Operator Powered Vehicle Reciprocating Propulsion System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles that utilize both arm and leg power for propulsion are either cumbersome, limit exercise benefits, or are not suitable for individuals with leg disabilities, as they often require simultaneous use of arms and legs or are inefficient in power transmission.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated vehicle with a pivoting column that allows for independent or joint use of arms and legs for propulsion, utilizing a pair of drive gears that engage with the drive wheel during specific strokes of a reciprocating motion, ensuring continuous power application throughout the stroke.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional leg-powered cycle is used, then the structure is simple, but the exercise benefits are limited and persons with leg disabilities cannot use it
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is designed with a dual propulsion system that accepts both arm power (via handlebars connected to a first drive gear) and leg power (via pedals connected to a second drive gear), allowing it to serve multiple user needs including able-bodied persons, arm-only users, and leg-disabled persons with a single device configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system is segmented into independent arm-driven and leg-driven components, each with its own drive gear and transmission path to the rear wheel, allowing users to select which propulsion method to use without interfering with the other system
2Power
If arm and leg power are combined in existing designs, then power output increases, but the equipment becomes cumbersome and operation becomes awkward
Solution Approach 1:
Both the arm-driven first drive gear and leg-driven second drive gear transmit power to the same rear wheel through separate but integrated transmission paths, combining the power output of both propulsion methods while maintaining independent operation of each system
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle allows dynamic selection between arm propulsion, leg propulsion, or combined propulsion based on user preference and terrain conditions, with the transmission system automatically accommodating the active propulsion method without requiring complex coordination mechanisms
3Power
If existing arm and leg powered cycles are used, then both arms and legs can provide power, but they require simultaneous use which limits exercise benefits and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into independent arm-driven and leg-driven segments, each capable of operating alone or in combination, allowing users to exercise with arms only, legs only, or both simultaneously based on their fitness goals and physical capabilities
4Power
If chain driven gears are used as in Carpenter patent, then arm power can be transmitted, but exercise is limited to one-half of the total motion
Solution Approach 1:
The drive gears are designed to engage the rear wheel throughout the entire reciprocating stroke of the handlebars, with the first drive gear transmitting power during both forward and backward movements, ensuring continuous power transmission and full-utilization exercise
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle powered by an operator's arms and/or legs utilizes a pivot column for propulsion. An upper propulsion member (handlebar) is provided on the upper end of the pivot column. A lower propulsion member (foot bar) is provided on the lower end of the pivot column. A drive propulsion system is provided between the pivot column bottom and a rotational drive gear set. The drive propulsion system engaged with said at least one rotational drive gear, the propulsion system engages with and provides propulsion to an upper portion of the rotational drive gear during a counterclockwise motion of the pivot column and engages with and provides propulsion to a lower portion of the rotational drive gear during a clockwise motion of the pivot column. The rotational drive gear spins freely when subjected to the reverse motion. Incorporating two gears with opposing propulsion drives provides forward motion throughout the entire reciprocating stroke of the pivot column.