Bicycle Wireless Notification Device with Self-Powered Transmitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is difficult for others to recognize a vehicle, especially when the sound of a bell is hard to hear from inside the vehicle, leading to challenges in identifying its presence.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle notification device equipped with a wireless transmitter that sends notifications externally, a power generator for sustainable energy, and an attaching mechanism for easy installation on rotating bodies like bicycle spokes or cranks, allowing for efficient transmission of presence information and reducing battery replacement needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a bell is used to notify the surroundings of the vehicle, then the vehicle presence can be notified, but the sound is hard to hear in the interior of an automobile making it difficult to recognize the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical acoustic notification system (bell) with an electronic wireless communication system. The wireless transmitter sends signals externally that can be heard or detected outside the vehicle, eliminating the problem of sound attenuation within the vehicle interior while maintaining the notification function.
2Reliability
If a battery is used to power the wireless transmitter, then the transmitter can operate, but battery replacement becomes a trouble or necessity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service power system where the power generator automatically generates electricity from the rotation of the rotating body (such as bicycle wheels or crank). This eliminates the need for manual battery replacement by continuously generating power through the vehicle's normal operation, making the system self-sustaining.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (battery) with a mechanical energy conversion system (power generator). The generator converts mechanical energy from the rotating body into electrical energy, providing continuous power without the need for replaceable battery components.
3Reliability
If the base portion is attached inside the rotating body, then the device is protected, but the wireless signal transmission is disturbed by the rotating body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the base portion (containing the wireless transmitter) at a specific location on the rotating body where it remains protected yet maintains signal transmission capability. The attaching portion is designed to expose the base portion to the outside of the rotating body, creating an optimal local environment that balances protection and signal transmission.
4Reliability
If a new element is provided for attaching the notification device to the bicycle, then the attachment is secure, but the versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the attaching portion to be compatible with multiple existing bicycle components such as spokes and cranks. This multi-functional attachment design allows the notification device to be securely attached to various parts of different bicycle types without requiring a new dedicated mounting element, thereby maintaining high versatility.
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 device enables easy recognition of vehicles by transmitting presence information externally, reduces battery replacement issues, and provides versatile attachment options, ensuring reliable operation through various power sources.
Implementation Method 1
the power generator comprises a rotor that is rotated together with rotation of the rotating body and a coil that is electromagnetically induced by the rotation of the rotor
Implementation Method 2
the power generator comprises a piezoelectric element that generates, by vibration, power that is applied to the power generator
Implementation Method 3
the power generator comprises a photoelectric element that generates power by sunlight
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a vehicle notification device that allows others to easily recognize the vehicle.[Solution] A vehicle notification device comprises a base portion, an attaching portion that is provided on the base portion and that can be attached to or detached from a rotating body of a vehicle that is configured to be run by a manual drive force, a wireless transmitter configured to transmit a wireless signal that notifies the presence of itself to an external device that is external to the vehicle, and a power generator that generates electric power supplied to the wireless transmitter.