Bicycle Hub Interface for Torque Support and Electrical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle hubs with electrical components face challenges in providing a robust and easy-to-mount solution that effectively transmits torque while maintaining a secure electrical connection, particularly in the sensitive area of the hub shaft.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle hub design featuring a radially offset interface for both electrical and mechanical coupling, which includes a hub element and housing with roller bearings, allowing for torque transmission to a coupling element that is immovably connected to the hub element, thus preventing excessive force on the interface and protecting the electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the interface is positioned at the hub shaft for electrical and mechanical coupling, then the electrical connection is accessible, but the interface is vulnerable to mechanical damage and excessive forces during torque transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the electrical connection function from the torque transmission function by positioning the interface radially offset from the rotational axis. This segmentation allows the electrical interface to be accessible while protecting it from the high-stress environment at the hub shaft where torque is transmitted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling element as an intermediary between the interface and the hub shaft. This coupling element transmits torque from the interface to the hub shaft while protecting the electrical interface from excessive forces, effectively mediating between the electrical connection requirements and mechanical torque transmission requirements.
2Strength
If a separate torque support is added to the hub shaft, then torque transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function and torque transmission support function into a single integrated interface structure. The interface is designed to provide both electrical coupling and mechanical torque support, eliminating the need for separate torque support components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides electrical connection and mechanical torque transmission support. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions, avoiding the need for additional separate parts and simplifying the overall hub structure.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a bicycle hub includes a hub element, a hub housing, an interface, and an electrical component electrically connected to the interface, wherein the hub housing is mounted rotatably relative to the hub element about a rotational axis in order to rotate together with a wheel of a bicycle, wherein the interface is arranged on an outer side of the bicycle hub and is rigidly connected to the hub element, wherein the interface is offset radially outwards relative to the rotational axis, and wherein the interface is configured for an electrical and mechanical coupling of the bicycle hub to a coupling element such that an electrical connection from the coupling element to the electrical component is established via the coupling and relative rotation between the hub element and the coupling element is blocked via the coupling.