Annular Battery Holder for E-Bikes with Vertical Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrically assisted bicycles have battery support designs that are complex, costly to manufacture, and do not allow for easy battery installation or adaptation to different sizes and shapes, while also being prone to water and dust accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A battery holder with an annular side wall forming a truncated pyramid shape, open upwards and downwards, featuring interior lateral electrical contacts and clips for secure vertical fitting of batteries, and return springs for efficient electrical connection and easy installation, ensuring compatibility with various battery sizes and shapes, and allowing water drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a closed lid structure is used for the battery holder, then protection against water and dust is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against water and dustVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery holder is segmented into an annular side wall forming a truncated pyramid shape with open top and bottom, eliminating the need for a closed lid while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation allows water and dust to pass through rather than accumulate, reducing the need for complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of closing the battery holder to protect against water and dust, the invention inverts the approach by using an open structure where water and dust can naturally pass through. The truncated pyramid shape with open ends allows harmful factors to flow through rather than accumulate inside the holder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a complex battery holder structure with lid and inner casing is used, then battery security is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery securityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The battery holder uses a segmented annular side wall structure that is simpler to manufacture than a complete closed casing. The open top and bottom eliminate the need for lids and complex assembly, while the truncated pyramid shape provides inherent structural support for battery security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The annular side wall structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for battery security, allows water and dust to pass through, and simplifies manufacturing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components like lids and inner casings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed battery holder design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different battery sizes and shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different battery sizes and shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The truncated pyramid shape of the annular side wall allows for parameter changes in the battery holder design. By adjusting the dimensions and angles of the truncated pyramid, the same basic structure can accommodate different battery sizes and shapes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The annular side wall structure serves as a universal mounting structure that can adapt to different battery configurations. The open top and bottom allow batteries of various sizes and shapes to be inserted, while the truncated pyramid shape provides consistent structural support across different designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If a closed battery holder structure is used, then structural integrity is improved, but water and dust accumulation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidwater and dust accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of closing the battery holder to maintain structural integrity, the invention uses an open truncated pyramid structure where water and dust can naturally pass through. The annular side wall provides sufficient structural support without requiring a closed lid, inverting the conventional approach to preventing accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery holder is segmented into an annular side wall with open ends, creating a structure that maintains integrity through its geometric form rather than closed surfaces. This segmentation allows water and dust to flow through the structure rather than accumulate inside.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution simplifies battery installation, enhances manufacturing efficiency, ensures reliable electrical connections, and maintains battery security while allowing for easy adaptation to different battery sizes and shapes, and prevents water and dust accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

the battery holder comprises return springs adapted to elastically urge the interior side electrical contacts towards the inside of the battery holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2883785B1Power-assisted bicycle
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 JCDECAUX SA
  • EP2883785B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2883785B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2883785B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electric-assist bicycle comprising a battery support (12) which defines an internal well-shaped housing (32) open at the top and bottom, and which is adapted to receive a removable battery (34) by vertical insertion. The battery support has internal lateral electrical contacts (42) arranged in the internal housing and adapted to bear substantially horizontally against external lateral electrical contacts (44) belonging to the battery.