Pedal Vehicle Transmission With Reverse Gear Without Backpedaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycles lack a simple mechanism for reversing travel direction, especially for bulky cargo-bikes or those with heavy loads, where manual reversal is difficult or impossible due to narrow spaces or weight constraints, and current gear reversal systems require rotation direction changes of the pedal cranks.
Innovation Solution
A transmission apparatus with a shaft of the pedal cranks, a second transmission shaft, a third transmission shaft, an activation device, and motorization means, allowing gear reversal without changing the rotation direction of the pedal cranks, using a free wheel to prevent reverse rotation and an activation device to select transmission ratios for forward and reverse directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reverse system is installed on bulky cargo-bikes or bicycles with heavy loads, then the ability to reverse travel direction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission apparatus integrates reverse gear functionality into the existing speed change device, allowing the same mechanism to perform both speed ratio selection and travel direction reversal. The activation device can select from multiple transmission ratios including forward gears and reverse gear, making the system multi-functional without adding separate reverse mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the reverse gear mechanism with the existing transmission system by integrating the third transmission shaft and activation device into the current gear selection apparatus. This merging approach allows reverse capability to be added without creating a completely separate system, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
2Device complexity
If manual reversal methods are used for bicycles, then the device complexity remains low, but the ease of operation deteriorates for heavy loads or bulky vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission apparatus enables the bicycle to reverse through a mechanical system that automatically handles the complexity of direction change. The activation device mechanically selects the appropriate transmission ratio, and the engaged gears automatically reverse the rotation direction of the driven shaft, making the reversal process as easy as shifting gears without requiring manual manipulation of heavy components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gear reversal systems that change pedal crank rotation direction are used, then the ability to reverse travel direction is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to requiring reverse pedaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third transmission shaft with selectively engageable transmission members as an intermediary between the pedal cranks and the driven shaft. This intermediary mechanism allows the pedal cranks to continue rotating in the forward direction while the engaged reverse gear transmission members reverse the rotation direction of the driven shaft, eliminating the need for the cyclist to pedal backward.
4Ease of operation
If a simple activation device is used for gear selection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability for selecting multiple transmission ratios including reverse gear may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The activation device is designed to universally select from multiple transmission ratios including forward gears and reverse gear through a single integrated mechanism. The device can engage different transmission members on the third transmission shaft to achieve various speed ratios and direction changes, providing both simplicity of operation and comprehensive adaptability in one unified system.
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 easy reversal of pedal vehicles without altering the pedaling direction, facilitating maneuverability in tight spaces and reducing effort for heavy loads or cargo-bikes, by maintaining consistent pedaling direction while changing the vehicle's travel direction through selective engagement of transmission members.
Implementation Method 1
using a free wheel to prevent reverse rotation
Implementation Method 2
at least one pair of transmission members (31, 32) arranged along a third longitudinal axis (Z), each configurable between a non-selected condition and a selected condition, in which it is able to rotate about the third longitudinal axis in a manner solidly constrained to the third transmission shaft (30)
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission apparatus which reverses transport gears, including a third transmission shaft provided with a plurality of third transmission members each of which is configurable between a non-selected condition and a selected condition. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a second transmission shaft provided with a plurality of second transmission members axially arranged at a respective third transmission member and engaged with the latter to establish a predetermined transmission ratio. An activation device is operationally associated with said third transmission members to configure at most only one in the selected condition to select the relative transmission ratio. Finally, the apparatus comprises a gear reversal member interposed between a third and a second transmission member both used for gear reversal so that said third transmission shaft rotates inversely with respect to the other transmission ratios.