Patent ID: 12240555

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

A power supply may provide power to one or more bicycle components. For example, the power supply may provide power to a derailleur, seat post, bicycle lighting, an air pump, a GPS transponder, a shock, or other component. Traditional power supplies may be mounted on or supported by the component. In this way, the traditional power supplies may add unbalanced weight to the bicycle. Additionally, the traditional power supplies may be exposed to water, dust, and impacts. Traditional power supplies may also have limited capacity. For example, the traditional power supplies may be limited in size to reduce unbalanced weight or reduce likelihood of impacts, thereby limiting the capacity of the power supply. Because the traditional power supplies may attach directly to the bicycle component, the power supply may not be charged while installed on the bicycle and may require removal before charging.

A power supply system including a power supply positioned inside an axle of the bicycle may provide a solution to one or more of the problems described above. The power supply may be disposed or mountable in an axle of the bicycle. For example, the power supply may be disposed, mountable, or integrated in an axle of the bicycle. The axle may be a front axle or a rear axle. In some cases, the axle may be referred to as a “thru-axle.” Because the axle extends across the bicycle, the weight of the axle power supply is balanced across the bicycle. Further, because a substantial portion of the axle is disposed within the frame, the axle power supply may be protected from impacts. In some cases, the axle may be a tube. By disposing the power supply in the axle, the power supply may be protected from ingress of water and dust. Though the power supply may be disposed in the axle, the power supply or a connector in electric communication with the power supply may be accessible to a user so that, for example, the power-supply may be charged without removing the power supply from the bicycle. Alternatively, the power supply may include disposable batteries that may be replaced by the user.

Turning now to the drawings,FIG.1generally illustrates one example of a bicycle100on which a power supply system (shown inFIG.4) of one or more of the present embodiments may be installed. In the example shown, the bicycle100is a road bicycle. The bicycle100has a frame102supported on a front wheel104and a rear wheel106. A drivetrain108is arranged to provide power to the rear wheel106via a chain110. A front brake112and a rear brake114are arranged to slow rotation of the front wheel104and the rear wheel106, respectively. A saddle116is provided to support the rider during use of the bicycle100. The saddle116may be supported by a seat post128extending from the frame102. Further, a handlebar assembly118is arranged to control a direction of the front wheel104and communicate with the drivetrain108, the front brake112, and the rear brake114to control operation thereof.

It is to be understood that the specific arrangement and illustrated components of the frame102, front wheel104, rear wheel106, drivetrain108, front brake112, rear brake114, and saddle116are nonlimiting to the disclosed embodiments. For example, while the front brake112and the rear brake114are illustrated as hydraulic rim brakes, hydraulic disc brakes are contemplated and encompassed within the scope of the disclosure.

While the bicycle100depicted inFIG.1is a road bicycle, the power supply, including the specific embodiments and examples disclosed herein as well as alternative embodiments and examples, may be implemented on other types of bicycles. For example, the disclosed power supply may be used on mountain bicycles.

The handlebar assembly118includes a handlebar122and one or more hoods120. Typically, components supported by a hood120installed on a right side of the handlebar122controls operation of a rear derailleur124(e.g., part of the drivetrain108) and the rear brake114, while components supported by a hood120installed on a left side of the handlebar122controls a front derailleur126(e.g., part of the drivetrain108) and the front brake112. Other components and controls may be provided. The derailleurs124,126may be configured for wired or wireless operation. For example, the derailleurs may be configured to receive a gear shift signal from a remote shift control device or shift module. The illustrated handlebar122is a drop-style handlebar. In other embodiments, different handlebar styles may be employed. For example, the handlebar122may be a bullhorn handlebar, a flat handlebar, a riser handlebar, or another type of handlebar. A center of the handlebar122may be defined by a line or axis extending along the length of the handlebar122.

Referring toFIG.2, a derailleur124and the power supply system are shown in greater detail. The power supply system includes a power supply disposed within a thru-axle200. The derailleur124is mounted on the frame102via a bracket202. The bracket202may have an inboard mounting portion204and an outboard mounting portion206disposed on either side of the frame102. A connector208, also known as an energy transfer device, extends from the power supply to the derailleur124. The connector208may include a power supply interface210, a component interface212, and a cable214extending between the power supply interface210and the component interface212. The connector208(e.g. the power supply interface210) may fit within a first fixation member216for connection to the power supply. The connector208(e.g. the component interface212) may be secured to the derailleur124via a second fixation member218. Other configurations may be provided.

The bracket202, also known as a “knuckle” or “b-knuckle,” may be secured to the frame102of the bicycle. The inboard mounting portion204of the bracket202may be spaced apart from the outboard mounting portion206of the bracket202. The spacing between the inboard mounting portion204and the outboard mounting portion206may allow for the frame102of the bicycle to be inserted between the mounting portions204,206. The spacing between the mounting portions204,206may be along an axis (e.g. a central axis) of the thru-axle200. In some cases (e.g. where the derailleur124is a front derailleur), the bracket202may be omitted or may have no or only one of the mounting portions204,206. In some other cases, the bracket202may be integrated with the derailleur124.

By disposing the bracket202on either side of the frame102, an inner diameter of the thru-axle200may be enlarged as compared to conventional derailleur mounts and hangers. The larger inner diameter of the thru-axle200may allow for a larger power supply to be disposed therein.

The connector208may be configured to conduct electricity into and out of the power supply. For example, the connector208may conduct power between the power supply and a component, such as a derailleur124. The power supply may provide power to the component through the connector208. In another example, the connector208may conduct power between the power supply and a charging unit. The power supply may be charged via power supplied by the charging unit through the connector208.

The power supply interface210of the connector208may be in electrical communication with the power supply. The power supply interface210may connect to the power supply and enable the transmission of power and data into the power supply (e.g. from a charger) and out of the power supply (e.g. to the component via the connector208). The power supply interface210may have one or more electrical contacts. For example, the power supply interface210may have a first electrical contact disposed at a center of a face of the power supply interface210. Though the power supply interface210may include electrical contacts, in some cases a body of the power supply interface210may be made from a non-conductive or electrically insulating material. The center of the power supply interface210may align with a central axis of the power supply or the thru-axle200when installed on the power supply. The electrical contacts of the power supply interface210are shown in greater detail inFIG.10. The first electrical contact may be in electrical communication with an electrical contact of the power supply when the power supply interface210is installed on the power supply. In some cases, the power supply interface210may include a second electrical contact. The second electrical contact may be disposed at a radial distance from the first electrical contact of the power supply interface210.

When installed on the power supply, the power supply interface210may extend through the first fixation member216. For example, the first fixation member216may have an annular shape. The power supply interface210may be disposed in the annular space and contact the power supply. In some cases, the power supply interface210may be secured to the fixation member216by a retaining feature.

The component interface212of the connector208may be in electrical communication with the component of the bicycle. For example, the component interface212may be in electrical communication with the derailleur124. The component interface212may connect to the component and enable the transmission of power and data into the component (e.g. from the power supply via the connector208) and out of the component. The component interface212may take the place of or be compatible with a traditional battery pack that attaches to the component. For example, for a derailleur124that receives power from a battery pack mounted to the derailleur124, the component interface212may attach to the derailleur124in the same manner as the battery pack. In other words, the component interface212may be compatible with existing battery-powered systems and components. The second fixation member218may be disposed on the component and secure the component interface212to the component.

The cable214of the connector208may be electrically connected to the power supply interface210and the component interface212. One or more conductors may be present in the cable214. For example, one or more conductive wires may be disposed in the cable214. The one or more conductors of the cable214may be electrically connected with the power supply interface210and the component interface212. The cable214may transmit power between the power supply interface210and the component interface212. For example, the power supply may provide power to the connector208via the power supply interface210, and the cable214may conduct the power to the component interface212and ultimately to the component. In another example, a charger may provide power via the component interface212, and the cable214may conduct the power to the power supply interface210and ultimately to the power supply.

The fixation member216may secure the thru-axle200in place relative to the frame102. In some cases, the fixation member216may be threadedly engaged with the thru-axle200. The fixation member216may have a hole or annular space extending through the width of the fixation member216. The power supply interface210may connect to the power supply through the annular space. In some cases, the fixation member216may be made from a non-conductive or electrically insulating material. In some other cases (e.g. as inFIGS.11-21), the fixation member216may be made from an electrically conductive material.

The second fixation member218may secure the component interface212to the component. In some cases, the fixation member218may be disposed on the component. For example, the fixation member218may be disposed on the derailleur124or the bracket202. The fixation member218may interface with the component interface212. For example, the fixation member218may clip onto the component interface212.

FIGS.3,4,5A,5B, and8show the bracket202, a power supply400, and the connector208in greater detail. A cross section A ofFIG.3is shown inFIG.4.

The power supply400, also known as an energy storage unit, battery pack, or power source, may be disposed in the thru-axle200. The power supply400may have a housing402with one or more battery cells404disposed therein. The power supply400and/or the housing402may have a cylindrical shape. In some cases, the housing402may be made from a non-conductive or electrically insulating material.

Each of the cells404may have a positive terminal406and a negative terminal408. In some cases, a conductive plate410may extend from the negative terminal408of a first cell404of the cells404. A circuit board412may be disposed in the housing402. In some cases, the cells404may use a lithium ion battery chemistry. The cells404may use a standard type, shape, or specification. For example, the cells404may be “AAA” type cells. Each cell404may have a voltage of 3.7 volts and/or a capacity of 350 mAh. Because of the space available inside the thru-axle200, the cells404may have a greater capacity than traditional batteries for bicycle components. The cells404may be connected end-to-end. The end-to-end arrangement of the cells404may form a linear power supply. In some cases, a welding strip may be present between the terminals406,408of adjacent cells404. The welding strip may be made from any number of materials, for example, nickel.

A first electrical conductor414may extend from the positive terminal406of a last cell404(e.g. the third cell) of the cells404to the circuit board412. A second electrical conductor416may extend from the negative terminal408of the first cell404or the conductive plate410to the circuit board412. A first electrical contact418, a second electrical contact420, or the first electrical contact418and the second electrical contact420may be disposed on and/or in the housing402. For example, the electrical contacts418,420may be disposed at an axial end of the housing402. In some cases, the first electrical contact418and/or the second electrical contact420may extend beyond an end cap446of the housing402. The first electrical contact418and the second electrical contact420may be disposed in line with the frame102. For example, the first electrical contact418and the second electrical contact420may be laterally disposed between a first plane defined by a first outer surface of a mounting support (e.g. an inner surface of the frame102) for the component and a second plane defined by a second outer surface of the mounting support (e.g. an outer surface of the frame102) opposite the first outer surface. The first electrical contact418and/or the second electrical contact420may be retractable. For example, the first electrical contact418and/or the second electrical contact420may be spring loaded pins or “pogo pins.”

A third electrical conductor422may extend between the circuit board412and the first electrical contact418. A fourth electrical conductor424may extend between the circuit board412and the second electrical contact420. An input side of the circuit board412may interface with the cells404of the power supply, for example, via the first electrical conductor414and the second electrical conductor416A power management circuit of the circuit board412may be electrically connected to the first electrical conductor414and the second electrical conductor416on the input side. An output side of the circuit board412may interface with devices (e.g. the connector208or a charger) external to the power supply, for example, via the third electrical conductor422and the fourth electrical conductor424. The power management circuit may be electrically connected to the third electrical conductor422and the fourth electrical conductor424on the output side.

The housing402may be secured in the thru-axle200via a first engagement426. For example, the first engagement426may be a threaded engagement between the housing402and the thru-axle200. In another example, the engagement426may be a press fit or other type of engagement. The housing402may be screwed into the thru-axle200and be secured in place by the threaded engagement426. A tooled fitting428may be disposed on the housing402. For example, the tooled fitting428may be disposed at an end of the housing402. The tooled fitting may be accessible via an aperture430in the thru-axle200. The tooled fitting428may allow for engagement and disengagement between the housing402and the thru-axle200. For example, the tooled fitting428may allow for a driver to be inserted into the tooled fitting428. In some cases, the tooled fitting428may have a hexagonal profile. Rotation or other motion of the tooled fitting428may result in engagement or disengagement of the first engagement426between the housing402and the thru-axle200.

A fastener432may secure the conductive plate410to the housing402. The fastener432may be disposed at an end of the housing402. In some cases, the fastener432may be threadedly engaged with the housing402. In some other cases, the conductive plate410may be connected to the housing402by welding or another connection.

The circuit board412may be disposed within the housing402. In this way, the housing402may support the circuit board412. The circuit board412may include one or more components or sensors. For example, the circuit board412may include a battery or power management circuit. The power management circuit may be electrically connected to or in electric communication with the battery cells404. The power management circuit may manage the charging and discharging of the power supply400(and the battery cells404). In another example, the circuit board412may include a radio, a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, a cadence sensor, an RPM sensor, a wheel speed sensor, a speed sensor, a power meter, a GPS sensor, other components, or any combination thereof.

The thru-axle200may be secured to the fixation member216via a second engagement434. For example, the second engagement434may be a threaded engagement between the thru-axle200and the fixation member216. The second engagement434may be any other type of connection.

The fixation member216may be secured to the frame102via an inboard retainer438. For example, the fixation member216may threadedly engage with the inboard retainer438. The inboard retainer438may be disposed opposite the fixation member216. For example, the inboard retainer438may be disposed inboard of the frame102. In some cases, the inboard retainer438is a nut.

The power supply interface210may be secured in place (e.g. to the fixation member216) by a retaining feature436. The retaining feature436may include a retractable member440. The retractable member440may be operated by a bias element442. For example, the bias element442may bias the retaining feature436to extend beyond the surface of the power supply interface210and engage with a detent448on a surface of the fixation member216. In some cases, the bias element442may be a spring. The retaining feature436may be secured to the power supply interface210by an engagement444. For example, the retaining feature436may threadedly engage with the power supply interface210via the engagement444.

The power supply400may provide power to the bicycle component. The power supply400may be recharged to replenish the energy stored in the power supply400. In some cases, the power supply400may be charged outside of or uninstalled from the bicycle. For example, the thru-axle200, including the power supply400disposed therein, may be removed from the bicycle100and the power supply400may be charged. In another example, the power supply400may be unscrewed from or otherwise removed from the thru-axle200(e.g. leaving the thru-axle200installed on the bicycle) and charged. In some other cases, the power supply interface210may be removed to charge the power supply400. For example, the power supply interface210may be uninstalled from the bicycle, and a charger may be introduced in the space formerly occupied by the power supply interface210to charge the power supply400. In still some other cases, the power supply400may be charged using the component interface212. For example, the component interface212may be removed or uninstalled from the component and the charger may be fitted to the component interface212to charge the power supply400. Because the component interface212may be compatible with traditional battery systems (e.g. batteries mounted directly to the components), the power supply400may be charged via the component interface212with a charger designed or compatible with traditional battery systems.

Referring toFIGS.6A and6B, the thru-axle200with the power supply400installed therein is shown. An axis600of the thru-axle200is shown. The axis600may define a center line of the thru-axle200. The first electrical contact418of the power supply400may be disposed substantially on or about the axis600. The second electrical contact420may be spaced at a distance from the first electrical contact418and/or the axis600. For example, the second electrical contact420may be spaced at a radial distance from the first electrical contact418. The distance between the first electrical contact418and the second electrical contact420may correspond to the distance between the second electrical contact1002and the first electrical contact1000of the power supply interface210(e.g. as shown inFIG.10). For example, the second electrical contact420may be spaced 3 mm radially from the first electrical contact418. In some cases, the distance between the second electrical contact1002and the first electrical contact1000of the power supply interface210may be equal to or less than the distance between the first electrical contact418and the second electrical contact420. For example, the distance between a center of the first electrical contact of the power supply interface210and the center line of the second electrical contact of the power supply interface210may be equal to or less than the distance between the first electrical contact418and the second electrical contact420.

Referring toFIG.7, the assembly of the power supply400within the thru-axle200is shown. The end cap446of the power supply400may have a first aperture700. In some cases, the end cap446may have a second aperture702. When the end cap446is installed on the power supply400, the first electrical contact418may extend through the first aperture700. The first electrical contact418may extend though the first aperture700and protrude beyond a face704of the end cap446. In some cases, the second electrical contact420may extend through the second aperture702and protrude beyond the face704of the end cap446. In this way, when the power supply interface210is installed on the power supply400, the first electrical contact418and/or the second electrical contact420may contact the coordinating electrical contacts of the power supply interface210.

Referring toFIG.9, the connector208is shown in greater detail. The component interface212may include one or more retaining features900. The retaining features900may enable securing the component interface212to the bicycle component (e.g. a derailleur124). The retaining features900may interface with the fixation member218. For example, the fixation member218may clip onto one or more of the retaining features900and secure the component interface212to the component.

The component interface212may include one or more electrical contacts902. The electrical contacts902may facilitate the exchange of power and/or data between the power supply400and the component. The electrical contacts902may be disposed on a joining surface904of the connector208. When the component interface212is secured to the component, the joining surface904may be disposed against the component (e.g. may abut the component).

One or more seals906may be present on the component interface212. For example, the seals906may be disposed on the joining surface904or the retaining features900. The seals906may prevent ingress of water and dust. In some cases, the seals may enclose or encircle the electrical contacts902.

Referring toFIG.10, a different portion of the connector208is shown in greater detail. The power supply interface210may include a first electrical connector1000. In some cases, the power supply interface210may also include a second electrical connector1002.

When the power supply interface210is installed on the power supply400, the first electrical connector1000may contact the first electrical contact418of the power supply400. In some cases, when the power supply interface210is installed on the power supply400, the second electrical connector1002may contact the second electrical contact420of the power supply400. The first electrical connector1000may be disposed in the center of a face1004of the power supply interface210. In this way, when the power supply interface210is installed on the power supply400, the first electrical connector1000may be disposed on the central axis600of the power supply400, or co-axially with the first electrical contact418of the power supply400.

The second electrical connector1002may be disposed at a distance from the first electrical connector1000. In some cases, the second electrical connector1002may form an electrical pad or track. The second electrical connector1002may form an arc or circle substantially centered about the first electrical connector1000.

The position (e.g. radial position) of the power supply400is dependent on the first engagement426securing the housing402to the thru-axle200and the second engagement434securing the thru-axle200to the fixation member216. As a result, the position of the first electrical contact418and the second electrical contact420of the power supply400may vary depending on the engagements426,434. For example, misalignment of the engagements426,434may make the radial position of the power supply400uncertain. By disposing a first electrical connector1000at the center of the power supply interface210and the second electrical connector1002at a distance (e.g. radially outward) from the first electrical connector1000, a connection between the power supply400and the power supply interface210may be enabled regardless of the radial position of the power supply400. As the first electrical contact418of the power supply400and the first electrical connector1000of the power supply interface210may be disposed on a central axis600of the power supply400, an electrical connection may be established between the first electrical contact418and the first electrical connector1000at any radial position of the power supply400. Though the position of the second electrical contact418of the power supply400may move depending on the radial position of the power supply400, by disposing the second electrical connector1002radially outward from the first electrical connector1000, an electrical connection may be established between the second electrical contact420and the second electrical connector1002at any radial position of the power supply400.

Referring toFIG.11, another embodiment of the power supply400and connector208is shown. In this embodiment, the conductive paths contained in the cable214(e.g. as described with respect toFIG.2) may be routed through the bracket202. In this case, the connector208may not include the power supply interface210and cable214.

With the power supply interface210omitted, a tooled socket1100in the fixation member216is shown. The tooled socket1100may allow for insertion of a tool into the fixation member216. For example, a tool inserted in the fixation member216may allow for rotation of the fixation member216. Rotation of the fixation member may engage or disengage the fixation member216and the thru-axle200(e.g. via engagement434). The tooled socket1100may be present in the fixation member216regardless of whether or not the connector208includes a power supply interface210.

A port1102may be disposed on the connector208. In some cases, the port1102may be dimensioned according to a standard. For example, the port1102may conform to the USB type C standard. The port1102may allow for charging of the power supply400. For example, a charger may plug into the port1102to charge the power supply400.

Referring toFIG.12, a profile view of the connector208, fixation member216, and bracket202is shown. Cross sections B and C correspond toFIGS.13and15, respectively.

Referring toFIGS.13-16, the power supply400and bracket202are shown in detail. An insulation member1300may be disposed between the power supply400and the fixation member216. The insulation member1300may be secured to the fixation member216via an engagement1302. For example, the engagement1302may be a threaded engagement between the insulation member1300and the fixation member216. The insulation member1300may be secured to the thru-axle200via an engagement1308. For example, the engagement1308may be a threaded engagement between the insulation member1300and the thru-axle200. The first electrical contact1304is in electrical communication with the fixation member216. A second electrical contact1306is in electrical communication with the housing402. Other configurations may be provided.

The insulation member1300may be made from an electrically insulating material, such as plastic. In some embodiments, a first conductive path may pass through the fixation member216and a second conductive path may pass through the housing402and the thru-axle200. The insulation member1300may be disposed between the thru-axle200and the fixation member216to electrically insulate the conductive paths from one another. For example, without the insulation member1300, a short circuit may form across the electrical contacts418,420of the power supply400if the fixation member216is in contact with the thru-axle200. An opening may be present in the insulation member1300to allow the first electrical contact418of the power supply400to extend through the insulation member1300and contact the fixation member216. In some cases, the insulation member1300may be installed or disposed in substantially the same way as the inboard retaining feature436ofFIG.4.

The first electrical contact1304may be disposed in the bracket202. For example, the first electrical contact1304may be disposed on a portion of the bracket202that is outboard of the frame102. In some cases, the first electrical contact1304may be a retractable pin. The first electrical contact1304may form part of a conductive path extending between the power supply400and the component. For example, power may be conducted from the first electrical contact418of the power supply400, through the fixation member216, through the first electrical contact1304, and on to the component via an internal conductive routing (shown inFIG.19).

The second electrical contact1306may be disposed in the bracket202. For example, the second electrical contact1306may be disposed on a portion of the bracket202that is inboard of the frame102. The second electrical contact1306may be a retractable pin. The second electrical contact1306may form part of a conductive path extending between the power supply400and the component. For example, referring toFIGS.15and16, power may be conducted from the second electrical contact420of the power supply400, through the housing402, through the thru-axle200, through the second electrical contact1306, and on to the component via an internal conductive routing (shown inFIG.19).

Referring toFIGS.17A and17B, the power supply400and the thru-axle200are shown in detail. As with the embodiment shown inFIG.6, the first electrical contact418may be disposed substantially along the central axis600of the power supply400. The second electrical contact420(shown inFIG.18), is disposed substantially at the circumferential surface of the power supply400. In this way, the second electrical contact420may contact the thru-axle200.

Anodization may be applied to the thru-axle200. For example, anodizing the surface of the thru-axle200may retard or prevent corrosion. However, the anodization may inhibit the ability of the thru-axle200to conduct electricity. Because a conductive path may pass through the thru-axle200(e.g. from the second electrical contact420of the power supply400, through the thru-axle200, and to the second electrical contact1306of the bracket202), in some cases, a portion1700of the thru-axle200may be non-anodized. Power from the second electrical contact420of the power supply400may be conducted through the non-anodized portion1700. The non-anodized portion1700may form a band on the circumferential surface of the thru-axle200. The non-anodized portion1700may be laterally disposed on the thru-axle200as to contact the second electrical contact1306of the bracket202.

Referring toFIG.18, an assembly of the thru-axle200and the power supply400is shown. The housing402of the power supply400may have an aperture1800. The second electrical contact420may be disposed in the aperture1800. In this way, the second electrical contact420may contact the thru-axle200when the power supply400is installed in the thru-axle200.

Referring toFIGS.19-21, the thru-axle200, bracket202, and derailleur124are shown in detail. A first internal routing1900and a second internal routing1902(shown with dashed lines inFIGS.19and20) may be disposed within the bracket202. The internal routings1900,1902may be conductive. For example, the internal routings1900,1902may be electrical traces or wires disposed inside the bracket202.

The first internal routing1900may be in electrical communication with the first electrical contact1304of the bracket202and the component interface212of the connector208. In some cases, the first internal routing1900may be in electrical communication with the component interface212via a first conductive fitting2000. The first conductive fitting2000may be disposed in the bracket202.

The second internal routing may be in electrical communication with the second electrical contact1306of the bracket202and the component interface212of the connector208. In some cases, the second internal routing1902may be in electrical communication with the component interface212via a second conductive fitting2002. The second conductive fitting2002may be disposed in the bracket202.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, more or fewer battery cells may be used than shown in the figures. In another example, the power supply may be configured to provide power to a seat post, bicycle lighting, an air pump, a GPS transponder, a shock, or other component. In still a further example, the power supply may be disposed in a thru-axle of a front wheel of the bicycle. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations and/or acts are depicted in the drawings and described herein in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that any described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, are apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.