Electric Bicycle Frame Motor Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motorized bicycles are visually distinguishable from conventional pedal-driven bicycles due to the challenge of concealing motors, batteries, and fuel tanks within the open structural frames, making them difficult to integrate without significant alteration to the bicycle's design.

Innovation Solution

A system of battery-powered electric motor propulsion is integrated into the bicycle frame, using a specially designed 'diamond' frame with a bottom bracket shell that allows for the concealment of electric motor and gearbox assemblies within the down tube and seat tube, along with a drivetrain and battery power supply assembly, maintaining the appearance of a conventional bicycle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If electric motors and batteries are integrated into conventional bicycle frames, then motorized propulsion is achieved, but the visual appearance differs from conventional bicycles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion powerVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the electric motor and battery components within the existing tubular frame structure of the bicycle. The motor is positioned within the bottom bracket area, and the battery is concealed within the frame tubes, allowing the motorized bicycle to maintain the visual appearance of a conventional bicycle while providing electric propulsion assistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the electric motor propulsion system with the conventional bicycle frame structure by integrating the motor into the bottom bracket assembly and the battery into the frame tubes. This merging allows the motorized components to become part of the overall bicycle structure, making them visually indistinguishable from conventional bicycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Weight of moving object

If conventional open structure frames are used, then weight is reduced and structural integrity is maintained, but concealing motors and batteries becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebicycle weightVSAvoidcomponent concealment
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the hollow interior space of the tubular frame members to conceal the battery and motor components. The battery is positioned within the down tube or seat tube, and the motor is integrated into the bottom bracket shell, effectively nesting the propulsion components within the existing frame structure without adding external bulk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the bottom bracket shell and frame tubes to serve dual functions: maintaining the structural integrity and light weight characteristics of conventional bicycle frames while simultaneously housing the electric motor and battery components. This multi-functionality allows the same structural elements to provide both mechanical support and component concealment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the creation of motorized bicycles that appear identical to conventional bicycles, allowing for easy adoption as an aftermarket enhancement or new design, providing assistive propelling power while maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic of un-motorized bicycles.

Implementation Method 1

A system of battery-powered electric motor propulsion for supplying assistive propelling power to conventional bicycles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy to mechanical energy transformation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3221211B1Electric bicycle
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 S C P TYPHOON
  • EP3221211B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3221211B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3221211B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A electric motor system for supplying assistive propelling power to a bicycle, comprising: one or more drivetrains, each comprising a motor-drive shaft having a pinion with fixed drive system driving a crown and bearing assembly connected to a spindle; and a controller for executing a motor control sequence comprising: an initial state activated by a rider's start command where the motor speed is being detected for an initial period, and if the motor speed is higher than a first speed threshold continuously for a first period, then the motor is turned on to output a rider- selected torque level; a continuous motor speed detection state where the motor speed is being continuously detected, and if the motor speed falls below a second speed threshold continuously for a second period, then the motor is turned off; and the motor is turned off if a stop command from the rider is received.