In the proposed Spring Bike impulse is generated not only by the legs, as in traditional balance bikes, but also by the trunk and arms, as they are used to stretch the frame, which it generates the rotation of the rear wheel, by a mechanical transmission: http://youtu.be/KCZA1lW3f0k
Relative movements of the user and the bike, the user stretchs his legs, trunk and arms to generate impulse: Stretching of trunk and arms generate a separation of both subframes, that produces the rotation of the rear wheel by a mechanical system: http://youtu.be/KCZA1lW3f0k
The main characteristic of the idea is that the impulse of the bike is not done by pedals, but by stretching the upper body / arms together against the resistance of a tension spring, separating the support points of the body on the bike / scooter. For this purpose a flexible framework, which allows a separation between the two support points on the bicycle (the saddle / base and the handlebar) by performing an stretching effort, which would be used for generating the motion of the biek through a mechanical system.
The design and operation is thus similar to bikes without pedals that are becoming popular for children now, but with a flexible frame held in position by a traction spring, which allows the separation between the points of support of the saddle and handlebars, and a mechanical system that transforms the separation force applied in a forward wheel.
The design and operation is thus similar to bikes without pedals that are becoming popular for children now, but with a flexible frame held in position by a traction spring, which allows the separation between the points of support of the saddle and handlebars, and a mechanical system that transforms the separation force applied in a forward wheel.
I have developed the idea first on a bike with central suspension, on which I have replaced the compression spring by a traction one, which let me generate a separation of both sub-frames and transmit this effort into a movement of the bike. As it is based on a standard bike, the multiplication I get is very low and should be increased to be effective.
Among the advantages over a conventional bike would be:
It is more attractive to athletes because it allows the use of the entire body to drive the bike, unlike bikes pedals where the legs move, while the rest of the body is "sitting"; so I think it would be a much more complete than the bike, exercising and even jogging or swimming.
It is more attractive for young children as an additional intermediate step in their progression to pedal bikes. So I think that would be an alternative
It is also more attractive to the elderly and physically challenged by providing more security and always keep your feet on the ground. Also the body weight is supported by the bike, not the legs avoiding straining your joints.
For urban cycling, is more comfortable for startup operations, as well as circular walking speed 3-4 km / h., Since you can "walk" mounted on the bike, without being disturbed by the pedals. When moving the bike stairs, ramps, stations, public transport, buildings, etc, the operation is also much more comfortable because the pedals do not hinder the user. Is more maneuverable, because the user can use the body and legs while maneuvering it drives. This also implies that the handlebar can be even narrower, almost like scooters, further increasing the compactness.
It is more attractive to athletes because it allows the use of the entire body to drive the bike, unlike bikes pedals where the legs move, while the rest of the body is "sitting"; so I think it would be a much more complete than the bike, exercising and even jogging or swimming.
It is more attractive for young children as an additional intermediate step in their progression to pedal bikes. So I think that would be an alternative
It is also more attractive to the elderly and physically challenged by providing more security and always keep your feet on the ground. Also the body weight is supported by the bike, not the legs avoiding straining your joints.
For urban cycling, is more comfortable for startup operations, as well as circular walking speed 3-4 km / h., Since you can "walk" mounted on the bike, without being disturbed by the pedals. When moving the bike stairs, ramps, stations, public transport, buildings, etc, the operation is also much more comfortable because the pedals do not hinder the user. Is more maneuverable, because the user can use the body and legs while maneuvering it drives. This also implies that the handlebar can be even narrower, almost like scooters, further increasing the compactness.
An additional advantage of the concept is that allows the push bike to incorporate power assisted pedal bikes, associating a torque sensor to the traction spring. I have applied the idea on a bike, as it was easier to modify, but it could also be applied to any KickScooter and even Skateboard, being the defining characteristic that the impulse is made by separating the support points on the vehicle
This project has been developed in parallel to the one of the KickScooter with an Auxiliary Drive Wheel. The main drawback saw technicians Altran in the draft with auxiliary wheel scooter impulse was and is that every effort is made to one leg, and in a short period of time; to fix it, I looked for ways that the effort on the scooter / bike could be made with whole body, and for a greater proportion of the time.
Detail of the front sprocket of the bike, originally was installed at the rear subframe (blue) but it was relocated to the front one (gray) so when the user separates both subframes the front sprocket generates a rotation of the rear one and therefore an impulse of the bike. When the front subframe returns, and the front sprocket rotates backwards, the free pinion prevents it from stopping the bike.
Detail fo the Saddle placed on the rear subframe. Originally was placed on the front subframe, but by placing it at the rear subframe it allows the user to separate both of them by applying an impulse, that will be used to propel the bike.
A picture of the complete bike, very similar to a standard bike with central suspension, but without pedals. As mentiones before, other differences are that the saddle is placed at the rear subframe, while the front sprocket is placed at the front subframe.
A picture of the original bike, where we can appreciate the modifications made for the prototype.
