Key Takeaways:
- Classified has filed a patent for a self-powered bicycle system.
- The patent outlines the use of energy harvested from the sun to charge bicycle components.
- If successful, this technology could eliminate the need to recharge electronic components manually.
- It could potentially transform the future of bicycle groupsets, with solar cells powering sensors and electronic brakes.
- While the plans are still in the patent stage, the technology suggests a significant shift in cycling equipment for various disciplines.
Solar-Powered Bicycles: A Glimpse into the Future
What will bicycles look like in a decade? This question often stirs curious minds, especially since modern road bikes seem to have reached their technological pinnacle. Therefore, it left many intrigued when Classified, a renowned name in bicycle innovation, filed a patent hinting at the future of self-sufficient bicycles. Their ‘Self-powered system for a bicycle’ hints at harnessing the sun’s power to charge bicycle components, and even powering electronic brakes.
Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? Let’s dive deeper into this fascinating concept.
Harnessing Energy for Tomorrow’s Bicycles
At its core, the patent filed by Classified discusses the utilization of various forms of energy – kinetic, solar, or thermal. The idea is to use this harvested energy to power electronic actuators on a bicycle. These actuators could be employed for numerous tasks, including helping derailleurs and dropper posts function efficiently.
The blueprint also gives some air-time to electronically operated brakes, a concept that promises to stir a robust debate. Essentially, the use of such energy-efficient components would negate the need for manual recharging, adding another feather to the cap of green technology.
The Genius Minds Behind the Idea
The patent application names Classified CTO Dr Roëll van Druten as one of the key inventors. Their aim is crystal clear – they intend to ‘provide a user-friendly system for powering the various electronic sensors and actuators of a bicycle.’ While modern bikes are marvels of technology in their own right, a solar-charging groupset that does away with the need for manual charging is an exciting prospect.
Decoding the Patent Specs
Patents, though full of jargon, provide invaluable insights into potential game-changing technology. Going through the lengthy patent document (No: WO2023118607A2), some key elements stand out. The new design outlines a system festooned with electronic sensors and actuators. These include cadence sensors, speed sensor, brake sensor, and even a ‘position sensor.’
These sensors could potentially be powered by solar cells (photovoltaic cells) mounted on different parts of the bicycle. This could well be the start of a silent race among manufacturers to patent and shield solar tech for future advancements.
Electronic Brakes and Self-Power
A particularly eye-catching part of the patent is the concept of electronic brakes. This self-powering brake system involves an electronic brake sensor that senses user actuation and sends a signal directing a braking action. This principle mirrors the electronic handbrakes prevalent in modern cars, heightening the prospect of a future merger of bike and motor technology.
A Look Ahead for Classified
The blueprint could be an indication of Classified’s direction for future projects. The brand might be planning ahead, potentially blocking competition from implementing similar technology. Classified famously caught attention a few years back with the Powershift Hub, a two-speed transmission built into the rear part of a bike. The technology was adopted widely and even made its way into professional races.
Classified provides equipment for urban, road, and gravel usage, and this new patent might hint at their intention to move further away from racing-focused technology. Instead, they could be headed towards creating more efficient and user-friendly options for everyday cyclists across different biking disciplines. The future of bicycle groupsets and components could indeed be solar – and it sounds both fascinating and promising.