Abstract
This paper presents an analytical process for predicting the mechanical efficiency of bicycle internal drive hubs composed of planetary gear mechanisms. An existing 14-speed internal drive hub is introduced and is taken as an example to demonstrate the analytical process. Kinematic analysis, static torque analysis, power flow analysis and mechanical efficiency analysis of this internal drive hub are illustrated by applying the fundamental circuit method.
Highlights
An internal drive hub is a mechanical speed-changing device installed inside the hub shell of the rear wheel of a bicycle
The most famous product is a 3-speed internal drive hub manufactured by the Sturmey-Archer Company [1]; it was designed more than 100 years ago
The main body of an internal drive hub is a set of planetary gear mechanisms used to provide several forward speeds
Summary
An internal drive hub is a mechanical speed-changing device installed inside the hub shell of the rear wheel of a bicycle. The internal drive hub is becoming more and more popular as the transmission system of bicycles, especially for urban commuting. The most famous product is a 3-speed internal drive hub manufactured by the Sturmey-Archer Company [1]; it was designed more than 100 years ago. Internal drive hubs for bicycles are offered in 5, 7, 8, 11, 12 and 14 speed models [2,3,4,5,6]. The main body of an internal drive hub is a set of planetary gear mechanisms used to provide several forward speeds. Mechanical efficiency is an important index to evaluate the performance of a bicycle’s internal drive hub.
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