Folding Bicycle Frame with Universal Component Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard bicycles are inconvenient for storage in passenger cars and navigating public areas due to their size and weight, and typical folding bicycles have specialized components that are not interchangeable with standard industry components, limiting user preferences and practicality, especially for electric bicycles which are heavier and harder to maneuver.
Innovation Solution
A folding bicycle design with a modular frame that allows wheels to be removed and repositioned, incorporating a power and control system that measures user physiological factors to assist pedaling, and is compatible with standard cycling components, enabling easy storage and towing configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a typical folding bicycle is designed with specially-designed components (pedals, handlebars, drive systems, seating), then the bicycle can be folded for storage, but the components cannot be interchanged with standard bicycle industry components, limiting user preferences and practicality
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle frame is designed with universal mounting interfaces that accommodate standard industry components such as pedals, handlebars, drive systems, and seating. The frame includes standardized attachment points and adjustment mechanisms that allow users to interchange components with standard bicycle parts, enabling the same frame to work with various component types according to user preferences or target markets.
2Ease of operation
If a typical quick-release rear wheel retains the drive sprockets or gear cassette on the wheel hub, then the wheel can be quickly released, but the wheel maintains a jagged and oily surface on one side, which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The drive sprockets or gear cassette are extracted from the wheel hub and mounted separately on the bicycle frame. The wheel hub is designed with a clean, smooth surface without the drive components, eliminating the jagged and oily surface problem. The drive components are retained on the frame through a separate quick-release mechanism, allowing the wheel to be quickly released while maintaining a clean surface.
3Power
If a typical electric bicycle includes additional weight for motor and battery pack, then mechanical power assistance is provided, but the bicycle becomes heavier and relatively difficult to manipulate in situations and locations where the bicycle may not be ridden
Solution Approach 1:
The electric bicycle is designed with separable components, including removable wheels and detachable battery pack. The motor and battery pack can be separated from the main frame when not in use, significantly reducing the weight that needs to be manipulated in storage and transportation situations. The segmentation allows the heavy components to be stored separately or removed, making the bicycle easier to handle while maintaining full electric assistance capability when assembled.
4Ease of operation
If standard bicycles are used, then the bicycle can be ridden normally, but the bicycle does not fit conveniently into the provided luggage space of passenger cars and may be difficult to navigate through public areas
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle is divided into separable components including removable wheels, foldable frame sections, and detachable handlebars. This segmentation allows the bicycle to be disassembled into compact parts that fit conveniently into passenger car luggage space and can be easily stored in public transportation vehicles. The segmented design enables the bicycle to be navigated through crowded public areas by removing wheels or folding sections, while maintaining full riding functionality when assembled.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle frame component includes a yoke member, a driveside arm fixed to the yoke member, and a pivot arm coupled to the yoke member opposite the driveside arm. The pivot arm includes a first portion rotatably coupled to the yoke member with a first hinge and a second portion rotatably coupled to the first portion with a second hinge. The pivot arm extends along the driveside arm in a first position, and the pivot arm has a second position including the first portion extending along the driveside arm and the second portion rotated away from the driveside arm and interfacing with the first portion. A first primary wheel mount portion is disposed within the driveside arm, and a second primary wheel mount portion is disposed within the second portion of the pivot arm. The pivot arm substantially axially aligns the primary wheel mounts in the first position.