Battery Case Lock Mechanism Prevents Power Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-assisted bicycles face issues with the frequent detachment and reattachment of batteries, leading to a high likelihood of the battery becoming unlocked during use, which can result in interruption of the electronic power supply to the electric motor due to vibrations, and the existing key-based lock mechanisms are cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A power-assisted bicycle with a battery case featuring a lock mechanism that maintains contact between the battery and bicycle terminals when locked and automatically separates them when unlocked, utilizing a movable lock member and a separation mechanism, such as an elastic member, to prevent power interruption during travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a key-based lock mechanism is used to secure the battery, then the battery can be locked in place, but the attachment and detachment work becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the key-based locking mechanism and replaces it with an automatic lock/release system. The lock member is automatically engaged when the battery is inserted and automatically released when the battery needs to be removed, eliminating the need for manual key operations while maintaining secure battery attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism performs self-service by automatically locking when the battery is inserted and automatically releasing when the battery is removed. The system uses the battery's own insertion and removal actions to trigger the locking and releasing mechanisms, without requiring separate user operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the battery is frequently attached and detached, then the user can use different bicycles, but the likelihood of the battery becoming unlocked increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by ensuring the lock member is automatically engaged as soon as the battery is inserted into the battery case. This automatic locking action occurs before the user can potentially forget to lock the battery, ensuring the battery is secured immediately upon attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through the automatic lock mechanism that responds to the battery's insertion and removal. When the battery is inserted, the lock member automatically engages to confirm secure attachment. When the battery is removed, the lock member automatically releases, providing continuous feedback on the battery's secured state without requiring user intervention.
3Reliability
If the battery is locked during traveling, then the terminal contact is maintained, but the separation mechanism is needed to automatically disconnect when unlocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism and the electrical connection mechanism into a single integrated system. The lock member's engagement position simultaneously secures the battery mechanically and maintains the terminal contact electrically. When the lock member releases, both the mechanical securing and electrical connection are terminated together, eliminating the need for a separate complex separation mechanism.
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 ensures continuous electronic power supply to the electric motor during travel by maintaining terminal contact until the lock mechanism is released, eliminating the need for cumbersome key-based operations and reducing the risk of power interruption.
Implementation Method 1
the separation mechanism may include an elastic member that applies a force of separating the terminal of the bicycle body and the terminal of the battery
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery case 40 has a lock mechanism and a separation mechanism. The lock mechanism locks a battery 30 in a state in which a case terminal 43 and a battery terminal 31 are in contact when the battery 30 is mounted on a bicycle body. The separation mechanism separates the case terminal 43 and the battery terminal 31 when the lock mechanism is released. According to the battery case, interruption of power supply from the battery to an electric motor may be suppressed during traveling of the vehicle.