Integrated Smartphone Docking for Aerodynamic Bicycle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle accessories such as GPS systems and smartphone docks are modular and bolted onto bicycles, leading to durability issues, theft risks, and aerodynamic inefficiencies, as they can be easily broken or stolen, and do not integrate seamlessly with the bicycle.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle system with an integrated processor, battery, and smartphone holder that securely attaches to and detaches from the bicycle, allowing the smartphone to be charged and communicate with the processor, featuring a handlebar docking system for viewing and controlling bicycle functions, including haptic feedback for navigation and a comprehensive theft deterrence system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular accessories (GPS systems, smartphone docks) are bolted onto the bicycle, then the bicycle can be equipped with electronic devices, but the accessories are easily broken or stolen and reduce aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the processor, battery, and smartphone holder into a single unified assembly that is built into the bicycle frame. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate modular accessories, providing both security (as they cannot be easily removed) and aerodynamic efficiency (as they form an integrated structure). The assembly includes a processor for controlling bicycle functions, a battery for power supply, and a smartphone holder for user interaction, all combined into one secure unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories are added to the bicycle, then more functionality is achieved, but the bicycle becomes less aerodynamic and speed is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (processor, battery, smartphone holder) into a single integrated assembly, eliminating the need for multiple separate accessories. This integration maintains aerodynamic performance while providing comprehensive functionality including device docking, charging, and control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the processor for controlling bicycle operations, contains the battery for power supply, provides a smartphone holder for user interaction, and includes charging capabilities. This multi-functionality in a single unit achieves versatility without compromising aerodynamics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are retro-fitted to the bicycle, then electronic functionality is added, but durability and security become issues as they can be easily broken or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electronic components into the bicycle frame structure itself, making them an inherent part of the bicycle rather than separate attachable accessories. The processor, battery, and smartphone holder form a built-in assembly that cannot be easily removed or stolen, thereby solving the security and durability issues associated with retro-fitted accessories.
Data Source
AI summary
The field of the invention relates to bicycle systems, especially to bicycle systems adapted for use with smartphones, to smartphones configured for use with bicycle systems, and to methods and to computer software for use with such bicycle systems or smartphones, and to servers configured to communicate with such bicycle systems or smartphones. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a bicycle system including a bicycle, the bicycle system including a processor integral to the bicycle, the bicycle system further including a battery integral to the bicycle, wherein the processor is powerable by the battery, the bicycle system including a smartphone holder configurable to receive a smartphone and to connect the smartphone to the processor, wherein in use the smartphone holder is attachable to, and detachable from, the smartphone. Advantages include that the smartphone can be charged by the battery, the smartphone can communicate with the processor so as to receive various information such as maintenance-related information of the bicycle system, the bicycle system can investigate the smartphone identity to check for unauthorized use of the bicycle system, the smartphone is held during bicycle system travel which reduces the risk of damage to the smartphone, and the bicycle system shape is more aerodynamic than that of a bicycle to which a processor and/or a battery has merely been bolted-on.