Bicycle Shock Absorber Integrated Generator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle power systems for lighting are complex, costly, and laborious to assemble, and require specific speeds to operate, making them unsuitable for generating electricity efficiently for nighttime safety features.
Innovation Solution
A shock-absorbable electricity-producing apparatus utilizing a rack, gears, and a spring buffer, driven by gravity drop, which synchronously engages with an electricity generator to produce power without burden or resistance, integrating with a bicycle's shock absorber to harness ground height differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional electricity generators are used in bicycles, then electric power can be supplied for lights, but the structure becomes complex and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shock absorption function and electricity generation function into a single integrated system. The shock absorber's piston rod directly drives the rack and pinion mechanism that operates the electricity generator, merging two separate functions (shock absorption and power generation) into one unified structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both functions
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber is designed to serve dual purposes: it not only absorbs shocks for rider comfort but also generates electric power for bicycle lights. By making the shock absorption system multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate power generation components, simplifying the overall structure and reducing assembly complexity
2Power
If conventional electricity generators are installed on bicycles, then power can be generated, but processing and component costs become high
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber performs dual functions of shock absorption and electricity generation, eliminating the need for separate power generation components. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering processing and component costs
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the shock absorption mechanism with the power generation system, the patent reduces the total component count. The integrated design means fewer parts to manufacture, process, and assemble, directly reducing manufacturing and component costs
3Power
If conventional electricity generators are used, then power can be produced, but assembly becomes difficult and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the shock absorber and electricity generator into a single assembly unit. The piston rod of the shock absorber directly connects to the rack and pinion mechanism that drives the generator, creating a unified structure that is easier to assemble as a single unit rather than coordinating multiple separate components
4Power
If conventional electricity generators are installed, then power can be supplied, but the bicycle must reach specific speeds to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The rack and pinion mechanism converts the reciprocating motion of the shock absorber piston rod into rotational motion of the generator. This periodic back-and-forth motion during shock absorption events is sufficient to operate the generator without requiring the bicycle to reach specific speeds, allowing power generation during normal riding conditions
5Object-affected harmful factors
If shock absorbers are integrated with electricity generation, then shocks can be absorbed, but the system may cause burden and resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of shocks and vibrations into useful mechanical energy to drive the electricity generator. The shock absorber's energy-dissipating mechanism is coupled with the generator so that the very forces that represent harmful vibrations now provide the driving force for power generation, turning a negative into a positive
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 apparatus effectively absorbs shocks to generate electricity for lighting and safety features without additional burden, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for bicycles, ensuring rider safety at night.
Implementation Method 1
a spring buffer (14)... The rack (11) is synchronously driven by a shock absorber
Implementation Method 2
The rack drives the first gear by means of gravity drop that forms during movement of the shock absorber
Implementation Method 3
an electricity generator (20)... the axial gear (21) enables the electricity generator (20) to produce electric power
Data Source
AI summary
A shock-absorbable electricity-producing apparatus comprises an electricity generator and an electricity-producing module. The electricity-producing module includes a rack, first and second gears, and a spring buffer. The rack is synchronously driven by a shock absorber. The spring buffer is located between the first and second gears. The first and second gears are engaged with the rack and an axial gear of the electricity generator, respectively. An electricity output terminal of the electricity generator is connected to an electric device. As a result, the rack drives the first gear by means of gravity drop that forms during movement of the shock absorber to enable the electricity generator to produce electricity. Consequently, the shock-absorbable electricity-producing apparatus absorbs shocks and produces the electricity insensibly without causing burden and resistance.