Bicycle Power Connector Assembly for Removable Battery Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle electric/electronic equipment designs face challenges in connecting electric power supply units to components other than the one housing the electrically powered device, leading to design restrictions, assembly inconveniences, and difficulties in accessing or replacing the power supply unit, especially when cables wear due to flexure and torsion.
Innovation Solution
An electric connector assembly is provided with a through hole and two connectors that allow one connector to pass through while the other does not, enabling easy assembly and replacement of the power supply unit, even by non-specialists, while maintaining a hermetic seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cable with connectors is used to connect the electric power supply unit to the electrically powered device in a different component, then the power supply can be provided to remote components, but the assembly becomes complex and the connectors are difficult to access for assembly and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cable, first connector, and second connector into a single integrated electric connector assembly that is pre-assembled as one unit. This merging simplifies the overall system by reducing the number of separate components that need to be handled during assembly and replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric connector assembly is pre-assembled with the cable and both connectors attached before installation. The through-hole component is also prepared in advance with the hole positioned to facilitate the insertion of one connector while preventing the other from passing through, creating a ready-to-install unit that reduces on-site assembly complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the electric power supply unit is removably attached to allow recharging, then recharging convenience is improved, but the connector accessibility for assembly and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design where the two connectors on the cable assembly have different characteristics - one connector is designed to pass through the through-hole component while the other is prevented from passing through. This asymmetry enables the power supply unit to be removably attached for recharging while maintaining controlled accessibility during assembly, as the through-hole positioning creates a unique insertion path that simplifies the assembly process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cable is made long enough to reach the electrically powered device from the power supply unit, then connection flexibility is improved, but cable wear from flexure and torsion increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the cable with both connectors as a single pre-assembled unit, the patent reduces the cable's exposure to independent flexing and torsion forces that would occur if the connectors were separate components requiring individual attachment. The unified structure distributes mechanical stresses more evenly along the cable length, improving durability while maintaining the necessary reach.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle equipment is provided, including an electric power supply unit electrically connected to a first electric connector; a first component; a second component with an electrically powered device and a second connector. A through hole is provided in the first or second component. An electric connector assembly includes a third connector matching the first connector and permanently connected to the first component at a seat for the electric power supply unit; a fourth connector matching the second connector; and an electric cable extending between the third connector and the fourth connector. The through hole, the third connector and the fourth connector are sized such that the fourth connector may pass, in at least one orientation thereof, in the through hole and the third connector may not pass in the through hole.