Hinged Frame-Tube Battery Compartment for Easy Battery Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery compartments in vehicle frame tubes, such as those in bicycles, make it difficult to easily remove batteries while maintaining a seamless integration with the frame design.

Innovation Solution

A battery compartment with a pivotally hinged cover designed as a frame tube section allows easy access for battery insertion and removal, utilizing hinges and a sliding mechanism with locking elements and a spring-loaded operating section for secure closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the battery is mounted inside the frame tube, then the external design of the frame tube is not affected, but removing the battery from the frame tube becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal design of frame tubeVSAvoidbattery removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame tube is segmented into a fixed portion and a movable cover portion. The cover can be pivoted open to access the battery while remaining connected to the frame tube through hinges, allowing easy battery removal while preserving the integrated appearance when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. It can pivot between a closed position (maintaining aesthetic integration) and an open position (enabling battery access). The hinges and locking mechanism allow controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the cover is pivotally hinged to the frame tube, then easy battery removal is enabled, but the closure security may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery accessVSAvoidcover closure security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking elements are automatically positioned by the sliding cam mechanism before the cover is fully closed. When the cover approaches the closed position, the locking elements engage with the cam's engagement sections, pre-establishing the secure locked state before final contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding cam acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cover and the locking elements. It translates the covering motion into locking/unlocking actions, providing controlled engagement and disengagement of the locking elements without requiring direct manual manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If locking elements are arranged at the upper edge of the lid, then secure closure is ensured, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure fitVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking elements are integrated into the cover structure itself rather than being separate components. The sliding cam mechanism combines the locking, unlatching, and positioning functions into a single integrated system that operates automatically with cover movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism operates automatically through the sliding cam's interaction with the locking elements during cover opening and closing. The spring-loaded operating section provides self-actuating functionality, eliminating the need for separate manual locking or unlatching actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 easy and secure removal of batteries while maintaining a seamless integration with the frame tube, preserving the frame's aesthetic integrity and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The sliding mechanism is preferably spring-loaded, and the cover is released against a spring force. The spring force returns the sliding mechanism to its initial position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4656504A1Battery compartment in the frame tube of a vehicle and vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 KALKHOFF WERKE
  • EP4656504A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4656504A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4656504A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A battery compartment integrated into the frame tube of a vehicle, designed to house at least one accumulator, is provided that the compartment has at least one cover, which is formed as a section of the frame tube and pivotally attached to it. This battery compartment allows for easy removal of the accumulator while otherwise integrating seamlessly into the design of the bicycle frame. Furthermore, a manually propelled vehicle equipped with such a battery compartment is shown.