E-Bike Bottom Bracket Motor and Removable Seat Tube Battery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle propulsion systems with electric motors and batteries lack an aesthetically pleasing integration and efficient battery management, limiting their appeal for longer distances and hilly terrains, especially for less physically fit riders.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle design featuring a motor integrated with the bottom bracket and a battery that can be removably housed within the seat tube or down tube, with a locking mechanism and adjustable seat post clamp, allowing for improved aesthetics and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the battery is integrated into the seat tube or down tube, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the battery removal and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidbattery removal and installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is segmented into a removable battery unit and a frame-mounted receiver. The battery can be independently removed from the seat tube or down tube without requiring disassembly of the entire frame or other components, resolving the contradiction between integrated aesthetic appearance and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The battery is extracted as a separate removable component from the frame's seat tube or down tube. This allows the battery to be aesthetically integrated into the frame structure while maintaining the ability to easily remove and install it by simply pulling it out through the designated opening, without complex tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If the motor is integrated with the bottom bracket, then the overall structure is simplified, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall structureVSAvoidmotor integration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The motor is merged with the bottom bracket assembly to form an integrated drive unit. This consolidation simplifies the overall bicycle structure by eliminating separate motor mounting brackets and wiring harnesses, while the manufacturing precision is managed through standardized bottom bracket interfaces and modular motor assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the seat post is removably coupled to the seat tube, then the adjustability is improved, but the clamping force reliability may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat adjustabilityVSAvoidclamping force
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seat post clamp mechanism employs a dynamic quick-release system that allows rapid adjustment and removal of the seat post. The clamp uses a lever-operated cam mechanism that provides progressive clamping force, ensuring reliable holding strength when engaged while enabling easy adjustment when the lever is actuated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances the bicycle's versatility by providing efficient motor assistance, secure battery storage, and adjustable seating for improved pedaling efficiency and comfort, making it more suitable for longer distances and varied terrains.

Implementation Method 1

A battery is removably coupled to the frame and electrically coupled to the motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy conversion: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

A motor is coupled to the bottom bracket and operably coupled to the pedal crank shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3037335B1bicycle
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 CYCLING SPORTS GROUP INC
  • EP3037335B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3037335B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3037335B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bicycle is provided having a frame with a seat tube and a bottom bracket coupled to one end of the seat tube. A pedal crank shaft is operably coupled to the bottom bracket. A motor is coupled to the bottom bracket and operably coupled to the pedal crank shaft. A battery is removably coupled to the frame and electrically coupled to the motor. A seat having a seat post is removably coupled to the seat tube, wherein the battery is disposed to remain coupled to the frame when the seat post is removed. In another embodiment, a sleeve is positioned with in the seat tube and the seat post is slidingly disposed in the sleeve. In another embodiment, the bicycle includes a clamp having a plurality of clamp pads that engage the seat post to hold the seat in the desired position.