Bicycle Bottom Bracket Segmentation for Anti-Theft Tracking

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle anti-theft systems face challenges in retrofitting, maintenance, and security due to inaccessible and complex energy supply and locating unit integration, with issues in visibility, removal, and destruction by thieves.

Innovation Solution

The locating unit is integrated within the hollow bottom bracket, connected securely via pressing, welding, or gluing, with an inductive or accessible energy supply, allowing for easy installation and user-friendly charging, while being hidden from view and difficult to remove without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the tracking unit is integrated into the bicycle frame, then it is not visible and inaccessible to thieves, but it can only be installed during manufacture and cannot be retrofitted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidretrofit capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom bracket is divided into a first bottom bracket part and a second bottom bracket part that can be separated from each other. The tracking unit is arranged in a cavity of the first bottom bracket part, allowing the second bottom bracket part to be removed and replaced with an alternative component. This segmentation enables retrofitting while maintaining security, as the tracking unit remains enclosed in the frame during normal use but can be accessed for installation or replacement by removing the external second part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the tracking unit is integrated into the bicycle frame, then it is secure and hidden, but it is difficult to maintain or replace

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom bracket is divided into a first bottom bracket part and a second bottom bracket part that can be separated from each other. The tracking unit is arranged in a cavity of the first bottom bracket part, allowing the second bottom bracket part to be removed and replaced with an alternative component. This segmentation enables retrofitting while maintaining security, as the tracking unit remains enclosed in the frame during normal use but can be accessed for installation or replacement by removing the external second part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the power supply unit is positioned inside the frame, then it is compact and simple, but it is inaccessible for charging or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidcharging accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom bracket is divided into a first bottom bracket part and a second bottom bracket part that can be separated from each other. The tracking unit is arranged in a cavity of the first bottom bracket part, allowing the second bottom bracket part to be removed and replaced with an alternative component. This segmentation enables retrofitting while maintaining security, as the tracking unit remains enclosed in the frame during normal use but can be accessed for installation or replacement by removing the external second part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the tracking unit is integrated into the bicycle light housing, then it is easy to install and retrofit, but it is visible and easily removable by thieves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrofit capabilityVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom bracket is divided into a first bottom bracket part and a second bottom bracket part that can be separated from each other. The tracking unit is arranged in a cavity of the first bottom bracket part, allowing the second bottom bracket part to be removed and replaced with an alternative component. This segmentation enables retrofitting while maintaining security, as the tracking unit remains enclosed in the frame during normal use but can be accessed for installation or replacement by removing the external second part.

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

This configuration enables secure, easy installation, and maintenance of the anti-theft system, with the locating unit being difficult to remove or destroy, ensuring continuous operation and user-friendly charging, enhancing the overall security and usability of the bicycle anti-theft system.

Implementation Method 1

the power supply unit is designed to be inductively rechargeable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive charging: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3100936B1Vehicle with a tread crank drive and locating unit

Publication Date: 2019.06.19 SECURE NO COM GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle (1), in particular a bicycle, with a frame (2), a pedal crank drive (3) which has a bottom bracket (4) held on the frame (2) and two pedal crank arms (5, 6) attached to the bottom bracket (4), a power supply device (7) and a tracking unit (8) connected thereto, which forms a component of a bicycle anti-theft tracking system, wherein the bottom bracket (4) has a cavity (4a), and wherein at least the tracking unit (8) is arranged inside the cavity (4a).