Systems for transmitting drive force
OwnerDashiell B. Parsonsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure provides new crankshaft configurations for various purposes. In one embodiment, new crankshaft configurations are provided that are believed to be particularly suitable with internal combustion engines. Exemplary mechanisms convert a linear sinusoidal motion to a rotational one. In another embodiment, new crankshaft configurations are provided that are believed to be particularly suitable with manually operated drive systems, such as on bicycles. Exemplary mechanisms convert elliptic or linear reciprocating motion into angular motion.
Claims20
A device for converting linear motion into rotational motion, comprising;
- a) a housing defining at least one bore therein along a first direction;
- b) a piston movably disposed in the bore of the housing, the piston defining a generally circular bore therethrough along a direction generally perpendicular to the first direction, the bore of the piston defining a first engagement surface having a first diameter;
- c) a crankshaft defining an axis of rotation and generally elongate body, the body having an offset portion that is laterally displaced from the axis of rotation, the surface of the offset portion defining a second engagement surface thereon having a generally circular cross-section and a second diameter, wherein:
- (i) the second diameter is about one half of the first diameter;
- (ii) the second engagement surface is adapted to engage with the first engagement surface;
- (iii) the crankshaft is forced through an angular rotation when the piston is displaced along the bore;
- and
- (iv) the axis of rotation of the crankshaft does not move with respect to the housing.
A device for converting elliptic or linear reciprocating motion into angular motion, comprising;
- a) a central shaft defining an axis of rotation;
- b) a first crank portion;
- and
- c) a second crank portion lying in substantially the same plane as the first crank portion and pivotally attached to the first crank portion at a pivot point, wherein:
- i) the second crank portion is adapted to freely pivot about the central shaft about the axis of rotation;
- ii) the pivot point is separated by a distance l2 from the axis of rotation;
- iii) the first crank portion includes a load receiving point displaced a distance l1 from the first pivot point;
- and
- iv) the second crank portion extends substantially perpendicularly from the central shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.