SRAM Solar AXS Battery Charger patent

SRAM seems to be embedding solar panels into any spare space on the bike, such as fenders, frames and water bottle cages, which will be able to charge AXS batteries, the name given to Sram’s radio sub-kits, by way of integrated fixing. These batteries are exclusive to Sram, such as front and rear waves or lift seat posts, and charging is currently done via a charger at home or via a USB cable to connect to a computer for charging.

In patent application number 20220131404, Sram’s rationale for the invention is as follows: “Modern bicycles are increasingly equipped with electronic components, such as hand shifts, front and rear paddles, power meters and lift seat tubes, and these batteries can run down and stop working, which can be inconvenient for some riders who must monitor the status of the batteries and recharge them regularly. ” “For this reason, riders may choose to carry spare batteries with them while riding. But these batteries also discharge naturally, they power the battery management system (BMS) and there is some internal chemistry to discharge them, which means that even batteries that have never been used may not stay fully charged.”

SRAM Thru-Axle Battery patent

Patent number 20220194509 shows that Sram is working on putting a replacement battery into the barrel axle and then connecting it to the rear derailleur with a wire.

The application suggests that this battery location could theoretically address the power needs of multiple components, not only the nearby rear derailleur but also “seat posts, bike lights, air pumps, GPS transceivers, shocks or other”

SRAM says that “conventional power sources can lead to unbalanced weight on the bike”, as well as exposure to bad weather or shocks. “Traditional power supplies may be limited in size to reduce unbalanced weight and the likelihood of impact, thus limiting the capacity of the power supply,” positioning the battery inside the axle may be the solution. Elsewhere in the application, SRAM suggests that a USB-C charging port could be added to the rear paddle, thus allowing for an external backup power supply.

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