Energy recuperation for powered vehicle - uses movement of spring mass relative to unsprung mass to provide additional driVe power for vehicle wheel or other component

摘要

The arrangement converts the vertical movement of the sprung (2) weight of a vehicle (3) relative to the unsprung wheel (1) shaft (5) into usable energy, e.g. to assist the wheel (1) drive (or to drive another component). The wheel shaft (5) carries a ratchet wheel (7) rotatable by one spring-loaded (9) (or fluid pressure cylinder-loaded) pawl (6) or by alternate pawls (6) pivoted (8) to the vehicle (or a gear wheel engaged by tooth racks on spring-loaded pistons of hydraulic cylinders). The system is partic. applicable to a bicycle. FL.