Universal E-Bike Drive Unit Fastening Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive arrangements for vehicles like electric bicycles require elaborate and specific interfaces for different installation positions, limiting flexibility and increasing complexity in design and adaptation for various frame types and load situations.
Innovation Solution
A universal interface is implemented using a drive unit with multiple fastening devices, where some are active for attachment and others are passive, allowing for versatile mounting options without additional components, enabling attachment to various frame components with a compact and space-saving design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specific interface design is used for each installation position, then the drive unit can be securely fastened to the frame component, but the design complexity and adaptation requirements increase for different frame types
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is equipped with multiple first fastening devices (six total) that can selectively connect to second fastening devices on different frame components. This universal interface design allows the same drive unit to be mounted in various positions (down tube, seat tube, horizontal mounting) without requiring position-specific adaptations, thereby reducing interface design complexity while maintaining fastening security through appropriate selection of active fastening devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fastening devices are provided on the drive unit for universal compatibility, then the adaptability to different frame components increases, but the device complexity of the fastening system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into multiple independent first fastening devices on the drive unit and corresponding second fastening devices on frame components. This segmentation allows selective activation of only the necessary fastening devices for each mounting scenario. For example, when mounted on a down tube, only three of the six first fastening devices are actively connected, while the others remain inactive, thereby achieving universal adaptability without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the drive unit is designed as orthogonal drive unit, then the compact design is achieved, but the mounting interface requirements become more specific
Solution Approach 1:
The orthogonal drive unit maintains its compact design while incorporating a universal fastening interface with multiple first fastening devices. These devices enable the compact drive unit to adapt to various mounting positions and frame components (down tube, seat tube, horizontal mounting) without requiring additional space or compromising the orthogonal compact configuration. The universality is achieved through the configurable connection of fastening devices rather than through increased physical dimensions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Drive arrangement for a vehicle that can be operated by muscle power and/or additionally by motor power, in particular an electric bicycle, eBike, pedelec or S-Pedelec, for universal connection to a frame component, comprising a drive unit, a number of first fastening devices on the drive unit, a number of second fastening devices on the frame component, wherein the first fastening devices on the drive unit and the second fastening devices on the frame component are designed to fasten the drive unit to the frame component, wherein the number of first fastening devices of the drive unit is greater than the number of second fastening devices of the frame component.