Integrated Bicycle Smartphone Docking for Theft Deterrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle accessories such as GPS systems and smartphones are typically bolted on, leading to durability issues, theft risks, and aerodynamic inefficiencies, and current bike locks are separate and basic.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle system with integrated frame-embedded electronics, including a handlebar docking system for smartphones, which provides integrated theft deterrence, navigation, and aerodynamic design, using a processor, battery, and locking system for secure and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If accessories are bolted onto the bicycle, then they can be easily installed and removed, but they become vulnerable to theft and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the smartphone holder, GPS system, and docking station into the bicycle frame structure itself, making these accessories permanent fixtures rather than removable attachments. This merging of components into the frame eliminates theft vulnerability while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The smartphone is received within a docking station that is integrated into the handlebar assembly, creating a nested structure where the phone fits into a recessed compartment. This nesting provides physical protection and secures the device against theft.
2Ease of manufacture
If accessories are bolted onto the bicycle, then they can be easily added, but the bicycle becomes less aerodynamic
Solution Approach 1:
The accessories are merged into the bicycle frame during manufacturing, creating a streamlined integrated structure. The smartphone holder and GPS system are built into the frame and handlebars, eliminating protruding components that would create aerodynamic drag.
3Device complexity
If basic separate locks are used, then they are simple and inexpensive, but they provide insufficient theft deterrence
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the bicycle frame structure itself, particularly in the handlebar assembly where the smartphone docks. This integration creates a unified security system that is more effective than separate locks while maintaining structural simplicity.
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.