Internal Gear Hub Selectable Fixed Gear Electric Bike Regen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric cycles with driven internal gear hubs face limitations in providing a wide range of gear ratios and efficient propulsion modes, leading to suboptimal performance and rider experience.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a gear set with multiple mechanical mechanisms, including clutches and torque transfer elements, allows for various gear ratios and operational modes by selectively engaging or disengaging these mechanisms to optimize power transmission and regenerative braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanical mechanisms are added to provide various gear ratios, then the versatility and propulsion modes are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a planetary gear set where planet gears are nested within the ring gear and rotate around the sun gear. This nested configuration allows multiple gear ratios to be achieved through different engagement states of the mechanisms, providing versatility without requiring separate gear trains for each ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical mechanisms (first, second, third, and fourth mechanisms) are designed to serve multiple functions: they can engage to provide different gear ratios, enable regenerative braking modes, and facilitate coasting. This multi-functionality allows a single set of mechanisms to address various propulsion needs without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If mechanical mechanisms are engaged for power transmission, then the propulsion efficiency is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical mechanisms are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the operating conditions and rider input. For example, during regenerative braking, the mechanisms automatically transition to enable energy recovery without requiring manual intervention from the rider, maintaining intuitive operation while optimizing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between different engagement states of the mechanical mechanisms based on real-time operational needs. The mechanisms can smoothly switch between gear ratios and propulsion modes, allowing the system to adapt to varying terrain and rider demands without complex manual control.
3Loss of energy
If a fixed connection is provided for regenerative braking, then the energy recovery capability is improved, but the adaptability to different operating modes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fourth mechanical mechanism provides a dynamic connection that can transition between fixed engagement for regenerative braking and disengaged states for other propulsion modes. This dynamic capability allows the system to maximize energy recovery during braking while maintaining full adaptability across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fourth mechanical mechanism acts as an intermediary between the planetary gear set and the wheel hub, enabling selective engagement for regenerative braking. This intermediary component facilitates energy recovery without permanently constraining the system, allowing smooth transitions between braking and propulsion modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A number of variations may include a product that may comprise a gear set, and first, second and third mechanical mechanisms. Each mechanical mechanism may alternatively be open or closed and each may be connected to the gear set. The mechanical mechanisms may be variously open or closed providing a number of gear ratios through the gear set. A fourth mechanical mechanism or a fixed connection may be included. A mode of operation may be provided where the first, second and third mechanical mechanisms are open, and the fourth mechanical mechanism may be closed or the fixed connection may be provided.