15. October 2020
The ROTWILD IPU: Powerful power for the eMTB
IPU stands for Integrated Power Unit. The patented ROTWILD solution is the heart of every eMTB. It consists of the drive motor and a battery unit developed by ROTWILD in its own engineering effort. The goal of the designers was to completely integrate the two elements into the bike frame. In this way, they wanted to preserve the geometry and kinematics of classic mountain bikes and transfer the riding dynamic properties to the electric variants as well. This technology transfer made it possible to use the innovation in all bicycle categories without major restrictions.
The ROTWILD IPU as a load-bearing frame element
For this purpose, the developers have bolted the motor housing to the down tube battery unit and the frame. They have thus made the heart of the drive a fixed component of the frame. The down tube battery unit is thus a load-bearing element within the frame structure. The compact design also makes it possible to realize short rear triangle lengths or to position the pivot points, which are important for the development of full-suspension frames, accordingly.
Schematic diagram IPU - Integrated Power Unit by ADP Engineering, Pat. No. DE 10 2014 218 036.8
Batteries for different applications
The ROTWILD energy storage units are individually adapted to the target group needs and the application areas of the various bikes. Currently, the engineers resort to three different battery types: the well-known IPU 750 and 375. New in the application are the IPU 735 batteries. The batteries do not differ in terms of hardware design. But in the arrangement of the cells and the corresponding integration into the geometry of the individual bike models. With minimal, low-positioned weight and the latest, high-performance cell technology and 21700 cell type, they are all benchmark. They can be loaded in installed or removed state.
ROTWILD relies on two engine approaches
ROTWILD relies on two different motor types and manufacturers for the different areas of use of the individual bike models. The engineers install the Drive S Mag motor developed by the German supplier BROSE in the models of the R.750 series. In contrast, the drive units from Japanese manufacturer Shimano in the form of the EP8 provide the pulse in the R.375 and the new R.735 model series. Electrotechnically, these are "brushless internal rotors", which are characterized by an extremely compact design and high efficiency at the same time. The connectivity of drive and IPU via corresponding manufacturer software is different.
ROTWILD battery is "Developed in Germany
ROTWILD has brought the battery unit onto the road on the basis of its own innovations together with a German battery manufacturer. It is essentially made up of four basic elements: the cells, the battery management system with cable harness and motor connector, the integrated charging socket and the housing that encloses and protects the entire battery unit. The charging socket enables internal and external charging.