Handlebar Power Unit Mount for Modular E-Bike Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric bike systems are inflexible and inefficient due to the use of single large batteries, which are unattractive, heavy, and impractical for short trips, leading to energy wastage and difficulty in managing charging and use routines.
Innovation Solution
A modular power apparatus that allows users to select the size of the power supply based on specific use cases, using a compact mount and power unit connector with a low-profile electrical interface, enabling the connection of multiple power units for increased range and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a single large battery is used to maximise the range of the electric drive system, then the range is improved, but the weight and size of the battery increase, making it difficult to handle and impractical to remove for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into modular components - a mount that remains on the bike and removable power units that can be taken off. This segmentation allows the battery capacity to be divided into manageable units that can be easily removed and stored, while still providing sufficient total capacity for extended range when multiple units are combined or used in sequence.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a single large battery is used to maximise the range, then the energy capacity is improved, but the unused energy in the battery results in inefficient energy usage for shorter trips
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system becomes dynamic and adaptable - users can select and attach only the power unit capacity needed for each specific journey. For short trips, a small power unit is used; for longer trips, multiple units can be combined or swapped. This dynamic configuration eliminates energy wastage by matching power supply capacity to actual trip requirements.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a single large battery is used, then the total energy capacity is improved, but the charging time increases, making it difficult to manage charging and use routines for multiple trips
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the battery capacity into separate power units, each unit can be charged independently and much faster than a single large battery. Users can charge multiple small units in parallel or sequentially during breaks, significantly reducing total charging time compared to waiting for one large battery to charge, while maintaining the same total energy capacity.
4Reliability
If traditional electrical connectors are used in electric power apparatuses, then the electrical connection is established, but the connector forms a large proportion of the overall size, negatively impacting usability and reducing functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional large mechanical electrical connectors with a contactless power transfer system using electromagnetic induction. This allows electrical power to be transferred through air or close proximity coupling, eliminating the need for bulky physical connectors and sockets, thereby reducing the overall apparatus size while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A mount for connecting a power unit to a bike-mounted power apparatus, the mount comprising: an attachment device configured to mechanically connect the mount to a bike, the attachment device being for attaching the mount to the handlebars of a bike; a power unit connector configured to mechanically and electrically connect a power unit to the mount; wherein the power unit connector comprises: an electrical interface configured to electrically connecting to a power unit; and first and second opposing surfaces for gripping a power unit therebetween. A modular power apparatus for a bike includes the mount and a power unit.