E-Bike Clutch Transmission for Rust-Free Authentication Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shared electric bicycles face issues with the exposure of locking devices leading to rust and unstable locking/unlocking operations due to prolonged use, causing inconvenience to users.
Innovation Solution
An electric bicycle design that incorporates a clutch device allowing connection and disconnection between the pedal shaft and driving sprocket, controlled by a controller and wireless communication module for user authentication, replacing the conventional locking device's function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking device is used to restrain the wheel, then the electric bicycle can be secured in standby state, but the locking device is exposed to the outside causing rust and unstable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from the exposed external locking device and relocates it to the internal clutch mechanism. The clutch device, which is housed within the bicycle body, performs the locking function by disconnecting the pedal shaft from the driving sprocket, thereby removing the vulnerability of external locking components to rust and environmental damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the authentication system and the power transmission system. Instead of directly locking the wheel with an exposed clasp, the system uses the clutch to mediate the connection between the pedal shaft and driving sprocket, providing a more reliable and protected locking mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a locking device is used for authentication control, then driving can be restricted when not authenticated, but the exposed locking device causes inconvenience due to rust and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the authentication control function from the vulnerable external locking device and relocates it to the protected clutch mechanism. The controller receives authentication information and controls the clutch's connection state, thereby maintaining ease of authentication-based control while eliminating the reliability issues of exposed locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical exposure-based locking system with an electromechanical clutch system controlled by authentication signals. The clutch uses electromagnetic actuation to connect or disconnect the power transmission path, providing more reliable and controllable operation compared to traditional mechanical locking devices.
3Productivity
If the clutch device connects pedal shaft and driving sprocket, then power transmission is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both a power transmission connector and an authentication-based locking mechanism. By integrating these functions into a single device, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective power transmission when authenticated.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism automatically connects or disconnects based on authentication status without requiring manual intervention. The controller automatically actuates the clutch based on received authentication signals, eliminating the need for separate locking operations and simplifying user interaction.
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
The solution provides a reliable and user-authentication-based power transmission system, preventing rust and enhancing operational stability by securely connecting/disconnecting the pedal shaft and driving sprocket, thus addressing the instability issues of conventional locking devices.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation coil installed on the opposite side of the friction disk with the first rotation plate interposed therebetween to generate a magnetic force moving the friction disk toward the first rotation plate
Implementation Method 2
a restoration spring provided to separate the friction disk from the first rotation plate when the magnetic force generated by the excitation coil is dissipated
Implementation Method 3
a friction disk supported on the second rotation plate movable in an axial direction so that the friction disk comes into contact with the first rotation plate by moving toward the first rotation plate
Data Source
AI summary
An electric bicycle includes a bicycle body, a pedal shaft rotatably installed on a pedal shaft support of the bicycle body, a driving sprocket rotatably installed on the pedal shaft, and a clutch device configured to connect the pedal shaft and the driving sprocket to enable power transmission or release the connection between the pedal shaft and the driving sprocket.