Automatic Transmission with Angular Velocity Engagement Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle transmission systems require higher technical understanding to operate and do not automatically adjust to the angular velocity of the driven wheel, leading to confusion in selecting suitable gear ratios for terrain, and are not energy-efficient.

Innovation Solution

An automatic transmission engagement system with at least two gear sets and an Angular-Velocity Engagement Module (AVEM) that automatically engages and disengages the output-wheel with the driven-wheel based on the angular velocity of the driven wheel, using a ratchet-gear and buckling-spring mechanism to adjust torque and gear ratios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual gear shifting is implemented, then the dynamic range of the engine is widened, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for technical understanding and skill to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system automatically adjusts gear ratios based on the driven wheel's angular velocity without requiring rider input. The centrifugal governor and ratchet mechanism self-regulate the transmission ratio, eliminating the need for manual shifting while maintaining multiple gear ratios for different terrains and speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the driven wheel's angular velocity as feedback to automatically select appropriate gear ratios. The centrifugal governor responds to rotational speed changes and triggers corresponding gear changes, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to riding conditions without rider intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If centrifugal governor weights are used to control engagement, then automatic gear shifting is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic gear shiftingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centrifugal governor weights act as an intermediary between the driven wheel's rotational speed and the ratchet mechanism. They convert rotational velocity into radial displacement, which then engages or disengages the appropriate gear ratios through the ratchet teeth, providing automatic control through a mechanical intermediary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electronic sensors and actuators with a purely mechanical centrifugal governor and ratchet system. This mechanical substitution achieves automatic gear shifting without complex electronics, using only mechanical elements like weights, springs, and ratchet teeth to sense and respond to speed changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gear ratios are provided, then the dynamic range is widened, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring suitable ratios for specific terrain increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoiddifficulty of detecting and measuring
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the driven wheel's angular velocity and uses this feedback to automatically select the appropriate gear ratio. The centrifugal governor responds to speed changes in real-time, triggering gear transitions that match current terrain and loading conditions, eliminating the need for the rider to detect and select ratios manually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission system performs the function of detecting and selecting suitable gear ratios for specific terrain automatically. The centrifugal governor and ratchet mechanism work together to sense speed changes and engage appropriate gears without requiring the rider to understand or measure the terrain requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides a simple, energy-efficient, and easy-to-use drive that automatically adjusts power application to the driven-wheel based on its angular velocity, eliminating the need for manual gear shifting and enhancing ride comfort and usability for a wider range of users.

Implementation Method 1

centrifugal governor weights adapted to effect operative engagement and disengagement of said high speed-ratio transmission ratchet gearing according to speed of rotation of the driving sprocket wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

high speed-ratio transmission ratchet gearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Implementation Method 3

a planetary gear mechanism provided between said driving sleeve and the hub shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Data Source

PatentUS10450033B2Automatic transmission system where gear engagement is determined by the angular velocity of the driven wheel
Publication Date: 2019.10.22 POPPER TECH 1983
  • US10450033B2 patent drawing
  • US10450033B2 patent drawing
  • US10450033B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An automatic transmission system [100] for controlling application of a power source [160] onto a driven-wheel [110] comprises at least two gear-sets [200] mounted on at least one mediating-disk [120], where the mediating-disks [120] are mounted on a dead-axle shaft [210]. The gear-sets [200] has (a) an output-wheel [130] connected to the power source [160] and revolves accordantly; diameter of the output-wheel [130] configured to set transmission-ratio of angular-velocity and torque to be applied to the driven-wheel [110]; the output-wheel [130] is mounted on the dead-axle shaft [210] and set side by side with the mediating-disk [120]; and (b) an Angular-Velocity Engagement Module [205] configured for automatic engagement and disengagement of the output-wheel [130] with the driven-wheel [110]. Each of the output wheels [130] has different diameter, configured for different transmission-ratio of angular-velocity and torque to be applied to the driven-wheel [110].