Pedal Vehicle Spiral Spring Energy Storage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pedal-powered tricycles and quadricycles waste excess pedaling energy during level or downhill travel, as additional pedaling power leads to excessive speed rather than assisting in propulsion, particularly when traversing uphill grades.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a specialized assembly comprising spiral springs and power transmission gears that capture and store excess pedaling power as potential spring energy, allowing its subsequent release to assist in maintaining speed during uphill travel, utilizing a drive shaft, rotary power input linkages, and one-way bearings to manage the energy storage and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the operator applies additional pedaling power during level or downhill travel, then the vehicle speed increases, but the operator's capability to provide power for uphill travel is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly stores excess pedaling energy during level or downhill travel before it is needed for uphill propulsion. The springs are pre-charged with energy during periods when excess power is available, so that this energy is ready for use when the operator needs to climb hills, eliminating waste and improving overall energy utilization.
2Ease of operation
If the operator maintains desired speed with minimal pedaling exertion during level or downhill travel, then energy consumption is reduced, but excess pedaling capability is discouraged
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly automatically captures and stores excess pedaling energy without requiring additional operator action. During easy cruising, the operator's natural pedaling variations automatically charge the springs, which then assist during uphill sections, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for the operator to consciously manage energy storage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a specialized assembly of springs and power transmission gears is added to capture and store excess pedaling power, then energy utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring energy storage function is merged with the existing drivetrain components. The spring assembly is integrated with the pedal crank and drive shaft, combining energy storage with the power transmission function already present in the vehicle. This integration reduces the need for separate, additional components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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
Enables efficient accumulation and utilization of excess pedaling energy during level or downhill travel for assistance in uphill propulsion, enhancing the vehicle's speed maintenance and reducing the operator's pedaling effort, thereby optimizing energy use and travel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
mechanically associating with the vehicle's drive train a specialized assembly of springs and power transmission gears which are adapted for initially capturing and storing the above described excess pedaling power as potential spring energy
Implementation Method 2
a one-way bearing operatively connected to the spring's rotary power input end for selectively imparting rotational torque to the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A wheeled vehicle incorporating a frame; a drive shaft mounted upon the frame, the drive shaft having rotary power input and output ends; a drive wheel mounted upon the frame; a rotary power output linkage operatively interconnecting the drive shaft's output end and the drive wheel; rotary power pedals mounted upon the frame; a rotary power input linkage operatively interconnecting the drive shaft's input end and the rotary power pedals; a spiral spring having a rotary power input end and a rotary power output end, the spiral spring being mounted over the drive shaft; a clutch and one way bearing combination for anchoring the spiral spring's rotary power input end upon the drive shaft and upon the frame; and a one way bearing and brake combination for alternatively anchoring the spiral spring's rotary power output end upon the drive shaft and upon the frame.