Bicycle Hub Assembly With Split Drive Body for Durable Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hub assemblies in human-powered vehicles lack design flexibility and durability, particularly in the transmission of rotational force between the rotatable member and the hub body, and there is a need for improved durability and ease of manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The hub assembly includes a sprocket support body and a transmitting body made of different materials, with the sprocket support body having higher hardness for durability and the transmitting body being easier to manufacture, and incorporates a one-way clutch with ratchet members to facilitate rotational force transmission and interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the transmitting body is integrated with the sprocket support body, then the structure is simpler, but the design flexibility and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting body is separated from the sprocket support body into two independent components. The sprocket support body can be optimized for durability with high-hardness material while the transmitting body can be manufactured more easily with different material properties, allowing independent optimization of each component's design and material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different materials for the sprocket support body and transmitting body, with the sprocket support body made of a first material having higher hardness than the second material of the transmitting body. This composite material approach enables each component to have material properties optimized for its specific functional requirements.
2Reliability
If the sprocket support body is made of high-hardness material, then the durability is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the assembly into separate components with different material requirements, the high-hardness material is only used where necessary (sprocket support body), while the transmitting body can use more easily manufactured materials, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
High hardness material is applied locally only to the sprocket support body where durability is critical, while the transmitting body uses a different material that is easier to manufacture, allowing each component to have material properties matched to its specific functional demands.
3Power
If rotational force transmission is continuous, then the power transmission is smooth, but the ability to interrupt transmission is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way clutch mechanism dynamically changes the transmission state based on rotational direction. During forward rotation, the clutch engages to transmit power smoothly; during reverse rotation or when the spring force exceeds the clutch engagement force, the clutch disengages to interrupt transmission, providing adaptive control of power flow.
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 solution enhances design flexibility and durability of the hub assembly while ensuring efficient transmission and interruption of rotational force, improving the overall performance and manufacturing ease.
Implementation Method 1
The one-way clutch is configured to restrict the sprocket support body from rotating relative to the hub body in a first rotational direction. The one-way clutch is configured to allow the sprocket support body to rotate relative to the hub body in a second rotational direction which is an opposite direction of the first rotational direction.
Implementation Method 2
The transmitting body is provided between the sprocket support body and the one-way clutch to transmit rotational force from the sprocket support body to the one-way clutch.
Data Source
AI summary
A hub assembly comprises a hub axle, a hub body, a sprocket support body, a one-way clutch, and a transmitting body. The hub body is rotatable relative to the hub axle about a rotational axis. The sprocket support body is rotatable relative to the hub axle the rotational axis. The transmitting body is provided between the sprocket support body and the one-way clutch to transmit rotational force from the sprocket support body to the one-way clutch. The transmitting body is a separate member from the sprocket support body. The transmitting body includes an outer periphery configured to be engaged with the inner periphery of the sprocket support body.