Bicycle Hub Layout for Integrated Power Generation and Wireless Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-powered vehicle hubs lack integrated solutions for generating electric power and wireless communication, which are essential for efficient energy harvesting and real-time data transmission during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A hub for human-powered vehicles is designed with an electric power generator and a communication device, including a wireless communicator, housed in a compact and non-rotatable structure that can communicate wirelessly and provide stable power to connected components, featuring an antenna and circuitry for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an electric power generator is integrated into the hub, then electric power can be generated through relative rotation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric power generator, communication device, and hub structure into a single integrated unit. The generator is positioned between the hub axle and hub body, sharing the same spatial envelope, which reduces overall system complexity despite adding power generation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical support for the wheel, electric power generation through relative rotation, and wireless communication. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate systems into one unified device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a communication device is located outside the hub body, then wireless communication capability is improved, but the hub volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is positioned in the annular space between the hub axle and hub body, effectively nesting it within the existing hub structure. This utilizes otherwise wasted space and avoids increasing the external dimensions of the hub.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the communication device radially outward which would increase hub diameter, the patent positions it axially between the hub axle and hub body. This dimensional repositioning maintains a compact radial profile while accommodating the communication device.
3Volume of moving object
If the housing is made thinner in the axial direction, then the hub becomes more compact, but the space for accommodating components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with asymmetric thickness: thinner in the axial direction for compactness, but with adequate radial and circumferential dimensions to accommodate the communication device and other components. This asymmetric dimensioning optimizes both compactness and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing design预先 (in advance) allocates specific regions for the communication device, electrical connector, and other components, ensuring that even with reduced axial thickness, there is sufficient organized space for all necessary elements without ad-hoc adjustments.
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
The hub effectively generates electric power and enables wireless communication, enhancing the functionality of human-powered vehicles by providing a stable power supply and real-time data transmission capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The electric power generator is configured to generate electric power by relative rotation between hub axle and the hub body
Data Source
AI summary
A hub for a human-powered vehicle is provided that comprises a hub axle, a hub body, an electric power generator, and a communication device. The hub body is rotatably mounted on the hub axle about a rotational axis. The electric power generator is provided between the hub axle and the hub body. The electric power generator is configured to generate electric power by relative rotation between hub axle and the hub body. The communication device is located at least partly outside of the hub body. The communication device includes a wireless communicator configured to wirelessly communicate with an additional wireless communicator.