Mechanical Stroke Multiplier for Human-Powered Vehicle Propulsion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Human-powered vehicles are limited by the length of stroke an operator can use to apply force, restricting the amount of energy that can be transferred to propel the vehicle, as energy transfer is proportional to both force and distance.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical stroke multiplying system that includes a first and second member pivotally connected to the vehicle frame, with a rigid section allowing the second end to travel in an arcuate path, effectively increasing the distance over which force is applied, thereby multiplying the force applied by the operator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a traditional human-powered vehicle uses direct force application from the operator, then the structure is simple, but the distance over which force can be applied is limited by the operator's stroke length

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestroke lengthVSAvoidmechanical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical system is divided into multiple members (first member, second member, rigid section) that are pivotally connected to work together. Each member performs a specific function in the force multiplication sequence, allowing the overall stroke length to exceed what any single member could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms the operator's linear reciprocating motion into rotational motion through the arcuate path traveled by the second end of the rigid section. This dimensional transformation allows force to be applied over a longer effective distance by utilizing rotational leverage rather than direct linear translation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the operator applies force over a longer distance to increase energy transfer, then more energy is transferred to the output shaft, but the operator's physical stroke length limits this distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transferVSAvoidforce application distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical members are pre-positioned and pivotally connected in advance to create the force multiplication mechanism. The first member is already connected to the output shaft, and the second member is ready to receive and amplify the operator's force before it reaches the output, allowing energy transfer to be maximized without requiring the operator to physically move their limbs further.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second members act as intermediary mechanical elements between the operator's force application and the output shaft. These intermediaries multiply the force and extend the effective application distance, allowing energy transfer to exceed what the operator's direct stroke length would permit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If a mechanical stroke multiplying system is introduced to increase force application distance, then energy transfer is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transferVSAvoidmechanical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first member, second member, and rigid section are merged into a single integrated mechanical assembly where all components work together as one cohesive force multiplication system. This unified structure achieves stroke multiplication without requiring separate, complex subsystems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical members serve multiple functions: the first member acts as both a structural support and a force transmission element, while the second member simultaneously receives operator force and amplifies it through the rigid section. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, moderating the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances energy transfer to the output shaft, allowing for increased propulsion efficiency by enabling a greater distance of force application, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional human-powered vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a first member pivotally connected to a first point on the vehicle frame and a second member pivotally connected to a second point on the vehicle frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 2

the end of the first member, distal from the first point on the vehicle frame, travels in a shorter arcuate path than the end of the second member, distal from the second point on the vehicle frame such that the rigid section is rotated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS8783703B2Mechanical torque multiplier and evener mechanism

Publication Date: 2014.07.22 CASPERS RICHARD J

AI summary

An improved energy conversion system for propelling a manually powered vehicle is disclosed. The energy conversion system converts the linear kinetic energy applied by an operator to rotational kinetic energy to propel a vehicle. The energy conversion system includes a mechanical stroke multiplier to increase the distance over which the operator may apply a force to the vehicle.