Excel Pedal Charger

Sindy Hernandez, Joel Jaramillo, Jack Loja

Department of Science, City College of New York

ENGL 21007

Professor Jacobson

 

 

 

 

Introduction

Wanting to exercise outdoors but you want to charge your electronics? Our Excel Pedal Charger would help you kill two birds with one stone. Excel Pedal chargers are portable chargers that are connected to bicycles, and they produce electricity based off our kinetic energy. Bicycle-powered chargers offer a clean, renewable, and convenient way to charge devices on-the-go while promoting a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle. The technical environment surrounding this innovation includes bicycle design and manufacturing, energy conversion, and portable charging technologies. The need for this innovation is if you want to save money on electricity by just connecting the Excel Pedal charger to the bike and go for a ride. With more force and movement to it, the Excel Petal charger would be notified and that will allow your electronic device to charge faster. Even though this invention already exists, our Excel Pedal chargers allow us to power up e-Bikes. With our Excel Pedal chargers, we can burn calories, get in shape, charge electronics, and become more eco-friendly.

Target Audience

As we know bikes are a universal form of transportation. People use bikes not only to get to work or school but for recreational activities and cycling. When these bike lovers are on the go an important part of their travel is their phone and GPS. Your phone and GPS help you get from point A to point B, so it is beneficial to have your devices fully charged. That is where our Excel Pedal Charger comes in handy. When using our product users can charge their device while biking or use it to light up their taillights. Our product can help all diverse types of bikers. For those who cycle and do tours, having their GPS and phone is one of the main components to always be ready. Instead of going to a gas station or making constant pit stops to charge their phone, cyclists can do it on the go. For those who do food delivery, biking might be a way to deliver customers food so having your phone charged would be particularly important. There is no need to carry around bulky portable chargers and hope that they have charged. Lastly, our commuters use their bikes to get to work and to school. It is common in the city to see people using bikes to get to certain places. So, if you are running low on battery life, you can just use your phone while on the go. While our product is used on bikes, it can also be used for e-bikes. For those who use e-bikes, they will also be able to charge their bike while on the go. Our product can help all diverse types of bike users and is tailored to their needs.

Competitors

We are aware that we aren’t the only dynamo out there in the market that is able to help charge your phone. Dynamo hubs for instance have been the go-to for many bikers and cyclists out there, however, dynamo hubs have been shown to have a high amount of drag. Take the Forumslader V5, it can take 15 watts of the power you have created by pedaling and only charge 10.5 watts which creates a drag of 1.1kph. This slows riders down by 9 minutes if they were biking 100km when also thinking about the bike weight, gear weight, body weight, and the landscape. Not only does it create drag but it also does not charge your devices up to 100%, it just prevents it from not being dead, so bikers tend to rely on external batteries and chargers. This is why we chose to use a rim dynamo instead which takes away that drag and charger’s devices more efficiently. There are also rim dynamos on the market already such as the pedal cell and Velogical. Velogical is only 35% more efficient than the lowest-performing hub and the PedalCell is only 68% more efficient than the best dynamo hub. Although it is good, these hubs aren’t able to charge e-bikes. The Excel Pedal Charger is compatible with e-bike batteries and charging connectors which produces a secure connection. Our adapter’s safety features help prevent overheating, overvoltage, and overcurrent which allows riders to drive safely while charging the e-bike. With our rim dynamo, users can also light up their taillights with USB-A and USB-C. Users can also comfortably and easily move the rim dynamo from bike to bike without all the extra work needed for a dynamo hub. When attaching the dynamo users can also adjust the dynamo to their rim type with set screws and rotationals. As for our performance, our rim dynamo produces 2w@11kph, 3w@13-15kph, 4w@17-20kph, and 5w@20-25kph compared to the average which is 2w@12-15kph, 3@15-25, 4w@17-25, and 5w@25-35. So, in fewer miles and times our dynamo can charge users at a faster pace. Lastly, unlike the pedal cell, our product has different dynamos based on what kind of rider you are. For our sport mode, the range is best for 25kph and more and for our relaxed mode, the range is best for 15kph-20kph and below. The relaxed mode comes with a backup battery just to ensure that riders get the most out of the battery. With these different modes, riders can comfortably ride within their limits or use and still charge their phone efficiently based on their speed. To add some fun, riders can pick from our wide variety of colors: red, blue, forest green, black, and brown.

Mounting System

A secure and flexible mounting system is critical for attaching the charger components, such as the dynamo, voltage regulator, and weather-resistant casing, to a bicycle’s frame. The mounting system must cater to a diverse range of bicycle types, sizes, and configurations. Moreover, it should facilitate the easy installation, adjustment, and removal of the charger components as required by the user. To attain this degree of versatility and user-friendliness, the mounting system will employ adjustable straps, brackets, and clamps, constructed from robust yet lightweight materials like aluminum or high-strength plastic. These components will allow users to securely fasten the charger to their bicycle without requiring specialized tools or expertise.

Dynamo

The primary component of our cycle-driven charging device is the high-performance dynamo. This transforms the kinetic energy produced by the bicycle’s motion into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. We will opt for a dynamo that delivers optimal power output with minimal resistance, guaranteeing that the cyclist’s pedaling effort is barely affected. The dynamo will connect to the bicycle’s wheel, with the wheel’s movement powering the dynamo to produce electricity.

One of the key considerations when designing a dynamo for a bicycle-powered charger is ensuring that it is compatible with all different types of bicycles and wheel sizes. Furthermore, the dynamo is designed to withstand various weather conditions and resists wear and tear. The efficiency and compatibility of the dynamo are essential factors as they directly impact the overall performance and user experience of the charging system. We will be creating our own rim dynamo to ensure that it is easily transferable between different bicycles and offers the flexibility that users require. By creating our own rim dynamo, we can also customize its features to better suit the needs of our product.  To accommodate different cycling activities and requirements, we offer a range of rim dynamos tailored to specific situations. For example, we would provide a dynamo designed for short distances and casual rides, one optimized for long distance journeys, and one for off-road adventures.

Voltage Regulator

The Voltage Regulator plays a vital role in ensuring the secure and effective power transfer from the dynamo to the linked electronic devices. As the dynamo creates electricity from the bike’s motion, the generated voltage might vary based on the terrain and cyclist’s pace. The changes in voltage could be harmful to the connected gadgets, possibly resulting in damage to their batteries or internal parts. The voltage regulator intervenes in this situation, stabilizing the output voltage and shielding the devices from damage.

In our bike-powered charger product, the voltage regulator is smoothly integrated into the system, linking directly to the dynamo’s output. This configuration allows the electricity produced by the bike to flow through the voltage regulator before reaching the USB charging port where users can connect their devices using a USB cable. By including a voltage regulator in our charging system, we offer users a trustworthy and secure option for charging on the move. This component not only ensures compatibility with a variety of electronic devices but also extends the life of user’s valuable electronics.

USB

In our charging system, the USB port obtains power from the voltage regulator, which stabilizes and converts the electricity produced by the dynamo into a safe voltage level for charging devices. The 5V output supplied by the voltage regulator corresponds with the standard voltage for USB charging, ensuring that connected devices receive the appropriate power for safe and efficient charging. The USB charging port will be incorporated into the weather-resistant casing of our charger, safeguarding it from moisture, dust, and debris while allowing easy access for users. This design consideration ensures that the port remains functional and durable in various environmental conditions. By integrating a USB charging port into our bike-powered charger, we offer users a versatile, user-friendly solution for powering their electronic devices while cycling.

Weather Resistant Casing

The weather-resistant casing functions as a safeguard for the charger’s inner components, such as the dynamo, voltage regulator, and USB charging port. This enclosure is engineered to endure exposure to elements like rain, snow, dust, and debris, ensuring the charger’s durability and consistent performance, irrespective of environmental circumstances. To attain the desired weather resistance, the enclosure will be constructed from high-strength plastic materials. These materials offer the required sturdiness and resistance to moisture, temperature variations, and potential impacts from debris or mishaps. Moreover, the plastic materials are lightweight and cost-efficient, adding to the charger’s overall cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness.

The enclosure’s design will integrate elements like secure seals and gaskets to impede water intrusion and shield the internal components from moisture-induced damage. Additionally, the USB charging port will be tactically positioned within the enclosure to enable effortless access for users while remaining protected from environmental factors. Integrating a weather-resistant enclosure into the bicycle-powered charger design guarantees that the charger stays functional and long-lasting in diverse conditions. This attribute highlights our dedication to offering a dependable and sturdy charging solution for bike riders, empowering them to charge their devices and maintain connectivity during their travels, no matter the weather.

E-bike adapter:

The cyclist links the e-bike adapter to the bicycle-powered charger’s output, through a USB port. As the rider pedals, the dynamo generates electricity, which the charger’s voltage regulator transforms into a stable output compatible with USB devices. Upon connecting the e-bike adapter, it further adjusts the voltage and current levels to meet the specific demands of the e-bike battery. Electronic components within the e-bike adapter modify the voltage and current to suit the e-bike battery’s requirements, ensuring safe and efficient charging.

The adapter is engineered for compatibility with e-bike battery standards and charging connectors. Users connect the adapter to the e-bike battery’s charging port, establishing a secure and correct connection. Throughout the charging process, the adapter’s integrated safety features, including overvoltage, overcurrent, and short-circuit protection, constantly oversee and control power transfer to prevent damage to the e-bike battery and other components. The charging procedure is complete when the e-bike battery is fully charged or when the cyclist stops pedaling. The user can then detach the adapter from both the charger and the e-bike battery.

Extra Battery Pack

The extra battery pack serves as a dependable backup power source for users’ electronic devices, maintaining uninterrupted operation even when the power generated by the charger’s dynamo is inadequate. This feature is especially valuable during low-speed cycling, as the dynamo’s output might be insufficient to sustain a consistent charge. The backup battery pack will comprise high-capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells, resulting in a lightweight and effective energy storage solution. These battery cells possess a high energy density, ensuring the battery pack remains compact and unnoticeable while supplying significant power for users’ devices.

Incorporating the extra battery pack into the bicycle-powered charger system requires connecting it to the voltage regulator. This connection allows the battery pack to draw power from the dynamo when the charger is in operation, ensuring the battery remains charged and accessible when necessary. Additionally, the battery pack will be housed in a weather resistant enclosure similar to the charger’s primary casing, providing protection against environmental elements. By adding an extra battery pack into our bicycle-powered charger design, we increase the system’s adaptability and attract a broader range of cyclists. This feature guarantees that users can depend on the charger to power their devices throughout cycling.

 

App Features

The app will allow you to track your calories burn, the energy you are producing and how long at the specific pace you are maintaining will increase your battery on your phone. It will have a feature that when you go up a hill it will increase the voltage on your phone. In short terms, the more force and effort you put into cycling the faster your phone charges.

Troubleshooting

A crucial aspect of our troubleshooting strategy is to provide users with a detailed user manual, which encompasses the correct installation, operation, and upkeep methods for the charging system. This manual will have a dedicated troubleshooting section that tackles prevalent issues and their corresponding resolutions. This part will address potential concerns linked to the dynamo, voltage regulator, weather-resistant casing, mounting system, and e-bike adapter. Alongside the user manual, we will extend a responsive customer support service to aid users in resolving any problems not addressed in the manual. Our support personnel will be proficient and well-versed in the product, guiding users through the troubleshooting process via phone, email, or live chat.

 

Cost and Materials

1. Dynamo: Custom made rim dynamo

• Material: Aluminum, coper wire, magnets
• Cost: $100-$200 (estimated)

2. Voltage Regulator: LM7805 5V Voltage Regulator

• Metal casing, electronic components
• Cost: $2-$4

3.4 USB Charging Port: Front Panel Mount USB

• Material: Metal and plastic
• Cost: $25

5. Extra Battery Pack: 10000mAh Lithium-Polymer Battery Pack

• Material: Lithium, plastic casing
• Cost: $30

6. Mounting System: Aluminum brackets and adjustable nylon straps

• Material: Metal and High strength plastic (straps, brackets, clamps)
• Cost: $20

7. E-bike adapter:

• Material: Plastic casings, heavy-duty connectors, and electronic components
• Cost: $100-$150

Conclusion

Our invention, the Excel pedal charger, has better components that outclass our competitors with charging e-Bikes and includes the fact that our device is eco-friendly to the environment with easy fundamentals that produce usable kinetic energy. These chargers would be more affordable to consumers and the charger would help track the force you put into cycling will be tracked and give you energy. With the purchase of our product, we can help you produce energy to charge your electronics and make sure it has a long lifespan, while at the same time, you get your exercise and help the community by using less toxic energy sources.

 

Works Cited

Carey, C. (2019, May 8). How to Choose the Right Metal for Your Custom Enclosure or Part. Protocase Blog. https://www.protocase.com/blog/2019/05/08/how-to-choose-the-right-metal-for-your-custom-enclosure-or-part/

 

Denham, A. (2019, July 20). All About The Best Dynamo USB Chargers For Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking. CyclingAbout.com. https://www.cyclingabout.com/best-dynamo-usb-chargers-bicycle-touring-bikepacking/

 

Glenton, K. (2021, December 6). What is a Bicycle Dynamo (and How Does it Work)? Discerning Cyclist. https://discerningcyclist.com/what-is-bicycle-dynamo/

 

Hidalgo , J. (2021, July 21). Portable Juice: Picking a Portable USB Charger and Battery Pack. Lifewire. https://www.lifewire.com/buying-guide-for-portable-usb-chargers-2740926

 

Hruska , J. (2022, June 5). How USB Charging Works, or How to Avoid Blowing Up Your Phone. ExtremeTech. https://www.extremetech.com/energy/115251-how-usb-charging-works-or-how-to-avoid-blowing-up-your-smartphone

 

Luke, J. (2021, September 10). Everything you ever wanted to know about bike dynamos | Generator hubs and dynamo lights explained. BikeRadar. https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bike-dynamos/#:~:text=A%20dynamo%20is%20a%20device

 

TeamRAVpower. (2018, February 19). All You Need to Know About USB Power Delivery (PD). RAVPower. https://blog.ravpower.com/2018/02/all-about-usb-power-delivery/#:~:text=USB%20Power%20Delivery%20

 

TwoWheelsCarryTheSoul. (2021, May 12). PedalCell Rim Dynamo (w/field edit). TwoWheelsCarryTheSou. https://www.twowheelscarrythesoul.com/post/pedalcell-rim-dynamo

 

MPS. (n.d.). Voltage Regulator Types and Working Principle | Article | MPS. Monolithic Power. https://www.monolithicpower.com/en/voltage-regulator-types

 

Polycase. (n.d.). Waterproof Boxes & Weatherproof Electrical Enclosures. Www.polycase.com. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://www.polycase.com/waterproof-enclosures

 

published, A. W. (2022, February 1). The best portable chargers and power banks in 2022. Tom’s Guide. https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-portable-chargers

 

REI. (n.d.). Bike Fitting Basics. Www.rei.com. https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bike-fit.html

 

Self-Reflection

Compared to the other assignments this semester, the group proposal and lab report were the ones I struggled with the most. This group proposal tested my abilities with working with people. It was difficult to meet up with all my group members at once because we have other projects and schoolwork and stuff outside of school like work. Nonetheless, we tried our best to do our roles even though we were a small group. I feel like the product didn’t showcase our full potential, but we still put our hard work and effort into it. In this group I was in charge of looking into our target audience, competitors, and design. Finding the target audience was helpful because it made it easier for us to find out what we could do differently. It took a lot of research which I did enjoy because it was new for me and I didn’t know such things for bikes existed.

Since it was hard for my group to find the time to meet all together it made me feel like we were behind, and it did set us back. This made me wary of how I would do when presenting because some members know certain information better than me. I still enjoyed working with my group we all pushed through it and wanted to get it out. While preparing for the presentation part I got nervous thinking about it. I’ve presented before but I still feel like I needed more time to digest all the information and to truly memorize it. Reading off the screen is not the best and so I try my best to stray away from it but it’s hard. Watching Shark Tank was good to help get an idea of how we should be speaking. It was interesting to create something of our own even if a similar product is still out there in the market. When I was researching I paid attention to the design aspect as well as and what I noticed was that there weren’t different colors as well as the materials used to make the weather protectant casing. I also took into consideration the weight of the materials used. Looking at the taget audience and competitors helped me notice the main concerns of bikers. Overall, I did enjoy the concept of this project and next time I would just give myself more time to work on it with my group all together.