Side Flex Chain Power Transmission for Vehicle Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manually powered vehicles with front-mounted directional wheels face challenges in simultaneously steering and propelling, as steering compromises arm alignment and power output, making it difficult for users to maintain efficient propulsion, especially for arm-powered systems.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission system integrating a rotary to variable linear converter assembly and a manually operated control assembly for steering, along with a side flex chain assembly for propulsion, allows users to steer and propel the vehicle by maintaining arm alignment and transferring torque efficiently to the directional wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the front wheel is used for both steering and propulsion, then the vehicle can be simpler to design and operate, but the user's arm alignment is compromised during steering, reducing power output efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates steering and propulsion functions into independent control mechanisms: a steering apparatus for directional control and a crank assembly for propulsion, both connected to the front wheel. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently without compromising the other, resolving the conflict between simplified design and maintained efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible chain connects the crank assembly to the front wheel, serving as an intermediary that can accommodate the angular changes occurring during steering. This flexible connection allows the propulsion mechanism to remain effective even when the wheel is turned, maintaining power transfer efficiency while enabling steering movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If the crank arms are moved out of sagittal alignment during steering, then the vehicle can turn, but it becomes more difficult to cycle the crank arms at the same rate, decreasing propulsion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides steering and propulsion into separate functional components: a steering apparatus that independently controls wheel direction and a crank assembly that maintains its sagittal alignment for efficient power generation. This segmentation allows steering maneuvers without disrupting the optimal positioning of the crank arms
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible chain connection dynamically adjusts its angle and tension as the wheel turns, maintaining continuous power transfer from the crank assembly to the wheel regardless of steering position. This dynamic adaptation allows the crank arms to remain in optimal alignment while the wheel rotates through various steering angles
3Productivity
If one arm is used to propel the vehicle via an arm crank system, then the vehicle can be propelled, but torque on the steering column inadvertently turns the vehicle left or right during propulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates steering and propulsion controls into distinct mechanisms: a steering apparatus with its own control inputs and a crank assembly for propulsion. This segmentation eliminates the interference between steering and propulsion actions, allowing each to be performed independently without unwanted side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The steering function is extracted from the propulsion mechanism by providing a separate steering apparatus. This extraction removes the source of unwanted torque on the steering column during propulsion, allowing pure propulsion input without inadvertent steering movements
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 propulsion and steering of the vehicle while keeping the user's arms in sagittal alignment, allowing for smooth turning and continuous power generation without compromising propulsion or steering.
Implementation Method 1
torque resulting from movement of the at least one handle is transmitted through at least the side flex chain to the at least one directional wheel and propels the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
when the at least one directional wheel moves from the straight-ahead direction the side flex chain twists without disengaging from the crank sprocket or the side flex chain sprocket
Data Source
AI summary
The power transmission system for a vehicle includes a side flex chain assembly that transmits rotational drive from a power transfer assembly to at least one direction wheel, resulting in propulsion of the vehicle. The orientation of the side flex chain in relation to the axis of the crank sprocket and the side flex chain sprocket and the convex inner face of the bushings of the side flex chain allow the side flex chain to twist when the at least one directional wheel turns left or the right without disengaging from the crank sprocket or the side flex chain sprocket. The power transmission system is designed to be used with a steering system that allows the power transfer assembly to remain substantially in the sagittal plane when steering.