Quick-Coupling Bicycle Motorization Kit for Theft Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric bicycles are expensive and prone to theft, with the drive unit being the most valuable part that remains associated with the bicycle, leading to significant damage upon theft even without the battery pack.

Innovation Solution

A motorization kit for bicycles that allows easy detachment of the drive unit from the frame using a quick coupling mechanism, incorporating a fixing frame that mimics the bicycle's profile and uses elastic means for secure attachment, enabling tool-free detachment and reattachment with one hand, and includes a rechargeable system utilizing kinetic energy and solar power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the drive unit is permanently associated with the bicycle frame, then the bicycle maintains structural integrity and reliability, but the bicycle becomes an attractive target for theft and causes significant financial loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidtheft risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drive unit is segmented from the bicycle frame through a detachable connection system. The fixing frame is mounted to the bicycle frame, while the drive unit can be detached from the fixing frame, allowing the expensive components to be separated from the bicycle for secure storage while leaving only the lightweight fixing frame attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The valuable drive unit components (motor, battery, controller) are extracted from the permanent bicycle structure and placed in a removable drive unit assembly. This allows the expensive parts to be taken out and stored separately, reducing the theft value of the bicycle itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the drive unit is made detachable to reduce theft risk, then financial loss is minimized, but the connection and detachment mechanisms add device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefinancial lossVSAvoidconnection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic detachable system. The fixing frame provides stable mounting when attached, while allowing quick detachment when needed, adapting the connection state based on security requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing frame acts as an intermediary element between the bicycle frame and the drive unit. It provides the connection interface with resolvable connection means (quick release mechanisms, locking systems) that enable secure attachment and easy detachment without requiring complex tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional permanent motorization systems are used, then the bicycle has reliable electric propulsion, but the system cannot be easily transferred to different bicycles and has high theft risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric propulsionVSAvoidtransferability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drive unit is designed as a universal assembly that can be mounted on different bicycle frames through the fixing frame interface. The same drive unit can be transferred between bicycles, making the expensive components multi-functional and adaptable to various bicycle types and owners.

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

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

The kit enables easy conversion of traditional bicycles to electric bicycles, reduces theft risk by separating the expensive drive unit, and allows partial battery recharging through pedaling or downhill motion, making it less attractive to thieves and minimizing financial loss.

Implementation Method 1

a motor (4) which moves in rotation the same at least one roller (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

elastic means for locking the sliding are provided between the frame for fastening to the bicycle and the body containing the motorization means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the possibility of at least partial recharging of the battery by exploiting by transforming the kinetic energy determined by a downhill path and / or by the intervention of the pedals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4173940B1Kit to motorize a bicycle
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 COLUMBUS INNOVATION TECH SRL
  • EP4173940B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP4173940B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7
  • EP4173940B1 patent drawingFigure 8~11

AI summary

The invention relates to a kit (1) for motorizing a bicycle which is provided with a particular quick coupling that allows its installation and removal in extremely short times, allowing the movement and use of the entire device even on other bicycles previously equipped with a similar quick coupling.