Electrical Seatpost Assembly with Overlapping Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle seatpost assemblies lack compact and efficient designs for electrical components, leading to increased length and complexity, which can affect performance and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An electrical seatpost assembly featuring a telescopic design with an electrical actuator and power supply integrated within the cylinders, allowing for compact positioning and easy charging, and the ability to share power with other bicycle components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the power supply and electrical actuator are disposed in one of the first cylinder and the second cylinder to at least partly overlap with each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the telescopic direction, then the total length of the electrical seatpost assembly in the telescopic direction is shortened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply and electrical actuator are disposed within the same cylinder (first or second cylinder) in an overlapping arrangement when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the telescopic direction. This nesting approach allows one component to be positioned within the spatial envelope of the other, effectively reducing the total length of the electrical seatpost assembly in the telescopic direction while accommodating both components in a compact configuration.
2Volume of moving object
If the electrical actuator includes a motor, then the electrical actuator becomes more compact, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical actuator utilizes a motor to replace traditional mechanical actuation mechanisms. This substitution enables a more compact design as motors can generate significant force in a small volume compared to mechanical linkages, levers, or spring-based systems. The motor-driven approach consolidates the actuation function into a single integrated component, reducing the overall volume of the electrical actuator assembly.
3Volume of moving object
If the power supply includes a rechargeable battery, then the power supply becomes more compact and reusable, but the charging infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply utilizes a rechargeable battery instead of a disposable battery or alternative power source. This parameter change in the power supply type enables compactness and reusability, as rechargeable batteries can be designed in smaller form factors and eliminated the need for battery replacement. The rechargeable battery system provides sustained operational capability while maintaining a compact power supply volume.
4Ease of operation
If the charging port is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the one of the first cylinder and the second cylinder, then the charging operation becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging port is extracted from the internal components and provided on the outer peripheral surface of one of the first cylinder or the second cylinder. This extraction allows the charging interface to be accessible from the exterior of the electrical seatpost assembly, enabling easy charging operation without disassembly or complex internal routing. The charging port is positioned on the outer surface to facilitate direct connection with charging devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical seatpost assembly comprises a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a positioning structure, an electrical actuator, and a power supply. The second cylinder is telescopically received in the first cylinder. The positioning structure is to adjustably position the second cylinder relative to the first cylinder in a telescopic direction. The electrical actuator is to actuate the positioning structure in accordance with an electrical signal. The power supply is to supply electrical power to the electrical actuator. The power supply and the electrical actuator are disposed in one of the first cylinder and the second cylinder to at least partly overlap with each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the telescopic direction.