Recumbent Bicycle Modular Drive Block for Easy Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Recumbent bicycles are expensive due to high production and material costs, and existing models are not easily upgradable or convertible, particularly to include electric drive systems, limiting customer flexibility and rental company adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A recumbent bicycle design with a detachable drive block and supporting beam grooves allows for easy exchange of drive units, including muscle-powered to electrically assisted systems, and modular components like rear wheels and gears, enabling quick and cost-effective conversions without altering the bottom bracket's load-bearing spar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If recumbent bicycles are produced with high quality materials and careful assembly, then product quality and reliability are improved, but production and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The recumbent bicycle is divided into modular components (drive block, bottom bracket, supporting beam, rear triangle) that can be manufactured separately with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall production complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting beam and bottom bracket are designed as universal components that can accommodate different drive block configurations (muscle-powered or electrically assisted). This multi-functionality allows the same base structure to support various upgrades without requiring complete redesign, reducing production costs.
2Manufacturing precision
If recumbent bicycles are designed with fixed components, then manufacturing precision and quality control are improved, but adaptability and upgradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive block is designed as a dynamic, exchangeable component rather than a fixed part. The detachable connection between the drive block and bottom bracket allows the system to adapt from muscle-powered to electrically assisted configurations while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized mounting interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The drivetrain is segmented into separable components (drive block, bottom bracket, pedals) with standardized connection points. This segmentation enables precise manufacturing of each component independently while facilitating easy replacement and upgrading without compromising overall quality control.
3Strength
If the bottom bracket is guided through the load-bearing spar, then structural strength and stability are improved, but ease of conversion and upgradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom bracket is extracted from the load-bearing spar structure, allowing the drive block to be mounted above or below the spar rather than through it. This extraction maintains the structural integrity of the spar while enabling easy removal and replacement of the drive block for conversions between different drive types.
Solution Approach 2:
The drivetrain components are segmented such that the drive block can be independently mounted on the bottom bracket without interfering with the load-bearing spar. This segmentation allows structural strength to be maintained in the spar while facilitating easy conversion operations.
4Power
If electric drive systems are added to recumbent bicycles, then power and performance are improved, but device complexity and acquisition costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor and accumulator are merged into a single integrated drive block unit that replaces the traditional separate motor, battery, and control components. This merging reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple subsystems into one exchangeable module while maintaining the power and performance benefits of electric assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive block is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate both muscle-powered cranks and electrically assisted motors. This multi-functionality allows the same base structure to support different power sources, reducing overall system complexity while enabling power upgrades.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a recumbent bicycle (1) for transporting at least one person seated on a reclined seat (8), having a central supporting bar (2), to which the following are fastened: - at least three impellers, of which at least two rear impellers (7), running parallel, are arranged on the rear part of the supporting bar (2) and at least one front impeller (3a) is arranged on the front part of the supporting bar (2), - the reclined seat (8) - and at least one drive device, which drives at least one of the impellers via a traction drive by means of a pedal crank (6) having two pedals (6a) and a bottom bracket bearing (6b). The problem to be solved by the invention is to further develop the recumbent bicycle (1) such that it is simple, fast and cost-effective to upgrade and modify. In order to solve said problem, according to the invention the drive device is designed as a drive block (4, 13) and the drive block (4, 13) is detachably fastened on the supporting bar (2).