Bicycle Propulsion System with Tool-Free Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric bicycle conversion systems are cumbersome and require additional tools for installation and removal, limiting their convenience and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle propulsion system that includes a hub adapter, a concentric rotor assembly, and a chassis assembly, allowing for rapid installation and removal without the need for additional tools, and enabling conversion between a manual and electric bicycle configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing electric bicycle conversion systems are used, then electric propulsion function is achieved, but installation and removal require additional tools and are cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion system is divided into three separable modules: a hub adapter that mounts to the bicycle wheel hub, a motor assembly with rotor, and a chassis assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and removed without requiring tools for the entire system, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor assembly is nested within the motor housing, and the hub adapter is nested within the wheel hub structure. This nesting allows compact storage and easy attachment/detachment without requiring additional installation tools, improving installation convenience while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing electric bicycle conversion systems are used, then electric propulsion function is achieved, but the systems lack versatility for temporary conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The hub adapter is pre-configured with mounting features that align with standard bicycle hub interfaces, and the motor assembly includes pre-attached mounting brackets. This preliminary preparation allows the system to be installed and removed rapidly without requiring additional tools or complex alignment procedures, achieving both versatility and time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub adapter is designed with universal mounting features that can accommodate different bicycle wheel hub types, and the motor assembly can be mounted in multiple positions on the bicycle frame. This universality enables temporary conversion of various bicycle types without requiring tool-based customization, improving adaptability while minimizing installation time.
Data Source
AI summary
One variation of a bicycle propulsion system includes: hub adapter configured to install on a rear axle of a bicycle and apply torque to the rear axle through a rear disk brake of the bicycle; a first rotor element; a second rotor element cooperating with the first rotor element to form a circular outer drive surface around the rear disk brake; a set of hub adapter brackets configured to engage the hub adapter; a chassis configured to transiently couple to a frame element of the bicycle; a rotor retainer arranged on the chassis and configured to locate the first rotor element and the second rotor element relative to the chassis; a motor mounted to the chassis; and a drive assembly arranged on the chassis and configured to transfer torque output by the motor into the circular outer drive surface to rotate the rear axle via the set of hub adapter brackets.