Downtube-Integrated Battery Locking for Theft-Resistant Micromobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy micromobility vehicle battery designs are vulnerable to theft and vandalism due to exposed securement means, which provide insufficient retention forces and multiple pry points.
Innovation Solution
A battery connection system for micromobility vehicles that integrates the battery into the frame's downtube, using a recess and a battery lock to conceal attachment points, reducing pry points and enhancing theft resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery is exposed and secured using exposed latches, then the battery is easily accessible and simple to install, but the battery becomes vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and insufficient retention forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable exposed latches and securement means from the battery assembly, relocating them to the frame structure. The battery is received within a recess in the frame, separating the battery body from the exposed securing mechanisms, thereby protecting the battery from direct vandalism while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by receiving the battery within a recess in the frame structure. The battery is nested inside the frame's downtube recess, concealing the battery and its attachment points within the frame's structural envelope, which protects against pry points and visual targeting for theft.
2Strength
If exposed latches are used to secure the battery, then the installation is simple, but the retention forces are insufficient and the battery can be pried loose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery securing function with the frame structure itself. The recess in the frame integrates the battery mounting location, and the lock mechanism combines securing and locking functions into a single integrated system, distributing retention forces across the frame structure rather than relying on separate exposed latches.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame recess is pre-formed during manufacturing to receive the battery in its final secured position. The recess geometry is predetermined to provide proper alignment and retention, eliminating the need for complex field assembly while ensuring adequate retention forces are built into the structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the battery is received within the downtube recess, then the attachment points are concealed and pry points are reduced, but the battery integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented to include a dedicated recess portion for battery reception. This segmentation separates the battery mounting function from the rest of the frame structure, allowing the recess to be designed and manufactured as an integrated feature that conceals attachment points while maintaining frame structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a micromobility transit vehicle includes a frame including a downtube having a recess, a battery lock within the recess, and a battery. The battery includes an enclosure, an outer wall connected to the enclosure, a handle extending from a first portion of the outer wall, and a plurality of bumpers connected to the enclosure. The enclosure is configured to be received at least partially within the recess of the downtube. The outer wall has a shape complementary to the downtube. The handle makes a continuous loop with respect to the first portion of the outer wall such that the handle is formed as part of the outer wall. The plurality of bumpers is configured to provide the battery with drop protection and fit the battery within the recess of the downtube.