Spoked Bicycle Wheel Lighting Layout for Balanced Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle wheel illumination devices are costly, cumbersome, and offset the wheel's center of mass, requiring additional weight to counteract centripetal forces.
Innovation Solution
A compact illumination device comprising a power pack, adaptor body, and attachment portions that can be attached to a bicycle wheel's hub or spokes, using a holder with an adjustable strap for secure attachment and featuring LEDs with varying wavelengths, allowing flexible placement and reduced weight impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If existing illumination devices are used, then the bicycle wheel can be illuminated, but the device becomes large and cumbersome with non-flexible parts and large power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is divided into multiple segments: a power pack containing the battery, an adaptor body containing the light sources, and attachment portions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the power pack can be positioned away from the wheel, the adaptor body can be made compact, and the attachment portions can be flexible to accommodate different wheel configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power pack is positioned in a different spatial dimension from the illumination elements by using a holder that attaches the power pack to the hub portion or spokes, while the adaptor bodies with light sources are attached directly to the wheel rim. This dimensional separation allows the heavy power source to be positioned where it doesn't interfere with wheel balance while maintaining illumination functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If regular sized batteries (AA or AAA) are used, then sufficient power is provided, but the weight significantly offsets the center of mass of the bicycle wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The power pack is extracted from the wheel assembly and positioned separately on the hub portion or spokes using a holder. This extraction removes the heavy battery mass from the wheel's rotating mass, preventing significant offset of the center of mass while still providing sufficient power through the wire connection to the light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
A wire serves as an intermediary between the power pack and the light sources, allowing the power pack to be positioned away from the wheel while still delivering electrical energy to illuminate the wheel. This intermediary connection enables separation of the heavy power source from the illumination elements.
3Illumination intensity
If illumination devices are integrated into the wheel, then the wheel can be illuminated, but the cost increases significantly for consumers who already own bicycles
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor body is designed as a universal component that can be attached to various bicycle wheel configurations (different rim sizes, spoke patterns, and hub types) using different attachment portions. This universality allows a single illumination device to work with multiple wheel styles, reducing the need for custom-designed wheels and lowering consumer costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment portions are designed to be dynamically adjustable to accommodate different wheel configurations. The holder can attach the power pack to different locations (hub portion or spokes), and the adaptor bodies can be positioned at various locations on the wheel rim, providing flexibility without requiring integrated manufacturing into specific wheel designs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the power pack is attached to the hub portion or spokes, then flexible placement is achieved, but the attachment mechanism must be secure enough to withstand centrifugal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into a holder for the power pack and separate attachment portions for the adaptor bodies. This segmentation allows each attachment point to be independently optimized - the holder can be designed with strong mounting features for the heavy power pack, while the adaptor bodies use lighter attachment mechanisms suitable for their position on the wheel rim.
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
Provides effective illumination without significantly altering the wheel's mass, reducing costs and maintaining balance, while being adaptable to various wheel sizes and styles.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of light sources are placed inside the adaptor body
Implementation Method 2
featuring LEDs with varying wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
The at least one tubular body providing for the diffusion of light of the plurality of light sources inside the at least one adaptor body
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an illumination device for use with spoked wheels, such as bicycle wheels, wherein the wheel includes a hub portion, a plurality of spokes, and a rim portion. The illumination device includes a power pack, at least one adaptor body, and at least one attachment portion. The power pack having at least one wire, a flexible button cap, a body housing, and circuit board with a switch. The at least one wire including a plurality of light sources. The at least one attachment portion including a clip portion providing for the installation of the at least one adaptor body to the bicycle spokes. The illumination device also includes a holder for the installation of the power pack to the bicycle wheel. Further, the illumination device may include a tubular body located in the internal cavity of the at least one adaptor body.