DEVELOPMENT OF 3-SPEED REAR HUB BICYCLE TRANSMISSIONS WITH GEAR-SHIFTING MECHANISMS

Abstract

Rear hub bicycle transmissions require less maintenance and are more reliable than rear derailleurs. This study proposes a systematic design process for the conceptual design of 3-speed rear hub bicycle transmissions. By analyzing the kinematics of a basic epicyclic gear mechanism using the fundamental circuit method, the gear sequence and clutching sequence arrangements for 3-speed rear hub transmissions can be obtained. The numbers of gear-teeth for all gear elements resulting in a minimum installation space and satisfying the required speed ratio at each gear stage are determined. A gear-shifting mechanism is constructed to sequentially control the power-flow path within the epicyclic gear mechanism so as to provide three forward gears. An atlas of 3-speed rear hub bicycle transmissions is listed, where three devices are new design concepts and are suitable for further embodiment design. The results of this study will lead to the creation of new multi-speed rear hub bicycle transmissions.