Bicycle Rear Wheel One-Way Clutch With Teeth and Hooks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle rear wheel designs with one-way clutches are complex, noisy, and prone to structural failure due to high radial forces and a large number of structural elements, making them difficult to manufacture, maintain, and less durable.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design featuring a one-way clutch assembly comprising a flange with teeth and a disc with hooks, where the hooks engage with the teeth to transmit torque, reducing the number of structural elements and utilizing a larger diameter for multiple engagement points, ensuring quieter operation and increased reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional ratchet or disc clutch designs are used with multiple engagement points, then torque transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and number of structural elements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate clutch elements into a single integrated disc clutch body with a unified friction surface. Instead of using multiple discrete ratchet teeth or clutch plates, the invention creates one continuous friction surface that contacts the hub body, reducing the number of parts while maintaining torque transmission capability through increased friction area.
Solution Approach 2:
The disc clutch body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the friction surface for torque transmission, provides the engagement interface with the hub body, and incorporates the spring mechanism for maintaining contact pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components that would otherwise be required in traditional designs.
2Reliability
If traditional clutch designs with multiple springs and rolling elements are used, then engagement reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple springs and rolling elements into a single spring-loaded disc assembly. Instead of having multiple discrete springs each acting on separate ratchet teeth, one spring acts on the entire disc clutch body, providing uniform pressure across the friction surface. This simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliable engagement through the distributed friction contact.
3Strength
If high radial forces are applied to clutch elements, then torque transmission is improved, but durability decreases due to structural stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from radial force transmission through discrete teeth to axial force transmission through a friction surface. Instead of relying on high radial loads on individual clutch elements, the invention uses axial spring pressure to maintain friction contact between the disc clutch body and hub body. This distributes the torque transmission load across a larger area, reducing stress concentrations and improving durability.
4Strength
If a larger number of clutch engagement points are used, then torque transmission capability is improved, but noise during operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tooth-to-tooth engagement system with a friction-based contact system. Instead of discrete mechanical impacts between engaged teeth that generate noise, the continuous friction surface provides smooth torque transmission without impact noises. The spring-loaded design ensures consistent contact pressure, eliminating the clicking and knocking sounds associated with traditional ratchet mechanisms.
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
The simplified design reduces noise, enhances durability, and improves manufacturing ease while maintaining high reliability and safety by minimizing the number of structural elements and using a larger diameter for multiple engagement points.
Implementation Method 1
one of the elements, the flange or the disc, has teeth on its side surface, and the other element has at least one hook on its side surface, corresponding to the position of the tooth
Implementation Method 2
the hooks engage with the teeth to transmit torque
Implementation Method 3
the hub body is ball-bearing mounted on the hub axle
Implementation Method 4
ball-bearing mounted
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a rear wheel of a bicycle including a tire rim with spokes, a hub axle on which at least one chain drive wheel is rotatably mounted, and a one-way clutch assembly. The one-way clutch assembly includes a flange and a disc placed next to each other, seated coaxially and with a gap. The flange is ball-bearing mounted on the hub axle, and the disc is integrated with the chain drive wheel. In some instances, these elements have side surfaces facing each other and one of the elements: the flange or the disc, has teeth on its side surface, and the other element has on its side surface at least one hook located at a distance from the axis of the hub similar to or the same as the position of the tooth.