Foldable Electric Bicycle with Electromagnetic Unfolding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for transporting bicycles, such as after-market racks, are expensive, time-consuming to assemble, and disrupt airflow, leading to decreased fuel economy and inefficient use of vehicle space.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electric bicycle design integrated with a vehicle, featuring a pivotable frame, electromagnet-assisted unfolding, and a locking system, allowing for compact storage and easy assembly, with a communication system for secure operation and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If after-market racks are used to store bicycles on the exterior of a vehicle, then bicycle transportation is enabled, but the rack and bicycle disrupt airflow around the vehicle, decreasing fuel economy
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle storage system is merged with the vehicle's existing structure (roof rails, side mirrors, door handles) rather than using separate after-market racks. This integration eliminates additional aerodynamic disruptions while enabling bicycle transportation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's existing structural components (roof rails, side mirrors, door handles) are made multi-functional by enabling them to serve both their original purposes and bicycle storage/transportation functions through the integrated system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If after-market racks are assembled and bicycles are mounted onto them, then bicycle transportation is achieved, but the assembly process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle mounting function is merged directly with the vehicle's existing structural components, eliminating the need for separate rack assembly. The system uses the vehicle's built-in features (roof rails, side mirrors, door handles) as the mounting structure, allowing for quick attachment and removal of bicycles without time-consuming rack assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bicycles are stored in the interior of a vehicle, then transportation is enabled, but the bicycles consume valuable interior space and can move during acceleration or deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle storage solution moves from the vehicle's interior three-dimensional space to the exterior surface area (roof, sides). By utilizing the vehicle's exterior dimensions and surface area rather than interior volume, the system enables bicycle storage without consuming valuable interior passenger or cargo space.
Solution Approach 2:
The bicycle storage system merges with the vehicle's exterior structural components (roof rails, side mirrors, door handles), utilizing these existing structures for their intended purpose while adding bicycle transportation capability without interior space consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If bicycles are stored in the interior of a vehicle, then transportation is enabled, but the bicycles can move within the vehicle during unexpected acceleration or deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle attachment system merges with the vehicle's rigid exterior structure (roof rails, side mirrors, door handles), providing stable, fixed positioning that prevents movement during acceleration or deceleration, unlike interior storage where bicycles can shift freely.
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 efficient multi-modal transportation by reducing assembly time, conserving vehicle space, improving fuel efficiency, and enhancing security through secure operation and charging mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnet-assisted unfolding
Implementation Method 2
locking system
Data Source
AI summary
An electric bicycle includes a motor and a controller. A heart rate monitor is programmed to communicate a heart rate signal representing a heart rate of an occupant to the controller. The controller is programmed to receive a destination distance of the electric bicycle relative to a predetermined destination. The controller is programmed to provide instruction to adjust power to the motor based at least on the heart rate signal and the destination distance.