Compact E-bike Motor with Planetary Gears and Magnetic Levitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical engines for light-weight wheeled transportation vehicles, such as bicycles and scooters, face issues with high weight, large size, and altered weight distribution, which affect performance and compatibility with various frames, especially in high-power applications like mountain bikes, and often require specific frame designs.
Innovation Solution
A compact, high-power electrical engine system with multiple speed reduction stages, a planetary drive, and a one-way bearing, allowing for central weight distribution and easy installation on any bicycle frame, featuring a motor with high speed and small size, and a modular design that can be quickly attached or removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If wheel-drive hub engines are used, then electrical propulsion is achieved, but weight increases substantially and power-to-weight ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hub motors with a magnetic levitation-based propulsion system. The magnetic levitation engine eliminates mechanical contact between the wheel and motor, using magnetic fields for both levitation and propulsion. This substitution of mechanical systems with magnetic fields achieves electrical propulsion while significantly reducing the weight and complexity of the propulsion system.
2Power
If mid-drive engines are used, then electrical propulsion is achieved, but the engine size and weight are large, requiring specifically designed bicycle frames
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic levitation engine is designed as a universal propulsion system that can be integrated into various bicycle frame types without requiring specific modifications. The engine's compact design and magnetic coupling mechanism allow it to work with standard bicycle frames, chains, and sprockets, making it adaptable to different bicycle configurations while providing electrical propulsion.
3Power
If mid-drive engines are fastened to the bottom bracket, then electrical propulsion is achieved, but the bottom bracket and crank set are subjected to high forces causing deformation and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the propulsion function from the bottom bracket-crank set system and relocates it to a dedicated magnetic levitation engine mounted on the bicycle frame. The engine's output shaft connects directly to the rear wheel through a magnetic coupling, bypassing the bottom bracket and crank set. This extraction of the propulsion function prevents high forces from being applied to the bottom bracket, eliminating deformation and failure risks.
4Power
If large mid-drive engines are used, then electrical propulsion is achieved, but ground clearance is substantially diminished, restricting driving on uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the propulsion system from the bottom bracket area to the rear wheel hub area, utilizing the vertical space within the wheel assembly. The magnetic levitation engine is positioned concentrically within the wheel, with its components arranged in the radial dimension rather than extending horizontally. This dimensional reorganization maintains full ground clearance while providing adequate propulsion power.
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 system provides a lightweight, high-power propulsion solution with improved ground clearance and compatibility with various frames, maintaining the original geometry and performance of the vehicle, suitable for both new and existing bicycles, scooters, and robotic applications.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary drive (2) directly mounted on the motor's (1) pinion shaft output gear (18, 19), as a first stage of speed-reduction
Implementation Method 2
a one-way bearing (6)... positioned inside the large gear (5) of the second reduction stage
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical propulsion system for bicycles (E-bike) is claimed. The system comprises an electric motor, at least three speed reduction stages and an output gear (driven gear). The motor has an output shaft oriented towards one side of the system, while the output gear is located on the opposite side of the system. The first and second reduction stage are located on the same side as the drive gear which is mounted on the output shaft of the motor. The sub-claims specify the first reduction stage to be a planetary gear set and specify the location of the third reduction stage. Further is the motor defined as high speed motor and is the system specified as module for mounting to a bicycle bottom bracket.