Illuminated Bicycle Tire Hub Power Source Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle tire illumination solutions are costly, require replacing tires or attaching large, cumbersome devices that offset the tire's center of mass, and are not flexible, making them undesirable.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated bicycle wheel design featuring a power source secured around the central hub with a flexible rubber-like holder and wires extending along the spokes to integrate multiple light sources, such as LEDs, which are secured with cable ties, maintaining balance and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a power source is attached directly to the spokes of the bicycle wheel, then the wheel can be illuminated, but the center of mass is significantly offset and centripetal forces are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is extracted from the spoke area and relocated to the central hub region. The patent describes placing the power source 'around the central hub of the tire' and securing it with a holder, thereby removing the harmful centripetal forces and mass offset while maintaining illumination capability through wire connections to the light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the mass distribution problem by positioning the power source at the central hub rather than on the spokes. This central positioning acts as a counterbalance, preventing the offset of center of mass and eliminating the need for additional bracing mass that would further worsen the balance issue.
2Illumination intensity
If large and cumbersome apparatuses with non-flexible parts are used to illuminate the tire, then illumination is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires increased mass to brace against forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible components throughout the illumination system. The power source is secured with a 'flexible rubber-like holder' that can accommodate wheel movement and deformation. The wiring system uses flexible cables that can bend and move with the wheel, and the light sources are attached in a manner that allows for dynamic movement, thereby eliminating the rigidity and complexity of prior art solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifically utilizes flexible rubber-like material for the holder that secures the power source. This flexible component allows the system to adapt to the dynamic conditions of bicycle operation without requiring rigid bracing structures, thereby reducing device complexity and mass while maintaining secure attachment.
3Illumination intensity
If pre-existing tires are replaced or new bicycles with integrated illumination are purchased, then illumination is achieved, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into separate, independently installable components: a power source, flexible wiring, light sources, and a holder. This modular approach allows the system to be installed on existing tires without replacing the entire tire or wheel assembly, thereby significantly reducing cost while maintaining illumination functionality. Each component can be sourced and installed separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal illumination system that can be installed on various existing bicycle tires and wheels. The flexible holder and wiring design accommodate different wheel configurations, and the system can be applied to any standard bicycle tire without requiring proprietary or specialized components, thereby reducing manufacturing and installation costs through standardization.
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 solution provides effective tire illumination without increasing the tire's mass, maintaining balance, and reducing costs by integrating the illumination system into existing tires, offering flexible and efficient lighting without the drawbacks of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
the power source is secured in place by a holder comprising a flexible rubber-like material
Implementation Method 2
the power source is secured in place by a holder comprising a flexible rubber-like material
Implementation Method 3
The wire contains a plurality of light sources
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an illumination device for use with spoked tires, such as the common tires found on bicycles. The illumination device may comprise a power source which is removably attached to the hub portion by a holder, said holder comprising a strap portion, a hook portion, a handle portion, and a pocket portion; where the strap portion is wrapped around a circumference of the hub portion, and there are a plurality of wires extending from the power source where the wires contain a plurality of light sources.