Dual-Axis Battery Clamp for Secure Bicycle Power Unit Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle equipment with electric power supply units face challenges in easy and quick attachment and detachment while maintaining firm hold during use, despite shocks and vibrations, and are susceptible to dirt and humidity.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device for the electric power supply unit that allows easy attachment and detachment using dual-axis rotation, featuring a retainable member and retainer member with abutting surfaces, ensuring a secure hold without complex mechanisms, and is resistant to dirt and humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable attachment mechanism is used for the electric power supply unit, then ease of attachment and detachment is improved, but firmness during use under shocks and vibrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device employs dynamic elements including a movable clamp arm that can transition between open and closed positions, and a spring mechanism that provides continuous clamping force. The clamp arm is pivotally mounted to allow rotational movement for engagement and disengagement, while the spring maintains constant pressure on the power supply unit during operation to ensure firm retention despite vibrations and shocks.
2Reliability
If a complex clamping mechanism is used to ensure firm hold, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a clamp arm for engagement, a spring element for force application, and a pivot point for motion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clamping mechanism is designed to be self-actuating. When the clamp arm is moved to the engaged position, the spring automatically applies clamping force without requiring additional actuators, motors, or control systems. The mechanism self-regulates the clamping force, eliminating the need for complex control electronics or manual adjustment mechanisms.
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used for the clamping device, then weight is reduced, but strength to resist shocks and vibrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device utilizes composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties. The clamp arm appears to be made from a material that balances strength and weight, while the spring element is constructed from elastic material that provides both structural integrity and compliance. This composite approach allows the device to withstand shocks and vibrations while maintaining reduced weight compared to solid metal construction.
Data Source
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AI summary
Electrically powered bicycle equipment (1), comprising an electric power supply unit (2), a component (10) having a seat (9) for removable attachment thereof, and at least one clamping device (11) of the electric power supply unit (2) to the component (10). The clamping device (11) is pivotally supported by one of the component (10) and the electric power supply unit (2) about a first geometric axis (12) stationary with respect thereto, and about a second geometric axis (13), which is parallel to, pivotal about, and not translatable with respect to, the first geometric axis (12). The other one of the component (10) and the electric power supply unit (2) has a retainer member (31) and the clamping device (11) has a retainable member (30) that is urged against the retainer member (31). The first axis (12) is interposed between the second axis (13) and the retainable and retainer members (30, 31), and the second axis (13) is closer to said one of the component (10) and the electric power supply unit (2) with respect to the first axis (12). The rotation of the clamping device (11) in a first direction (A) about the first axis (12) and in a second direction (B) opposed to the first direction (A) about the second axis (13) allows the retainable member (30) to be brought beyond the retainer member (31) during clamping and unclamping.