Vehicle Hub Layout for Reverse Drive Without Dual Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hub systems for vehicles, such as go-karts, are complex in design due to multiple drive chains, making assembly, maintenance, and adjustment labor-intensive and error-prone, while also requiring a second axis for reverse functionality.
Innovation Solution
A hub system with a hub shaft rotationally coupled to both the brake shoe and brake anchor via a freewheel device, eliminating the need for a second drive chain by positioning the brake anchor opposite the driving member, allowing direct rotational movement to a wheel, and incorporating a resistance mechanism to prevent unintended freewheeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional BFR hub system with multiple drive chains is used, then reverse driving functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and assembly/maintenance becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the second drive chain and second chain-wheel directly into the hub shell. The hub shell itself is configured to engage with the second driven sprocket-wheel, eliminating the need for separate transmission components and simplifying the overall drive system while maintaining reverse driving capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hub shell serves multiple functions: it acts as both the rotating component for forward drive transmission and as the direct coupling element for reverse drive transmission. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated reverse drive components, reducing system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional BFR hub system with a second axis is used, then reverse functionality is enabled, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the second axis and second chain-wheel from the system by directly integrating the reverse drive function into the hub shell. This reduction in components directly improves ease of manufacture and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding a separate second axis and chain-wheel for reverse functionality, the patent inverts the approach by making the hub shell itself the coupling element that directly engages with the second driven sprocket-wheel, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process
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
Simplifies the vehicle design by eliminating the need for multiple drive chains and additional axes, facilitating easier assembly and maintenance while enabling forward pedaling, coasting, and reverse driving without complex mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the hub shaft is rotationally coupled to the brake shoe in at least one rotational direction at a first location located at a first lateral side of the driving member, and the hub shaft is also rotationally coupled to the brake anchor in at least one rotational direction at a second location located at a second lateral side of the driving member and opposite of the first lateral side of said driving member
Implementation Method 2
a brake shoe arranged for engaging the hub shell such as to be coupled with said hub shell temporarily
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hub system (200) for a vehicle (100) comprising: a hub shaft (5); a driving member (2) being rotatably mounted with respect to the hub shaft (5); and a hub shell (18) being rotatably mounted with respect to the hub shaft (5). It also comprises a brake shoe (8) arranged for engaging the hub shell (18) such as to be coupled with said hub shell (18) temporarily; and a brake anchor (29) arranged to be fixedly attached to a frame of a vehicle (100), and a coupling element (6) arranged for enabling coupling between the driving member (2) and the hub shell (18) in a first position, and for enabling coupling between the brake anchor (29) and the hub shell (18) in a second position. The hub shaft (5) is rotationally coupled to the brake shoe (8) in at least one rotational direction at a first location located at a first lateral side of the driving member (2), and rotationally coupled to the brake anchor (29) in at least one rotational direction at a second location located at a second lateral side of the driving member (2) and opposite of the first lateral side of said driving member (2). Hence, the brake shoe (8) can be positioned at one side of the driving member (2), and the brake anchor (29) can be positioned at an opposite side of said driving member (2). As a result, the hub shell (18) and/or a driven axis (130) connected thereto can extend at a first side of a sprocket-wheel (10), whereas the brake anchor (29) coupled to the hub shaft (5) can be provided at the opposite side.