Modular Connector for Electric Bicycle Battery Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of connecting multiple batteries to an electric bicycle results in increased manufacturing costs, cable management issues, and reliability risks due to the multitude of cables, which can cause entanglement and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A modular plug connection arrangement with integrated electrical resistance components allows for simplified and cost-effective connection of multiple batteries, enabling adaptive battery management and reduced cable visibility, thereby improving safety and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If multiple batteries are connected individually to an electric drive, then the range of the electric bicycle is increased, but the number of cables and cable breakouts increases, resulting in increased manufacturing costs and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverangeVSAvoidcable management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple battery connections are merged into a single integrated cable harness that routes all electrical connections through one consolidated pathway, eliminating the need for multiple separate cable breakouts and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A universal connector design is implemented that can accommodate multiple batteries through a standardized interface, allowing the same cable assembly to serve multiple battery configurations without requiring variant-specific cable routing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If several batteries are used to increase range, then the electrical capacity is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase due to multiple variants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A universal connector design is implemented that can accommodate multiple batteries through a standardized interface, allowing the same cable assembly to serve multiple battery configurations without requiring variant-specific cable routing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection system is segmented into modular components where the cable harness is divided into interchangeable sections that can be configured for different battery arrangements, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cables are routed externally to the frame, then connection flexibility is improved, but reliability and tightness risks increase due to exposure to external factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidcable reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual cables are nested within a single protective outer sheath or cable harness, shielding them from external environmental factors while maintaining their individual electrical functions and connection flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This solution enables efficient and cost-effective production of electric bicycles with varying electrical ranges by simplifying battery connections, enhancing cable management, and improving battery management strategies, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing safety.

Implementation Method 1

the electrical connection arrangement has at least one electrical resistance component. In this way, a resistance measurement can be carried out in a line, so that when several rechargeable batteries are present, a number of rechargeable batteries can be inferred and, more preferably, the type of rechargeable batteries can also be inferred.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3298663B1Modular connector and electrical bicycle with modular power generation
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3298663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3298663B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3298663B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular plug-in connection arrangement (6) comprising a base connector connected to a first line (7), and at least one first module connector (61) having a connector (10) and a receptacle (11) designed to receive a connector of a second module connector (62), a second line (8), in particular for connection to the first rechargeable battery (3), being provided on the first module connector (61), and a first plug-in connection (17) being produced between the first module connector (61) and the base connector (60).