E-Bike Battery Lock Housing With Integrated Charging and Theft Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking and unlocking devices for electric bicycles require separate charging sockets and are vulnerable to theft, with easy access to electronics allowing unauthorized battery removal.
Innovation Solution
A combined locking, unlocking, and charging apparatus with a housing containing a built-in mechanical actuating element and electronic unlocking mechanism, featuring a spring arrangement for multiple functions, including a securing bracket for enhanced security and a two-stage unlocking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate charging sockets and locking/unlocking devices are installed separately in the bicycle frame, then charging and locking functions are provided, but assembly and disassembly become extremely cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charging socket and locking/unlocking device into a single integrated apparatus housed within one housing structure. The charging socket is positioned within the same housing that contains the locking mechanism, allowing both functions to be accessed and operated through a unified interface on the bicycle frame, thereby eliminating the need for separate installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical locking through the built-in element, electronic unlocking via the electronic unlocking element, and charging through the charging socket. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate components, simplifying both installation and operation.
2Ease of operation
If conventional locking devices are used with easy access to electronics, then battery removal is simple, but theft protection is compromised as thieves can manipulate electronics with simple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two distinct systems: a mechanical locking system with a built-in element that physically secures the battery, and an electronic unlocking system that requires authentication or authorization. The mechanical component provides immediate physical security, while the electronic component controls access, creating layered protection that is difficult to bypass with simple tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic unlocking element acts as an intermediary between the user and the mechanical locking mechanism. Before the built-in element can be actuated to release the battery, the electronic system must first authorize the unlocking process. This intermediary step prevents unauthorized access even if the mechanical components are exposed or accessible.
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
Enables safe, efficient battery locking and charging with increased theft protection by integrating functions into a single apparatus, making it difficult for thieves to access the electronics and simplifying battery removal and insertion.
Implementation Method 1
The spring arrangement comprises a first spring, a shaft and a locking ring. The spring arrangement not only allows the built-in element to move, but also to snap back into its original position. This is realized by a spring preload.
Implementation Method 2
The spring preload can be overcome with the actuating element by bridging with an opening angle of more than 90°. When the actuating element is folded back to an opening angle of 90° or less, the spring arrangement resumes its preload.
Implementation Method 3
an electronic unlocking element. The apparatus can be connected to a release device for releasing the mechanical battery unlocking by means of an electronic release element.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking and unlocking apparatus for an electrically driven vehicle, in particular an electric bicycle. The apparatus comprises a housing for receiving components, a built-in element for mechanical unlocking of the battery, wherein the built-in element comprises an actuating element for releasing the unlocking of the battery, and an electronic unlocking element. The apparatus is advantageously connected to a release device for releasing the mechanical unlocking of the battery by means of an electronic unlocking element.