US Patent:
20080146390, Jun 19, 2008
Inventors:
Alejandro Lacreu - New York NY, US
International Classification:
F16H 7/00
F16H 29/04
Abstract:
A drive train system for human powered vehicles whereby the pedals move in a linear or slightly curved path, providing a superior ergonomic ride. Power is transmitted from the pedals by a flexible drive tension transmitting component to two one way locking continuous variable radius helicoids mounted on a shaft by means of a one way locking mechanism. The pedals move alternatively back and forth pulling the cables and unwinding (active phase) their corresponding helicoids and thus transferring spinning motion to the shaft. The helicoids act as a set of sprockets of continuous variable radius optimizing the ergonomic delivery of leg power to the shaft. A step-less shifting system alters the length of cable wound in the helicoids and can manually select the “zone” of the helicoids utilized for optimal power transmission. This gearing system can manually adjust the power-speed ratio according to the environment demands, akin to a gear system.