Sliding Connector Battery Assembly for Cycle Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery assemblies for cycles face challenges in securely fitting battery packs to frames of varying sizes, ensuring stable electrical connections, and preventing rattling or dislodgment during motion, while also being compact and compatible with small frames.

Innovation Solution

A battery assembly featuring a sliding connector portion and clamping mechanism that allows for linear motion to form electrical connections, with an engaging portion for angled battery pack insertion and a locking member for security, enabling secure retention and easy installation on diverse frame sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a battery pack is held securely to prevent rattling and dislodgment during motion, then the battery pack stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for clamping mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery pack stabilityVSAvoidclamping mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector portion is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between the battery pack and cycle components, and simultaneously serves as part of the clamping mechanism to secure the battery pack in position. By merging the electrical connection function and the mechanical retention function into a single integrated component, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining reliable battery pack stability during motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a linear sliding connector is used to form electrical connections, then the ease of operation is improved, but the space requirement above the battery holder increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector operation simplicityVSAvoidspace above battery holder
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector portion is designed to slide linearly within the battery holder along the axial direction, utilizing the vertical dimension of the battery holder structure. This allows the electrical connection to be formed through simple linear motion without requiring additional horizontal or lateral space, thereby maintaining compact overall dimensions while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the battery assembly is made compact to fit small frames, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited space for connector movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe size compatibilityVSAvoidconnector installation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector portion is designed with dynamic linear sliding capability within the battery holder, allowing it to move from an initial position to a engaged position as the battery pack is installed. This dynamic movement enables the connector to form electrical connections without requiring excessive installation space, making the compact battery assembly adaptable to small frames while maintaining reasonable ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrical connections are made between the battery pack and cycle components, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection capabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector portion is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides multiple electrical connections between the battery pack and various cycle components (such as lights, indicators, and control systems). By integrating multiple connection functions into a single universal connector structure, the system achieves high adaptability and functionality while minimizing the increase in device complexity that would result from using separate connectors for each connection.

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

Data Source

PatentUS9385357B2Battery assembly for fitting a battery pack to a frame of a cycle
Publication Date: 2016.07.05 MODERN TIMES
  • US9385357B2 patent drawing
  • US9385357B2 patent drawing
  • US9385357B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A battery assembly 51 for fitting a battery pack 52 to a frame of a cycle 2 comprises a battery holder 54 for fitting to the frame, and a connector portion 55 which forms an electrical connection between the battery pack 52 and wiring 90 for connecting to at least one other component of the cycle when the battery pack is held by the holder 54. The connector portion 55 is slideable in a linear direction with respect to the battery holder between an open position which provides clearance of the battery pack to be inserted into the holder and a closed position in which the connection is formed. A clamping mechanism is provided to clamp the battery pack into the battery holder when the connector portion is closed.