Bicycle Drive Device With Angular PCB Connector for Compact Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for bicycles are large and heavy, which is undesirable for both aesthetic and performance reasons, particularly in sportive driving applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact drive device design is achieved by replacing a projecting plug connector with an angular plug connector and utilizing attachment features that are integrated within the housing, allowing for a cost-effective sensor line connection and secure attachment to the bicycle frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a straight plug connector is used for connecting the sensor line, then the connection is simple, but the drive device occupies excessive axial space and appears bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The plug connector is changed from a straight axial configuration to an angular configuration with a 90-degree bend. This dimensional change in the connector's geometry allows the sensor line to be routed perpendicular to the drive device axis, significantly reducing the axial space required while maintaining the electrical connection function.
2Ease of operation
If the attachment features protrude from the housing, then the mounting to the bicycle frame is simplified, but the overall size and weight of the drive device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment features are integrated directly into the housing structure rather than being separate protruding components. The first attachment features are formed as recesses in the first housing part, and the second attachment features are formed as recesses in the second housing part, merging the mounting function into the housing itself. This eliminates the need for additional external mounting brackets or protruding elements, thereby reducing weight while maintaining ease of mounting to the bicycle frame.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a drive device (1) for a bicycle, which comprises a multi-part housing (3) accommodating a drive unit (2) of the drive device (1) having a first housing part (4) and a second housing part (5) fixed thereon. It is substantial for the invention that the drive device (1) comprises a circuit board arranged in the housing (3) and equipped with electronic components, in particular a so-called PCB (printed circuit board), which has a connection interface (20) penetrating the first housing part (4), which has at least one angular plug connector (21) protruding over the first housing part (4) for connecting a mating plug connector (26) of a sensor line (27). Furthermore, the invention relates to a centre drive or a bottom bracket drive having such a drive device (1) and to a bicycle comprising such a centre drive or bottom bracket drive.