Electric Bicycle Energy Store Fall-Out Prevention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of energy storage units in electric bicycle frames, particularly in small full-suspension bikes or with additional units, poses a risk of damage due to the energy storage unit falling when the lock is unlocked, necessitating multiple unlocking steps for additional security.
Innovation Solution
A fall-out prevention device with a force-locking locking connection secures the energy storage device to the frame, preventing it from falling by applying a holding force greater than the weight of the device, allowing removal with a single unlocking step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock is used to secure the energy storage device to the bicycle frame, then the energy storage device is held securely, but when the lock is unlocked the energy storage device may fall to the ground and be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into two independent stages: a lock for primary security and a fall-out protection device for secondary protection. The fall-out protection device includes separate locking elements (locking claws or locking lugs) that are distinct from the main lock mechanism, allowing the energy storage device to be secured in two independent steps that address different failure modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fall-out protection device is pre-positioned and ready to engage automatically or with minimal action after the main lock is unlocked. The locking elements are designed to engage with corresponding features on the bicycle frame before the energy storage device can fall, providing preliminary protection against falling damage immediately after unlocking.
2Reliability
If a multi-stage fall-out prevention device is used with multiple unlocking steps, then the energy storage device is protected from falling, but the removal process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fall-out protection device is designed as a separate, independent mechanism from the main lock. The locking elements for fall-out protection are extracted as distinct components that can engage and disengage independently, allowing the user to unlock the main lock and remove the device in a single motion without needing to manually operate additional locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fall-out protection locking elements are integrated into the same mounting structure as the main lock, sharing common mounting points and structural features. This merging allows both security functions to be achieved within a unified mechanism that requires only a single unlocking action to release both the main lock and the fall-out protection simultaneously.
3Strength
If the locking force is increased to prevent accidental opening, then the energy storage device remains securely attached, but the energy storage device may accidentally open due to its weight and static torque when stationary
Solution Approach 1:
Different locking elements are designed with different locking forces tailored to their specific functions. The main lock is designed with high locking force to prevent theft and unauthorized removal, while the fall-out protection locking elements are designed with lower locking force sufficient to prevent accidental opening due to weight and static torque but easy to release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking force parameter is optimized for each stage of the securing mechanism. The fall-out protection locking elements use spring-loaded or elastic mechanisms that provide sufficient holding force to counteract the weight of the energy storage device and any static torque, while allowing for easy release when the main lock is unlocked. The main lock uses a different mechanism with higher locking force for security purposes.
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 ensures safe and easy removal of the energy storage device by preventing accidental falls and reducing replacement costs, while eliminating the need for multiple unlocking steps.
Implementation Method 1
Each locking claw can be designed as a cantilever-shaped bending spring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric bicycle comprising a bicycle frame (12), and an energy store (17) that is replaceably mounted on the bicycle frame (12) and can be secured by a lock; when the lock (21) is unlocked, the energy store (17) is retained on the bicycle frame (12) by a drop prevention mechanism in the form of an engagement device (40).