Electric Bicycle Motor Housing Integrated Frame Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle frame arrangements with integrated electric motors face issues with imprecise fitting due to tolerance errors and high assembly complexity, leading to difficulties in production and motor insertion.
Innovation Solution
The electric motor housing is integrated as part of the support arrangement, connecting the seat tube and down tube via retention means, simplifying the frame configuration and eliminating fitting errors by acting as both a support and connection member, potentially made of metal for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed frame portion is used as the support arrangement for the electric motor, then the motor can be fixed and supported, but the assembly complexity increases and imprecise fitting occurs due to tolerance errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor housing with the frame's support arrangement, eliminating the need for a separate closed frame portion. The motor housing itself forms part of the structural support, directly connecting to the seat tube and down tube, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor housing serves dual functions: it encloses the motor components and simultaneously acts as a structural support element of the frame. This multi-functionality eliminates redundant components and simplifies the overall frame assembly while ensuring reliable motor support.
2Reliability
If a separate support arrangement is provided in addition to the motor housing, then the motor is securely supported, but the frame weight increases and redundancies are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement is merged with the motor housing structure, eliminating redundant support components. The motor housing directly integrates with the frame's seat tube and down tube through retention means, providing secure support without adding extra weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the separate support arrangement from the traditional design and integrates its functions directly into the motor housing. This eliminates unnecessary components and reduces overall frame weight while maintaining secure motor support through the integrated structure.
3Reliability
If the motor housing is made larger to provide better support, then the support function is enhanced, but the frame complexity and over-specifications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor housing is designed to perform both its enclosing function and structural support function within its standard dimensions. By making the housing multi-functional, the patent enhances the support capability without increasing the housing size or introducing over-specifications into the frame configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly for a bicycle that is drivingly supported by an electric motor (4) includes a frame (6) that has at least one seat tube (8), a lower tube (10) and an upper tube (12). The lower tube (10) and the seat tube (8) are connected together by the upper tube (12) and a support assembly (22). A holding device (24) for the electric motor (4) is provided in the region of the support assembly (22). A housing (20) of the electric motor (4) is formed as part of the support assembly (22) and is connected to the seat tube (8) and the lower tube (10) via the holding device (24). An electric bicycle (4) that includes the frame assembly (2) also is provided.