WO2011120124A1

WO2011120124A1 - Wireless electric bicycle

Info

Publication number: WO2011120124A1
Application number: PCT/CA2010/000474
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aldo Baiocchi; Michael Chow
Original assignee: Aldo Baiocchi; Michael Chow
Priority date: 2010-03-30
Filing date: 2010-03-30
Publication date: 2011-10-06

Abstract

This invention provides an alternative means of transportation to consumers of all ages around the world. It is an upgrade from the present conventional and electric bicycles. It is design and developed to help reduce the consumption of fossil fuel by creating an affordable, convenient and practical means of transportation for people in populated areas. As a result of raising gas price and crowded traffic, especially in the areas of higher population density, the needs of alternative means of transportation other than buses or cars are rising significantly. An excellent solution to the needs is bicycles. However, human powered bicycles cannot meet the need of convenient and comfort. The electric bicycle provides an option of exercise or cruise and takes away the worries of 'you have to pedal'. The use of electric bicycles is also becoming a fashion leading alternative means of transportation. As more and more people realized the advantages of electric bicycles, they are highly demanded around the globe. The booming electric bicycle market leads to more rapid innovations of the existing electric bicycles. The Shadow E-bike, the world's first wireless electric bicycle, will be leading the technology of electric bicycles. To most consumers, the first impression of a conventional electric bicycle is the surrounded wires all over the bicycle. The appearance of a conventional electric bicycle is simply not as neat and clean as a bicycle; also the assembly is made much more complex by running the wires all over the bike. The Shadow E-bike, with absolutely no visible wires on the outside, is a much more attractive than any conventional wired electric bicycles. It is easy to assemble and reliable. The Shadow E-bike, the world's first wireless electric bicycle will opened the doors to a new era of wireless electric bicycles. With people riding these wireless electric bicycles around the world, it will help reduce air and noise pollution that will create a healthier way of life.

Description

Wireless Electric Bicycle

Description

'Shadow E-Bike': the first wireless electric bicycle

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention is a system of operating an electric bicycle wirelessly comprising of: a Daymak wheel, a wireless throttle subsystem, a wireless brake subsystem, a wireless power control subsystem and a wireless pedal assist subsystem.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Bicycles are still the number one means of transportation around the world. Bicyclists and commuters of all ages are very supportive of the electric bicycle movement. The price and cosmetics features have been major negative factors that discourage the majority of consumers from purchasing them.

[0003] For the same price range consumers prefer to purchase a larger power scooter whether it is gas or electric. The overall looks of the electric bicycles are not appealing. Wires are everywhere. The controller and batteries are secured in awkward positions that make the bicycle unbalanced. When left unattended, it can easily be vandalized. Wires can be cut. The controller can be smashed and the batteries can be stolen which is about half the value of the bike. All the wires and components are exposed to the elements. Consumers feel that their investment in an electric bicycle is not secure for those reasons. They will buy it if they didn't have to worry about it.

[0004] The 'Shadow E-Bike' will answer those needs. It will have wireless brakes, wireless throttle (various speeds), wireless Off/On' power unit and wireless pedal assist. The motor, batteries, controller, 1 lOv outlet, USB port and charging port will be mounted in the front or rear or both wheels (optional). The wheels will have covers mounted on both sides to protect all the components. Depending on your options a consumer can have an electric bicycles that have no wires exposed.

[0005] These wireless features will make it appealing for customers to buy. It will be uninviting for thieves since they cannot operate the bicycle without the remote 'off/ on' device. There will no wires to cut or vandalize and all components are covered from the elements in the wheels. The look will be clean, stylish and futuristic.

[0006] Showing these results will definitely spark consumer interest around the world. The Shadow E-Bike will display features that make it stylish, affordable and practical for any consumer.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0007] Fig. 1 demonstrates the electric bicycle fully equipped with this invention. As shown in the figure, unlike all the existing electric bicycles, there are absolutely no wires running around the bicycle. Aesthetically, the appearance of the electrical bicycle is much neater. The Daymak wheels (1 10.1 & 110.2) are the electric powered driving wheels. All the other sets of components outside of the Daymak Wheels belong to rider interface. And they all communicate to Daymak Wheels by converting rider actions to radio signals and send them to corresponding components in the Daymak Wheels. On the handle bar, there are the wireless throttle (1 1 1) and wireless brake signal transmitting components (1 12). The Wireless pedal assist signal transmitting components (113) are mounted on the chain-stay tube behind the chain- wheel. The wireless power remote (114) is independent from the bicycle, which can be carried like a key. [0008] Next, Fig.2 illustrated the layout and the major components of the Daymak wheel, which host of all the other subsystems in this invention. The Front Daymak wheel and the rear Daymak wheel are identical. At the center of the Daymak wheel, it is the electric motor (120). In the Daymak wheel, there are three packs of 12V lithium batteries (121.1 , 121.2 and 121.3) connected in series combined a 36V Battery source. The lithium battery protective circuit (122) safely bridges the said lithium batteries to the power consuming components. These batteries supply the power to all the components in the Daymak Wheel, which includes the motor, receivers, controller and voltage converter. The Daymak Drive controller (123) is the brain of the invention. This controller controls the speed of the motor and contains three wireless receivers. The converter (124) converts the input of 36v from the batteries to 1 lOv and 5v. The 110 V is supplied to 1 10V Power Supply Port (125.1) and the 5V is for the USB Power Supply Port (125.2). Also there is a battery charging port (125.3) for charging the batteries. The brake mechanism, which includes a brake receiver (126), brake disk (127) and an electric caliper (128) is also in the Daymak wheel. A pair of Daymak Wheel covers (129.1 & 129.2) protects and seals the components inside of Daymak Wheel.

[0009] Fig.3 illustrated the wireless throttle system. The throttle handle (1 1 1) is build in with a circular switch and a transmitter. Similar to other electrical throttles, the counter- clock wise turning of the throttle lead to increase of speed, when released, the speed drops. In this invention, the turning of throttle engages the steps of the circular switch one after another. In response, the throttle transmitter, which is connected to the circular switch, sends different signals from low to high as the different steps of the circular switch are engaged. Depends on the driving habits of the riders, the steps of the circular switch can be redesigned to more steps for smooth acceleration, or less steps for sharp acceleration. After the signal was send from the transmitter, the corresponding receiver integrated in the motor controller (123) captured and decodes the signal. Whether it is a low speed signal, medium speed signal or high-speed signal, the receiver responds accordingly with varied output to the motor controller that alternates the speed of the motor (120) respectively. [0010] Fig.4 illustrated the wireless Όη/Off power switch system comprising a remote (1 14) and two receivers integrated with the motor controllers (123). There are four keys on the said remote. The first pair of keys (1 14.1) and (1 14.2) controls the front wheel; and the other pair of keys (1 4.3) and (1 14.4) controls the rear wheel. This system adapted the existing remote power control technologies, and applied them on this invention. The wireless power switch controls the power supply to the motors (120), the converter (124) and the controllers (123). By clicking the power on button (114.1), the remote sends the on signal to the receiver that is integrated with the controller (123). Once the receiver gets the signal, the switch is closed so that front wheel power is on. By clicking the power off button (1 14.2), the remote sends the off signal to the receiver which is integrated with the controller, then the switch opens and the front wheel power is shut down. The front wheel and the rear wheel are identical; and the button (1 14.3) is the rear wheel power on, button (1 14.4) is the rear wheel power off. The power switch system offers the customers with options of front wheel drive, rear wheel drive or all wheel drive.

[001 1] Fig. 5 illustrated the wireless pedal assist system comprising a chain wheel (1 13.1) with a set of eight circularly positioned magnets (1 13.2), a magnetic switch (113.4) mounted to the chain-stay, a transmitter (1 13.3) connected to the magnetic switch, and a receiver integrated on the controller (123). When one pedals, the magnets rotate with the chain wheel and passing in front of the magnetic switch one by one. As the magnets pass, the magnetic switch is activated by the magnetic field. As a response of an activation of the magnetic switch, the connected transmitter sends a signal. The harder one pedals, the faster the chain wheel and magnets rotate, thus the magnetic switch is activated more often, thus transmitter repeats the signal at a higher pace. Corresponding to each send from the transmitter, the receiver integrated with the motor controller close the switch to allow the motor work for an instance. As a result of motor working as one pedal, the pedaling effort is greatly reduced.

[0012] Fig 6 illustrates the wireless braking system comprising of a pair of brake levers (1 12.1) and (1 12.2), a power off receiver integrated with the motor controller (123), an independent braking receiver (126), an electric caliper (128) and a braking disk (127). First, the brake lever is pressed, and a brake signal is send from the transmitter to the said power off receiver and brake receiver. There is always one of three different signals coming from the transmitter depending on the amount of force applied to the brake lever. Level one signal is a result of minimal force applied to the brake lever, medium force leads to level two signal, and sudden or max force leads to level three signal. For the power off receiver, the captured signals lead to only one action, which shuts off the power of the motor, so that the motor is not driving forward as physical brake is applied. On the other hand, the braking receiver actually controls the braking mechanism, when the signal is captured; electricity is supplied to the electric caliper. The electric caliper is comprised of an electric magnet (128.2) and a modified disk caliper (128.1). The electric current being supplied controls the strength of the electric caliper. Once the electric caliper is triggered, it squeezes the said braking disk (127). Since the disk is not rotating but the electric caliper is fixed to the wheel and rotating, friction will occur between the electric caliper and the braking disk. Thus, the wheel will stop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Fig. 1 shows the fully assembled bicycle with all the wireless features.

110.1 Front Daymak Wheel

1 10.2 Rear Daymak Wheel

1 1 1 Wireless Throttle

112 Wireless Brake System Signal Transmitting Components

113 Wireless Pedal Assist System Signal Transmitting Components

114 Wireless Power Switch System Signal Transmitting Components [0014] Fig. 2 shows the Daymak Wheel components and their layout. 120 Electric Motor 121.1 Battery Pack 1

121.2 Battery Pack 2

121.3 Battery Pack 3

122 Lithium Battery Protective Circuit

123 Daymak Drive Controller

124 Power Converter

125.1 1 10V Power Supply Port

125.2 USB Power Supply Port

125.3 Battery Charging Port

126 Brake Mechanism Receiver

127 Brake Disk

128 Electric Caliper

[0015] Fig. 3 shows the components of the wireless throttling system.

120 Electric Motor

123 Daymak Drive Controller

111 Wireless Throttle

[0016] Fig. 4 shows the components of the wireless power control system. 1 14 Power Remote

1 14.1 Front Wheel Power On Button

1 14.2 Front Wheel Power Off Button

1 14.3 Rear Wheel Power On Button 114.4 Rear Wheel Power Off Button

120 Electric Motor

123 Daymak Drive Controller

124 Power Converter

[0017] Fig. 5 shows the components of the wireless pedal assist system.

113.1 Chain Wheel

113.2 Magnets

1 13.3 Pedal assist signal transmitter

1 13.4 Magnetic Switch

123 Daymak Drive Controller

[0018] Fig. 6 shows the components of the wireless braking system. 112.1 Wireless Brake Lever (right hand)

1 12.1 Wireless Brake Lever (left hand)

123 Daymak Drive Controller

127 Brake Disk

128 Electric Caliper

128.1 Modified Brake Caliper

128.2 Electric Magnet BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Seeing and experiencing the Shadow E-Bike at the major bike and trade show shows around the world will be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Consumers will have the opportunity to touch and feel the wireless electric bicycle. It will not have exposed components that are easy to vandalize. Visually it will look like a simple, clean and stylish bicycle with basic features, like a normal bicycle. When potential customers experience how simple and easy to use this electric bicycle then purchasing one will not be a problem.

It will be an economical means of transportation. It should have worldwide interest since bicycles are still the #1 means of transportation.

Claims

Claims The Shadow E-Bike will be the world's first wireless electric bicycle. It will have a Daymak wheel, wireless throttle, wireless brakes, wireless 'Off/On power unit and wireless pedal assist. The Daymak wheel contains a Daymak Drive controller, a 12V to 110V converter, three packs of 12V Lithium batteries, a lithium battery protective circuit, a brake mechanism, a 250 -500 Watt brushless DC motor, an 1 10V outlet port, a USB outlet port, a battery charging port, a rim, a tire and an aluminum disc.

1. A system for wirelessly throttling electric bicycles comprising a throttle lever with slow speed, medium speed and high speed switches. A signal transmitter inside the said throttle lever, a throttle signal receiver connected and attached to motor controller. The system comprising the steps of, turning of throttle lever leads to the activation of different speed switches, said activations lead to the change of transmitted signal from the throttle transmitter.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the counter-clockwise turning of throttle lever leads to the activation of slow speed first, then medium speed, last high speed.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the activation of three stages leads to the change of transmitted signal from the throttle transmitter.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the receiver decodes the different signals, thus the low speed, medium speed or high speed is outputted from the receiver to the motor controller.

5. The system for wireless braking electric bicycles comprising a pair of brake levers, each brake lever also includes a sensor and a transmitter, a pair of receivers one at each wheel, a pair of electric powered brake mechanisms one at each wheel.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the brake lever movements are captured by the sensors.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein brake transmitters based on the sensor input transmits the different signals.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the signal transmitted from said brake transmitters is decoded by the receivers.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the receiver cuts off the motor power.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the electric powered brake mechanisms brake based on the input from the receivers.

11. The system for wireless power control of electric bicycle comprising a remote, a receiver connected to the power switch of motor controller.

12. The system of claim 1 1 , wherein the clicking of the remote sends the signal to the receiver.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the receiver decodes the signal turn the power switch on or off.

14. The system for wireless pedal assist comprising a set of magnets, a magnetic sensor, a transmitter and a receiver.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the rotation of the magnets activate the sensor.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the activation of the sensor induced the signal from the transmitter.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the pedal assist receiver decodes the signal from the transmitter.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the receiver alters the current output from the controller to the electric motor.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the Electric motor varies its speed according to the current.