Integrated Charging Cable for E-Bikes with Anti-Theft Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of charging cables for electric vehicles like pedelecs and e-bikes is cumbersome due to their unwieldy nature, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for a practical and cost-effective method to carry and secure these cables during use and transport.
Innovation Solution
An integrated charging cable with a limited extension length, fixed stops in the frame, and a metallic sheath for protection, along with a locking mechanism and strain relief, allows the cable to be securely stored and used as an anti-theft device, eliminating the need for additional locks and connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging cable is integrated into the frame, then the handling and storage of the cable is improved, but the cable needs protection against damage and theft
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable is equipped with a metallic sheath that provides mechanical protection while maintaining flexibility. This metallic covering protects the cable against cutting and damage during handling and storage, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cable is combined with a locking function by integrating a lockable plug that can secure the bicycle to the charging station. This merging of charging and anti-theft functions eliminates the need for separate locking devices, improving ease of operation while maintaining protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the charging cable is made long enough to reach the charging station, then the usability is improved, but the cable becomes unwieldy and difficult to store
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable is stored within the frame structure of the bicycle, with the cable routing through the frame tubes. This nesting approach allows the cable to be compact during storage while being accessible when needed, resolving the contradiction between reach and ease of storage.
3Ease of operation
If the charging cable is made rigid for easy handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the cable cannot be flexed for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic sheath provides structural support and protection while allowing the cable to remain flexible. This flexible protective covering enables the cable to be both easy to handle and capable of being flexed for storage within the frame.
4Reliability
If additional locking devices are added to secure the charging cable, then the anti-theft protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable plug is designed to combine both charging connection and locking functions in a single integrated component. The lockable plug secures the bicycle to the charging station while simultaneously establishing the electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate locking devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle (1), in particular a pedelec, an e-bike or the like, with a frame (2) and with a battery, in particular arranged on the frame (2). The battery is electrically connected to one end (5) of a charging cable (4) such that energy transfer from a charging station (7) to the battery for charging is enabled. The charging cable (4) is extendable and/or retractable in and/or on the frame (2), in particular in a frame tube of the frame (2), in the manner of an integrated charging cable.