Bicycle Frame Down Tube Latch Mechanism for Secure Battery Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle frames with integrated electric motors face challenges in securely fastening a power supply unit without interfering with the riding experience, particularly due to the weight and size of rechargeable battery units, which often require cumbersome installation solutions that compromise frame stiffness and rider comfort.
Innovation Solution
The bicycle frame design incorporates a down tube with hollow chambers on either side of a receiving recess for the power supply unit, featuring a tiltable latch and integrated electric motor for enhanced stiffness and weight distribution, along with a pivot bearing system for secure attachment and easy access, ensuring the power supply unit is securely fastened without increasing the frame's external width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply unit is securely fastened to the down tube, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for robust fastening mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism is divided into two separate abutments: a first abutment in the form of a pivot bearing for receiving the power supply unit, and a second abutment in the form of a tiltable latch with a latch hook. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is designed to be tiltable rather than fixed, allowing it to move between a locked position (where the latch hook engages the power supply unit) and an unlocked position. This dynamic element provides secure fastening when needed while allowing easy removal when required, reducing the need for complex locking mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the power supply unit is made easily accessible and removable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of secure fastening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tiltable latch provides a simple one-motion operation to unlock and remove the power supply unit, greatly improving ease of operation. Meanwhile, when in the locked position, the latch hook engages firmly with the power supply unit to ensure reliable secure fastening under various loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch hook acts as an intermediary element between the second abutment (latch mechanism) and the power supply unit. It provides a simple engagement interface that ensures reliable fastening while allowing easy release through tilting the latch, bridging the gap between security and accessibility.
3Strength
If hollow chambers are added to the down tube for stiffness, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow chambers are integrated directly into the down tube structure, with the receiving recess formed by the hollow chambers. This nesting approach allows the chambers to serve dual purposes: providing structural stiffness to the frame and creating the receiving space for the power supply unit, thereby increasing strength without significantly adding device complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If the power supply unit is integrated into the down tube, then the volume of the bicycle is reduced, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The down tube is divided into functional segments: hollow chambers for structural support, a receiving recess for the power supply unit, and distinct first and second abutments for fastening. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently and then assembled together, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining compact integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tiltable latch mechanism allows the power supply unit to be easily installed and removed through a simple tilting motion, greatly improving ease of assembly and disassembly. This dynamic fastening mechanism makes the integrated design user-friendly without requiring complex tools or procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~9
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a bicycle frame for electric bicycles, with an electric motor (5) and with a fastening device for the detachable attachment of a power supply unit to the down tube (3), wherein the fastening device has a pivot bearing (16) for the power supply unit as a first abutment and a second abutment. In order to enable the secure attachment of the power supply unit while ensuring good handling and ease of assembly, the down tube has a downwardly open receiving recess for the power supply unit, wherein hollow chambers are formed in the frame strut on both sides of the receiving recess, and/or wherein the second abutment has a latch (61) pivotably mounted in the receiving recess with a latch hook (65) for detachably engaging a latch pin (39) on the power supply unit in a latched position.The invention also relates to an electric bicycle and a power supply unit for it.