two paths for the power to follow to reach the drive component.

17. The electric bicycle of claim 10, comprising: the crank assembly comprising the generator; the traction assembly comprising a motor; and an electrical bus; wherein the crank assembly is only coupled with the traction assembly via the electrical bus.

18. The electric bicycle of claim 10, comprising: the traction assembly comprising a motor;the pedal of the electric bicycle to provide a first mechanical power; the generator to receive the first mechanical power and convert the first mechanical power into electrical power; and the motor to: receive the electrical power; and convert the electrical power into a second mechanical power to drive a drive component of the electric bicycle.

19. A method, comprising: providing a crank assembly to provide first mechanical power from a mechanical power input device to at least one of a generator or a drive component, the generator to convert the first mechanical power to electrical power; and electrically coupling the crank assembly with a traction assembly, the traction assembly to receive the electrical power from the generator, a motor of the traction assembly to convert the electrical power to a second mechanical power, the second mechanical power to drive a traction element of a vehicle.

20. The method of claim 19, comprising: disposing the crank assembly and the traction assembly within a housing; and coupling the housing with a frame of an electric bicycle.

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