Bicycle Frame Tube With Mechanical Battery Switch Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle frame designs require an electrical connection for battery switching, which is prone to damage and corrosion, and lack a reliable and accessible mechanism for battery operation.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle frame tube with a mechanical switch integrated into the frame, allowing mechanical actuation of the battery's on/off switch without the need for electrical connections, featuring a mechanical switch with a control element accessible from the outside and a retaining element for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electrical switch connected via electrical line is used to switch the battery on and off, then the battery can be controlled remotely, but the electrical connection becomes complex and prone to damage or corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection requirement by implementing a mechanical switch system. The switch opening and operating element are separated from the battery itself, allowing the switching function to be performed mechanically through the frame tube structure rather than through electrical contacts. This eliminates the need for plug contacts and electrical lines between the battery and switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of the switch opening, operating element, and spring mechanism. This mechanical mediator transmits the user's pressing action to the battery's on/off switch without requiring direct electrical connection, thereby simplifying the overall electrical system while maintaining operational control.
2Ease of operation
If an electrical switch with plug contact is used, then remote switching is enabled, but the plug contact can be damaged or corroded reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical switching mechanism with a mechanical one. Instead of using an electrical switch that requires plug contacts and electrical lines, the system uses a mechanical operating element that physically actuates the battery's on/off switch through a mechanical connection via the frame tube. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with electrical contacts, corrosion, and damage.
3Shape
If the switch opening is arranged symmetrically in the center plane, then the frame tube design is balanced, but the operating element is less accessible while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by laterally offsetting the operating element from the center plane of the frame tube. This asymmetric positioning places the operating element on the side more accessible to the rider's hand while driving, improving ease of operation. The switch opening itself can remain symmetrically positioned in the frame tube, while the operating element extends asymmetrically to the more accessible side.
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
Enables reliable and damage-free battery switching, with improved accessibility and visibility of charge status, enhancing user convenience and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The holding element is preferably designed in such a way that the operating element is automatically returned to the starting position after it has been actuated. It is preferred here that the holding element is at least partially made of an elastic plastic material.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bicycle frame tube, in particular a subframe (14) of a bicycle frame. The bicycle frame tube (14) has a battery opening (22) for inserting or removing a battery (42), so that the battery (42) is arranged inside the bicycle frame tube (14). The bicycle frame tube (14) has a switch opening (30) in which a mechanical switch (28) is arranged. The mechanical switch (28) acts mechanically on an on/off switch (44) of the battery (42).