Bicycle Hub Interface for Torque Support and Protected Wiring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle hubs, particularly those with electrical components, face challenges in providing a robust and easy-to-assemble design that can withstand torque transmission while protecting electrical connections from damage during assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle hub design featuring an interface positioned radially away from the axis of rotation, which serves both as an electrical and mechanical coupling point, allowing for easy assembly and robust torque transmission, using a coupling element that is immovably connected to the hub element and frame, thus preventing relative rotation and protecting the electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the interface is positioned close to the axis of rotation for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the interface becomes vulnerable to mechanical damage during torque transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is repositioned from a central location near the axis of rotation to an outer radial position on the hub element. This dimensional relocation to the periphery provides mechanical protection while maintaining electrical functionality, resolving the contradiction between compact design and mechanical protection.
2Force
If a separate torque support is implemented in the hub axle area, then the torque transmission is improved, but the device complexity and sensitivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is designed to perform dual functions: electrical connection and torque support. By merging these two previously separate functions into a single component located on the outer hub element, the patent eliminates the need for a separate torque support structure in the hub axle area, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining torque transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides electrical connection and mechanical torque support. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, eliminating the need for additional specialized parts and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the electrical connection is made through a protruding cable end, then the electrical connection is established, but the electrical connection becomes vulnerable to damage during assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection interface is relocated from a protruding position (vulnerable to damage) to an integrated position on the outer surface of the hub element. This repositioning to a more protected location on the hub periphery reduces exposure to mechanical damage during assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface design inherently protects the electrical connection by positioning it on the robust outer hub element structure before any assembly operations occur. This pre-protective positioning shields the electrical connection from potential damage during subsequent handling and assembly processes.
4Strength
If the interface is offset radially outwards from the axis of rotation, then the mechanical coupling and torque support are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radial offset positioning of the interface on the hub element enables a single component to provide both mechanical coupling strength and electrical connection functionality. This merging of functions at the radially offset position achieves strong mechanical coupling without requiring additional separate components, thereby not increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, the bicycle hub (10) comprises a hub element (1), a hub housing (2), an interface (3), and an electrical component (4). The electrical component is electrically connected to the interface. The hub housing is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation (A) relative to the hub element, enabling it to rotate with a bicycle wheel during operation. The interface is located on an outer surface of the bicycle hub and is rigidly connected to the hub element. The interface is offset radially outwards from the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the interface is configured for electrical and mechanical coupling of the bicycle hub with a coupling element (32), such that the coupling establishes an electrical connection from the coupling element to the electrical component and, at the same time, prevents relative rotation between the hub element and the coupling element.