Gear Shift Energy Storage Mechanism for Shifting Under Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear shift systems for vehicles with multiple gears face challenges in shifting efficiently under torque conditions, particularly in pedally propelled vehicles where the rider's torque is difficult to control, leading to torque loss and reduced shifting performance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle gear shift system that includes an energy source, an energy storage element, and a longitudinal energy transfer element, which interconnects the gear shift element and the energy storage element, allowing for precise control of gear shifts by loading or charging the energy storage element with potential energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If gear shifting is performed under high torque conditions in conventional systems, then the vehicle can maintain power delivery, but torque loss increases and shifting reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-charging the energy storage element (spring) before the gear shift operation. This stored energy is then released during the shift to overcome counter-torque, allowing the shift to proceed without power interruption while minimizing torque loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage element acts as an intermediary between the energy source and the gear shift mechanism. It buffers the torque fluctuations by storing and releasing energy, mediating the interaction between the rider's torque and the shifting mechanism to maintain smooth power delivery.
2Device complexity
If conventional gear shift systems are used in pedally propelled vehicles, then the system structure remains simple, but shifting reliability deteriorates due to uncontrollable rider torque
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service by using the rider's own pedaling torque to charge the energy storage element, which then assists the shifting operation. The rider inadvertently provides the energy needed for reliable shifting through normal pedaling, without requiring additional power sources or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamics by incorporating a compliant energy storage element that can dynamically adjust to varying rider torque conditions. This allows the system to adapt to the uncontrollable nature of human-powered input while maintaining reliable shifting performance.
3Reliability
If the energy storage element is pre-charged with sufficient potential energy, then shifting reliability improves under high counter-torque, but the device complexity and energy management system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service by automatically charging the energy storage element through the rider's normal pedaling torque. The energy management is self-regulating, where the spring charges during high-torque pedaling and discharges during shifting, eliminating the need for external energy management systems or additional power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the energy management function from the traditional powertrain control system and places it within the mechanical energy storage element itself. This simplifies the overall energy management architecture by using passive mechanical energy storage rather than active electrical energy management.
4Ease of operation
If the energy transfer element is made flexible to accommodate torque variations, then shifting smoothness improves, but the precision of gear engagement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the energy transfer function by separating the flexible energy storage element from the precise gear engagement mechanism. The spring handles torque smoothing while the gear teeth and shift forks maintain precise engagement, allowing each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid energy transfer element acts as an intermediary that transmits the smoothed torque from the flexible spring to the precision gear engagement mechanism. This intermediate component ensures that the flexibility benefits are transmitted without compromising the precision required for accurate gear selection.
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 system achieves more instantaneous gear shifts and reduced torque loss during shifting, providing a more reliable and predictable shifting experience, especially in pedally propelled vehicles, while being easily integratable with existing multi-speed gear systems.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage element (30) comprising a frame (32) and a resilient element (31), wherein the frame is holding the resilient element (31)
Implementation Method 2
The threaded first portion (51) of the energy transfer element extends out of the frame and is rotationally fixed to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle and a vehicle gear shift system (1) comprising:—an energy source (20);—an energy storage element (30), and—a longitudinal energy transfer element (50, 150) configured to interconnect the gear shift element (10) and the energy storage element (30); wherein the energy source (20) is configured to load or charge the energy storage element (30) with potential energy via a movement of the energy transfer element (50) in its longitudinal direction with regards to the energy storage element.