Abstract:
A combined device for power generation, power regulation, and removable, rechargeable, power storage for a bicycle comprising of: a main housing, a primary drive gear located inside the main housing, said primary drive gear positioned on a bicycle such that the turning of the bicycle wheel turns the primary drive gear, a gear drive system having a rotor gear, an electronics module containing a plurality of electronic components to convert electrical input forms into a electrical output forms of preference, a rechargeable battery pack, a power output jack located on the removable battery pack housing, a hub mount that is clamped between a bicycle hub and a bicycle frame dropout by a clamping mechanism.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional 61/804,381 titled Combined Device for Power Generation, Power Regulation, and Removable Power Storage for a Bicycle, filed on Mar. 22, 2013 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is in the technical field of electricity generators. 
         [0003]    More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of electricity generators for bicycles. 
         [0004]    Existing generators for bicycles fall into three categories. First, external sidewall generators generate power by utilizing the friction between the sidewall of the bicycle wheel and the generator&#39;s rotor contact wheel to cause the rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. Second, hub generators generate power by utilizing the rotation of the bicycle wheel to cause the rotation of the rotor of the generator relative to the stator. Third, bicycle axel mounted, external generators generate power by utilizing the mechanical transfer of the rotation of the wheel to cause the rotation of the rotor of the generator relative to the stator, which is located off the axis of the bicycle axle. 
         [0005]    The following is a list of the aforementioned bicycle generator categories and their observed shortcomings: 
         [0006]    1. Sidewall Bicycle Generator
       a. Friction based transfer of motion is susceptible to environmental (such as weather) and hardware (such as tire rubber compound) based variables that greatly affect its ability to consistently perform   b. Accurate alignment is needed for efficient transfer of motion and consistent performance   c. Generator body or mount typically extends outside the confines of the bicycle frame, increasing the chance of damage or destruction by impact, also increases likelihood of generator being knocked out of alignment   d. The electrical output is not regulated for use with personal electronics and requires additional accessories that require extensive knowledge to implement.   e. There is no electrical storage (battery) available to capture generated power for later use.       
 
         [0012]    2. Hub Bicycle Generator
       a. Due to the nature of this device having to serve as the entity of the wheel center with the necessary precision and robustness, cost is typically high.   b. Cost to the consumer is further increased by the need to then build or assemble a wheel around the generator hub, a highly skilled task.   c. By being directly linked to the rotational speed of the bicycle wheel and given requested performance at low bicycle velocities, the generator becomes heavy for the desired power output at certain speeds.   d. The electrical output is not regulated for use with personal electronics and requires additional accessories that require extensive knowledge to implement.   e. There is no electrical storage (battery) available to capture generated power for later use.   f. There is no way to disengage the generator from the bicycle when not in use. This means that the inherent drag of the core loss of the generator stator will always be present to the user, taxing their ride even when the generator is not creating electrical power.       
 
         [0019]    3. Existing External, Bicycle Axel-mounted Generators
       a. If there is electrical storage, it is not detachable for use away from bicycle.   b. Output for external powering of electronic devices limited to a single output value and format.   c. No auxiliary method of charging the electrical storage device. Only power from the generator is available as a charging method.   d. Does not accept any other method of power input for output options other than the input from the integrated generator or onboard battery. Only input from the integrated generator can charge the onboard battery or create an output to power external electronics.   e. Generator is not detachable from bicycle for protection from theft.   f. Does not fit within the confines of the bicycle frame creating risk of damage or destruction by contact with surrounding environment.   g. Uses direct interference or mounting to the rotating input wheel spokes in order to draw rotational energy that, in turn, spins the generator. This risks the following: damaging of the turning entity spokes in an event of rapid acceleration or deceleration; damaging of the internal components of the generating device during rapid acceleration or deceleration; limits mounting opportunities of the generating device to those turning entities that have spokes of a certain spacing, number, and size.       
 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    The present invention intends to improve the ease of use of bicycle generators for the consumer by simplifying the method of installation, creating an integrated, detachable powering option for electronic devices, integrating rear lights, and utilizing generator technologies that allow for a more compact powering production; in turn, these improvements allow the generator to fit within the confines of the bicycle frame envelope protecting it against impact. 
         [0028]    A primary objective of the present invention is to integrate the generator and power electronics needed to power lights and devices within the housing of the generator so that no additional products or knowledge is necessary for converting the generated power into desired usable outputs. This integration of power electronics overcomes the shortcomings of prior art outlined above in 1d and 2d. 
         [0029]    Another primary objective of the present innovation is to utilize direct interfacing with the rotating input entities of the bicycle wheel to transfer motion to the rotor of the generator. This eliminates aforementioned variables affecting prior art performance outlined above in 1a. 
         [0030]    The present innovation intends to provide an integrated, detachable battery for the consumer to utilize converted kinetic energy when the bicycle is not in use, or is stopped. This feature of the innovation greatly enhances the flexibility of using the power generated which overcomes prior art&#39;s shortcoming outlined in 3a. 
         [0031]    An additional objective of the innovation is to provide enhanced power electronics in order to allow the integrated, detachable battery to be charged via auxiliary power sources (such as a conventional wall outlet) and not only via the integrated generator. The auxiliary power option overcomes prior art&#39;s shortcoming outlined above in 3c. 
         [0032]    A further objective of the innovation is to provide multiple output voltages allowing for simultaneous charging of the integrated, detachable storage device, charging of attached consumer devices (such as portable electronics), and powering external lights. This addition of multiple power output values and formats overcomes the shortcoming of prior art outlined above in 3b. 
         [0033]    Another objective of the innovation is to provide an input port and functionality within the electronics so that additional power inputs beyond the integrated generator or battery pack can be converted to a preferred electrical output. This feature overcomes the shortcomings of prior art outlined in 3d. 
         [0034]    Another objective of the innovation is to allow the generator to be removed easily from the mount with a quick release mechanism, protecting against theft of the device. This easy removability feature overcomes the shortcoming of prior art outlined above in 3e. 
         [0035]    An additional objective of the innovation is to provide integrated rear lighting in order to improve rider safety by incorporating lights that do not require replaceable batteries. The lights are engaged by light sensors or a switch. 
         [0036]    Another objective of the innovation is to provide a rotational input mechanism that can mount to any spoke configuration of the turning input entity that doubles as a clutch mechanism for protection against rapid acceleration and deceleration of the rotating input entity. This allows increased versatility of the innovation, allowing it to mount quickly and without tools and transfer rotational energy from a wide variety of rotating input surfaces. The clutch mechanism of the innovation protects both the rotating entity from damage during rapid acceleration or deceleration, as well as the internal components of the innovation itself. This objective addresses the shortcomings of prior art outlined above in 3g. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the present invention showing the main housing  30 , the integrated, detachable battery  40 , and a rotational input mechanism  50 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the present invention&#39;s main housing assembly  30 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the present invention&#39;s main housing assembly  30 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  contains perspective views of the present invention&#39;s mechanical assembly  60 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 6  contains perspective and lateral views of the present invention&#39;s geartrain  61 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a typical power module  70 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the present invention&#39;s rotational input mechanism  50 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 9  is a cross-section of the present invention&#39;s rotational input mechanism  50  in extended form; 
           [0046]      FIG. 10  is a cross-section of the present invention&#39;s rotational input mechanism  50  in contracted form; 
           [0047]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the present invention mounted on a bicycle engaging the rotating input entity&#39;s spokes; 
           [0048]      FIG. 12  contains perspective views of the present invention&#39;s integrated, detachable battery  40 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of the present invention&#39;s integrated, detachable battery  40 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 14  is a lateral view of the present invention mounted within the confines of a bicycle frame; 
           [0051]      FIG. 15  is a posterior view of the present invention mounted within the confines of a bicycle frame; 
           [0052]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the present invention with generating core and electronics disengaged from the rotating input; 
           [0053]      FIG. 17  is a posterior view of the present invention showing integrated lights. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0054]    Referring now to the invention in more detail, in  FIG. 1  there is the present invention  1  in its complete form, uninstalled on a bicycle. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , we see that the present invention  1  in complete form is comprised of three sub-assemblies immediately removable: the main housing  30 , the detachable battery  40 , and the rotational input mechanism  50 . 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , we see the main housing  30  in complete form, of note are the battery contacts  33 , and housing power outlet  36 . 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , we see the main housing in exploded form, of note is the mechanical assembly  60 , housing shell  31 , housing lid  32 , battery contacts  33 , and generator ECU  35 . 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , we see the mechanical assembly  60  from the front and rear views. Of note is the primary drive gear  64 , the gear train housing right  65 , the gear train housing left  66 , and the frame clamp  67 . 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , we see the gear train assembly  61 , which consists of the rotor gear  62 , idler gear  63 , and primary drive gear  64 . The rotor gear  62  is attached to the rotation input  71  of power module  70 . We also see that the power module  70  has a gen axis  73 , and the primary drive gear  64  has a drive axis  74 . Based on the gear system chosen, gen axis  73  and drive axis  74  may be 0 degrees to 180 degrees, and exist within the same plane or in separate, intersecting planes. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , we see the power module  70  that consists of the rotation input  71  and stationary mount  72 . Power module  70  outputs electrical power (Voltage*Current) from a kinetic rotational input. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , we see the rotational input mechanism  50 , which consists of the skeleton  51  and elastomer ring  52 . 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , we see a cross-sectional diagram of the rotational input mechanism  50  interfacing with a rotating input entity  16 , comprised of a rotating surface  13  which is connected to a hub  14 , both of which spin along an axis  15 . The skeleton  51  is comprised of a rigid member  511  that connects via a hinged connection  512  to a base ring  513 . The base ring is concentric to axis  15 . There are multiple rigid members  511  along the circumference of base ring  513 , all the way around as shown in  FIG. 7 . The elastomer ring  52  connects to the rigid members  511  along the unhinged ends with a relaxed diameter that yields an angle between the rigid members  511  and base ring  513 . As the axial distance between the rotating surface  13  and the base ring  513  decreases, the angle will decrease between rigid members  511  and base ring  513  and the diameter of elastomer ring  52  will increase. The increase in diameter of elastomer ring  52  will stretch the elastomer and will increase the normal force of where the elastomer ring  52  contacts rotating surface  13 , increasing the available torque transfer possible as long as a coefficient of static friction exists and is greater than zero between the elastomer ring  52  and the rotating surface  13 . 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , we see the main housing  30  with rotational input mechanism  50  installed, the assembly of the two mounted on the bicycle and contacting the wheel spokes  13 . This would be a typical setup on a bicycle of how the rotational input mechanism  50  transfers rotational energy from the rotating input entity  16 . 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , we see the detachable battery  40  in perspective and exploded views. Of note is the bottom housing  41 , the top housing  42 , the battery ECU  43 , the battery cell  44 , the battery power outlet  45 , the charge port  46 , and the generator pins  47 . 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , we see the present invention  1  installed on a bicycle frame  10 , via the frame dropout  11  and held in place by the axle fastener  12 . Here we see that the present invention  1  is configured such that it is located within the confines of bicycle frame  10 . 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , we see the present invention  1  in a disengaged state, whereas the main housing is split into upper main housing  301  and lower main housing  302  via the housing rails  37 . 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , we see the lights  80  installed within the main housing  30 . 
         [0068]    The present invention  1  is mounted on a bicycle by clamping frame clamp  67  in between the frame dropout  11  and hub  14  with the axle fastener  12 . By doing so, the rotational input mechanism  50  is brought into contact with the rotating input entity  16 , here presented as a bicycle wheel, more specifically, in contact with the rotating surface  13 , here presented as bicycle spokes. As the present invention is drawn onto the hub  14 , the elastomer ring  52  is pressed into the rotating surface  13  with a certain force normal to the rotating surface  13  and elastomer ring  52  interface, creating shear friction between the elastomer ring  52  and the rotating surface  13 . This shear friction allows for the transmission of a force about the axis  15 , thus transferring torque, and thus rotational energy, from the rotating input entity  16  to the rotational input mechanism  50 . The normal force between the rotating surface  13  and the elastomer ring  52  can be adjusted by the parameters of the elastomer ring  52  (material, durometer, thickness, surface texture, etc) and/or the length of the rigid members  511 , and/or the characteristics of the hinged connection (smooth rotating or with friction, using a hinge pin or a live hinge to name a few). This adjustment can be used to create a maximum transmitted torque where, when exceeded, the rotational input mechanism  50  will slip in relation to the rotating surface  13 . This can be used to protect both the rotating surface  13  from damage, or the downstream mechanics that the rotational input mechanism  50  is driving, in this case, the mechanical assembly  60 , or more specifically, the gear train assembly  61 . 
         [0069]    The rotational input mechanism  50  is connected to the primary drive gear  64  in a rigid fashion such that they rotate in unison about the same axis  15 . As the primary drive gear  64  spins, it turns idler gear  63 , which turns rotor gear  62 , which is connected to the rotation input  71  of power module  70 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , primary drive gear  64 , idler gear  63 , and rotor gear  62  can be comprised of gear systems that will allow for parallel or non-parallel axes, either within the same plane, or within transverse planes. Presented in  FIG. 6  is a beveloid gear system that allows for non-parallel gear shafts while being in the same plane. Other configurations can be created by the use of other gear systems, such as helical, worm, bevel, or hypoid to name a few. 
         [0070]    The gear train assembly  61  can also allow for a mechanical advantage between the primary drive gear  64  and the rotor gear  62 . This advantage can be in the form of an overdrive or a gear reduction, depending on the pitch diameters of the various gears. The gear ratio between the primary drive gear  64  and rotor gear  62  can be 1:1 as well, using the idler gear  63  as only a directional shift operator between gen axis  73  and drive axis  74 , or to gain distance from the drive axis  74  and the power module  70 . 
         [0071]    The gear train assembly  61  can also have fewer gears (two) or more gears (infinite) to achieve these desired characteristics of shaft angle, gear ratio, etc. 
         [0072]    Furthermore, the gear train assembly  61  does not have to be limited to gears. They can be comprised of smooth wheels with a frictional surface to transmit torque, or other power transmission systems such as belt drive systems that employ pulleys. 
         [0073]    The rotational energy that is transmitted to the rotation input  71  of power module  70  causes it to spin relative the stationary mount  72 , thus creating electrical power from the kinetic input. 
         [0074]    The primary drive gear  64 , idler gear  63 , rotor gear  62  and connected power module  70  are held in correct relation to each other by gear train housing right  65  and gear train housing left  66 . This makes up the majority of mechanical assembly  60 . Mechanical assembly  60  is contained within main housing  50  as shown in  FIG. 4 , along with generator ECU  35 . Generator ECU  35  contains electronics. The electrical power that is generated by power module  70  is routed to generator ECU  35  where it is converted into an electrical format of preference. Some examples, but not limited to, is a USB format, which is 5 VDC with current up to 2.1 A, or 110 VAC for use with electronics that work with line voltages. All necessary power generation and converting is done within the confines of the housing shell  31  and housing lid  32 . 
         [0075]    Generator ECU  35  can also contain sensors such as, but not limited to, accelerometers, GPS sensor, pressure sensors, moisture sensors, or temperature sensors. Communication modules may be present such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth, cellular, WiFi, or any other type of wireless communication capability. Generator ECU  35  can also contain lights or noise making devices like speakers or piezos, or any combination thereof. 
         [0076]    The generator ECU  35  transfers the converted power to one of two places: the housing power outlet  36  or the battery contacts  33 . The power can be sent to the housing power outlet  36  or the battery contacts  33  concurrently or one at a time. The power can be controlled or uncontrolled in how it is divided between housing power outlet  36  and battery contacts  33 ; controlled meaning the generator ECU uses electrical techniques to limit the current regardless of the electrical load, uncontrolled meaning the current flow is determined by the electrical loads of housing power outlet  36  relative to the battery contacts  33 . 
         [0077]    The detachable battery  40  mounts in the main housing  30 . When detachable battery  40  is mounted in main housing  30 , the battery contacts  33  are in contact with generator pins  47 , which make an electrical connection between the battery ECU  43  and generator ECU  35 . The electrical connection can allow transfer of electrical power, data communication, or any type of electrical signal that can be conductively transmitted. The detachable battery  40  can operate while installed in the main housing  30 , supplying power from battery cell  44  through generator pins  47  to battery contacts  33  into generator ECU  35  and out through housing power outlet  36 . 
         [0078]    The battery ECU  43  contains electronics that can use input electrical power from generator pins  47  to charge battery cell  44 . Battery ECU  43  contains electronics that can discharge the battery cell  44  through battery power outlet  45  in an electrical format of preference. That format can be, but not limited to USB format (5 VDC) or line format (110-240 VAC) that can be discharged through the battery power outlet  45 . 
         [0079]    The battery cell  44  can be, but is not limited to, a rechargeable battery of the following types: lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, Ni—Cd, Ni-Mh, or lead-acid. 
         [0080]    The detachable battery  40  may also contain non-rechargeable battery cell(s)  44  that are removable from bottom housing  41  and top housing  42 . This allows the conversion of the electrical output of battery cell  44  into the preferred electrical format for non-rechargeable batteries. 
         [0081]    The bottom housing  41  and top housing  42  may be configured in such a way as to allow easy installation and removal of removable rechargeable battery cell(s)  44 . This would allow recharging of modular rechargeable batteries such as AA sized Ni-MH batteries, for example. When the removable battery cell  44  is charged, it can be removed from the detachable battery  40 , and new, depleted, removable battery cell(s)  44  can be installed to receive charge. 
         [0082]    Electrical power can also be input to battery ECU  43  via charge port  46 , where electrical power of a format of choosing can be input to the battery ECU  43  to charge the battery cell  44  or power electronics contained within battery ECU  43 . The electrical power could come from alternating-current sources or direct-current sources, from raw inputs like a generator or solar panel, or from conditioned inputs like from a wall outlet or USB power source. 
         [0083]    Battery ECU  43  can also contain sensors such as, but not limited to, accelerometers, GPS sensor, pressure sensors, moisture sensors, or temperature sensors. Communication modules may be present such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth, cellular, WiFi, or any other type of wireless communication capability. Battery ECU  43  can also contain lights or noise making devices like speakers or piezos, or any combination thereof. 
         [0084]    Detachable battery  40  can also contain additional ports beyond battery power outlet  45  and charge port  46  so that multiple power inputs of different format connectors may feed into battery ECU  43  and be converted to the preferred format. 
         [0085]    There may be more than one integrated battery cell  44  within the present invention  1 , whereas all are removable and none are fixed, one is removable and the remainder are fixed, or any combination therein. 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 , we see how the present invention  1  is situated within the confines of the bicycle frame  10 . This is due to the type of power module  70 , and gear train assembly  61  that is chosen to direct the rotational motion into a preferred form. This is also due to having all necessary components needed for power generation, conversion, and delivery enclosed within one housing, the main housing  30 . 
         [0087]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , the power module  70 , generator ECU  35 , and the detachable battery  40  are contained within, or attached to, the main housing upper  30   a . The main housing upper  30   a  can slide away from the main housing lower  30   b  along the housing rails  37  to disengage the power module  70  from the gear train assembly  61 . By disengaging the main housing upper  30   a , the user can reduce the inherent drag of power module  70  if it is an electromagnetic device for cases where electrical power is not wished to be produced. Furthermore, the disengagement method may also be achieved by incorporating a hinge between main housing upper  30   a  and main housing lower  30   b  so that a hinging action is achieved to create separation. By removing the main housing upper  30   a  from the main housing lower  30   b  completely, theft of the total product is deterred similar to how car stereos have removable interfaces to deter theft of the total stereo. 
         [0088]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , the main housing  30  can also contain lights facing in any direction, here shown facing towards the rear of the bicycle. These lights can be activated by motion, a light sensor, a button in the housing, a remotely located wired button, or wirelessly via a wireless communication protocol. There could be one light or multiple lights, one color or multiple colors. 
         [0089]    The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation,
       Incorporated power electronics greatly facilitate charging and electricity usage for the generator&#39;s owner.   An on-board, rechargeable, detachable battery pack for storing power for use on or off the bicycle provides flexible power options.   An on-board, detachable battery pack where the battery cells are located on the exterior of the battery pack, and are of common sizes (AAA, AA, etc.) for use in other appliances (flashlight, stereo, etc.)   The drive train is configured to keep the entire device within the confines of the bicycle frame to protect it against damage of impact.   The housing with the generator and parts inside can be disengaged to reduce resistance or completely removed to be theft resistant   The device is easy to install for non-skilled persons and easy to remove for modular use.   Low input speeds at light weight via the mechanical advantage of the gear train (prior art depends on high input speeds to generate significant power)   Varying input speeds (power electronics allow steady voltage and therefore power despite varying input speeds)   Incorporated rear lighting with sensors to ensure safety of the rider when riding in the dark       
 
         [0099]    In broad embodiment, the invention is a device that allows conversion of kinetic energy into a conditioned electrical output—of the type, but not limited to, USB—so to be widely available to a multitude of electronic devices as an energy source. Furthermore, the invention allows for power to be generated while in motion, have energy stored within its confines, and then allow for this storage of energy to be removed and used in application away from the main body and location of the invention. 
         [0100]    While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.