Epicyclic Hub Braking With Clock Spring Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regenerative braking systems face limitations in torque transfer efficiency due to frictional losses and require complex gear synchronization, making them user-unfriendly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An epicyclic transmission gear and disk brake based regenerative braking device with a clock spring torque storage module, where the epicyclic transmission unit at the vehicle hub eliminates frictional losses and replaces gear synchronization with a conventional brake On/Off functionality, utilizing a sun gear, planetary gears, and a ring gear to efficiently transfer momentum and store energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a roller wheel is used to transfer torque from the brake lever to the clock spring, then the braking function is achieved, but the torque transfer efficiency is limited due to frictional losses and roller slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the frictional contact interface (roller wheel) from the torque transfer path and replaces it with a direct gear meshing system. The epicyclic gear unit establishes direct tooth-to-tooth contact between gears, eliminating the roller wheel intermediate element that caused frictional losses and slippage, thereby significantly improving torque transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an epicyclic gear unit as an intermediary mechanism between the brake lever and the clock spring. This gear unit acts as a mediator that transforms the linear braking force into rotational torque through gear meshing, providing a more efficient torque transfer path compared to direct roller contact
2Loss of energy
If fixed gears are used to couple the spring to the moving wheel, then frictional losses are reduced, but the system requires complex gear synchronization that limits ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic epicyclic gear system where the carrier plate can rotate freely during pedaling, allowing the gears to automatically synchronize through their meshing relationship. During regenerative braking, the carrier plate is locked by the brake lever, and the planetary gears automatically engage to transfer torque. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for manual synchronization while maintaining efficient torque transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The epicyclic gear unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a free-rolling gear system during normal pedaling, automatically synchronizes gears, and engages as a torque transfer mechanism during regenerative braking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate synchronization mechanisms, greatly simplifying operation
3Device complexity
If the regenerative braking system is located at the wheel rim, then the structure is simpler, but the torque transfer capability is reduced due to lower torque availability at the rim
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the regenerative braking system from the wheel rim (peripheral location) to the wheel hub (central location). This dimensional relocation to the hub position provides access to higher torque values that are naturally available at the rotational center, significantly improving torque transfer capability while the compact epicyclic gear design keeps the overall system complexity manageable
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
This solution enhances torque transfer efficiency, reduces frictional losses, and simplifies the user experience by eliminating the need for gear synchronization, achieving up to 50% efficiency in energy recovery during braking.
Implementation Method 1
a clock spring torque storage module... The ring gear is adapted to be connected to the clock spring module
Implementation Method 2
an epicyclic transmission unit that is composed of three co-axial gears and preferably includes a sun gear, a set of planetary gears and a ring gear
Implementation Method 3
disk brake based regenerative braking device... disk brake frictional surface
Data Source
AI summary
An epicyclic transmission gear and disk brake based regenerative braking device includes an epicyclic transmission unit to transfer braking energy through arrangement of sun gear and the planetary gears to a clock spring of a clock spring torque storage module. The device includes a disk brake unit that arrests the rotation of a sun-planetary gear assembly in the epicyclic transmission unit such that momentum available at the extended hub is transferred to a ring gear. The ring gear is connected to an inner casing of the clock spring torque storage module that charges the spring. The device includes a chassis unit that dissipates excess energy through spinning of an outer casing of the clock spring torque storage module by a spring calibration wheel that rides over a sinusoidal contoured surface of the outer casing.