Bicycle Motor Unit Segmented Housing for Compact Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to reduce the size of a bicycle motor unit in a direction orthogonal to the width of the bicycle due to projections on the housing, and existing solutions do not facilitate easy installation and removal of the motor unit.
Innovation Solution
The bicycle design incorporates a frame with a first open portion that allows the motor unit to be partially housed inside, providing access and enabling easier installation, removal, and access through this opening, which extends to the down tube and seat tube, with additional mounting features like side walls and a bottom wall for secure coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the motor unit is mounted using a projection on the outer portion of the housing, then the motor unit can be securely fastened to the frame, but the motor unit cannot be reduced in size in the direction orthogonal to the widthwise direction of the bicycle
Solution Approach 1:
The motor unit housing is divided into two separate housing portions that can be assembled together, allowing the motor unit to be installed through the open portion and then enclosed. This segmentation enables size reduction while maintaining secure mounting capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is extracted from a projection on the housing and implemented as a separate mounting structure that interfaces with the frame through the open portion. This allows the housing to be minimized in size while the mounting function is provided by the mounting structure.
2Volume of moving object
If the motor unit is mounted using a projection on the outer portion of the housing, then the motor unit can be securely fastened to the frame, but the motor unit cannot be reduced in size in the direction orthogonal to the widthwise direction of the bicycle
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into two portions that assemble together after the motor unit is installed through the open portion. This allows the housing to enclose the motor unit completely while the motor unit itself can be compact in the direction orthogonal to the widthwise direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting approach transitions from using a projection extending outward from the housing to using a mounting structure that interfaces through the open portion. This dimensional change allows the housing to be minimized in one direction while maintaining secure mounting capability.
3Ease of operation
If the component mounting portion is enclosed, then the motor unit is protected, but the motor unit cannot be easily accessed for installation, removal, or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two portions that can be assembled together after the motor unit is installed. This allows easy access during installation by opening the housing, and provides protection during operation by enclosing the motor unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor unit is installed through the open portion before the housing is enclosed. This preliminary installation action allows easy access during installation, and the subsequent enclosure provides protection during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle has a bicycle body, a bicycle component, and a battery. The bicycle body has a frame including a down tube, a component mounting portion, and a seat tube. The bicycle component includes a bicycle drive unit. At least a portion of the bicycle component is arranged inside the frame. The battery is mounted on the bicycle to supply the bicycle component with electrical power. The frame further includes a first open portion that is provided on the component mounting portion and opens toward an upper side of the bicycle. At least a portion of the bicycle drive unit is disposed inside the frame and is exposed through the first open portion.