Bike Frame Drive Module Enclosure with Alignment Structure for Serviceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running bikes lack efficient and accessible mechanisms for securing and integrating a drive module, such as an electric motor, within the frame, which complicates assembly, maintenance, and upgrade processes.
Innovation Solution
A bike frame design featuring a drive module enclosure with an alignment structure and securing structure that supports and secures the drive module within a receptacle, utilizing oversized fastener apertures and elongated alignment features to facilitate easy installation and removal, while maintaining longitudinal alignment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the drive module is integrated within the frame using traditional securing methods, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive module is designed as a separate, modular unit that can be independently installed and removed from the bike frame. The enclosure is divided into distinct components (enclosure body, alignment structure, securing structure) that work together to hold the drive module, allowing for simplified assembly and maintenance while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
An alignment structure serves as an intermediary component between the drive module and the frame enclosure. This alignment structure includes alignment features that guide the drive module into proper positioning and work in conjunction with securing features to hold the module stable, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring stability.
2Reliability
If the drive module is securely fixed within the frame, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of replacement and upgrade deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The securing structure is designed to provide dynamic functionality, allowing the drive module to be easily removed and reinstalled when needed for replacement or upgrade. The securing features can be engaged and disengaged through simple operations, maintaining reliability during normal use while enabling easy serviceability when required.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment methods are used for the drive module, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the assembly time and serviceability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment structure is pre-configured with alignment features that automatically guide the drive module into the correct position during assembly. This preliminary alignment preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustment and precision alignment operations, reducing assembly time while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A bike includes a frame having a front fork rotatably engaged with a front wheel, a rear fork rotatably engaged with a rear wheel, a handlebar supported for steering the bike, and a drive module configured to drive the rear wheel of the bike when operated selectively with power. The frame includes a down tube extending downward and rearward from the front end of the bike and a drive module enclosure formed at a second end of the down tube and defining a drive module receptacle to receive the drive module. An alignment structure is positioned between the drive module and the inner surface of the drive module enclosure. The drive module is positioned within the drive module receptacle to form an engagement between the alignment structure and the drive module to support a first portion the drive module within the drive module receptacle.