Integrated Bicycle Smartphone Docking for Secure Charging and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle accessories such as GPS systems and smartphone docking systems are typically modular and retro-fitted, leading to durability and security issues, as well as aerodynamic inefficiencies, when attached to bicycles.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle system with a processor and battery integrated into the frame, featuring a handlebar-integrated smartphone docking system that allows for secure charging, communication, and navigation, while also providing a locking mechanism and theft deterrence using a smartphone as a key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular accessories (GPS systems, smartphone docking systems) are retro-fitted to bicycles, then functionality is added, but durability and security deteriorate as they can be easily broken or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates GPS receiver, smartphone docking system, and locking mechanism into a single integrated unit mounted on the bicycle frame. This merging of previously separate modular accessories into one unified system resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability through multiple functions while improving reliability through integrated installation that prevents easy removal or theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: GPS reception, smartphone docking/charging, and bicycle locking. This multi-functionality allows the system to replace multiple separate accessories, maintaining versatility while improving security and durability through a single integrated installation that cannot be easily compromised.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are retro-fitted to bicycles, then additional features are provided, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By combining GPS receiver, smartphone docking system, and locking mechanism into one integrated unit with a single mounting location, the patent reduces the number of separate components attached to the bicycle. This merging minimizes aerodynamic disruption compared to multiple separate retro-fitted accessories, while still providing all the additional features through the unified system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories are added to a bicycle, then functionality increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates GPS receiver, smartphone docking system, charging capability, and locking mechanism into a single integrated unit. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate accessories while maintaining all the desired functionality through a unified system with single-point installation.
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.