Bicycle Frame Orifices for Integrated Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle safety solutions, such as reflectors and multiple lights, are inadequate for ensuring visibility at night or in low light conditions, as they may not be seen from all angles and require multiple battery sources and complex mounting, which can lead to damage and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a bicycle frame with tubular members featuring orifices for light transmission, integrated illuminating bulbs connected to a compact power source housed within the frame, allowing for easy installation and removal, and a planar platform for supporting the power source, along with a charging port for additional devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple lights are used in the front and back of the bicycle, then visibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to multiple battery sources and mounting requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebicycle visibilityVSAvoidnumber of battery sources and mounting components
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lighting functions into a single integrated light source mounted on the bicycle handlebars. This single light unit replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate lights and battery sources, thereby improving visibility while reducing device complexity and the number of components that need to be mounted and maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Illumination intensity

If multiple lights are mounted on the exterior of the bicycle, then visibility is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased risk of loss or damage when the bicycle falls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebicycle visibilityVSAvoidprotection from damage during falls
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating lighting components into a single mounted unit rather than distributing multiple lights across the bicycle exterior, the system reduces the number of separate components that could be lost or damaged during falls. The single integrated unit is more securely mounted and easier to protect during accidental impacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If reflectors are used on the bicycle and rider clothing, then visibility is improved, but the solution is insufficient because reflectors are not visible from various angles and do not provide active illumination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebicycle visibilityVSAvoidvisibility from various angles
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces passive reflector systems with an active illumination system using electric lights. Unlike reflectors that only work by reflecting existing light sources, the electric light system actively emits light that can be seen from multiple angles and directions, providing superior visibility adaptability in various lighting conditions and viewing angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances bicycle visibility by allowing clear identification of the bicycle from various angles, protects components from damage, simplifies installation and maintenance, and provides a versatile power solution, increasing usability and safety during nighttime riding.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of illuminating bulbs for emitting light, wherein the illuminating bulbs are adapted to fit inside the plurality of tubular frame members

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

The orifices allow light rays to pass from inside each tubular frame member to outside each tubular frame member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 3

The power source comprises a plurality of batteries housed in a case. The batteries are conductively coupled, via insulated wire, to the plurality of light bulbs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3100937B1Bicycle illumination system
Publication Date: 2018.08.15 PETERSON MICHAEL
  • EP3100937B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3100937B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3100937B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A system for illuminating a bicycle having a frame comprising a plurality of tubular frame members (110) wherein each frame member has a plurality of orifices (120). The orifices (120) allow light rays to pass from inside each tubular frame member (110) to outside each tubular frame member (110). Bulbs (215) for emitting light are adapted to fit inside the tubular frame members (110) and are conductively coupled to a power source (225). The power source (225) is sized such that the power source (225) fits inside a vertically situated tubular frame member (205). A planar platform (230), having a length in one direction that is less than the inside cross sectional diameter of the vertically aligned tubular frame member (205), is sized so that the platform fits inside the vertical tubular frame member (205). The platform (230) supports the power source (225) and is positioned such that the power source (225) can be installed and removed by a user.