Power-Flow Path Analysis of an Existing 8-Speed Bicycle Drive Hub

摘要

This paper presents kinematic analysis and power-flow analysis of an existing 8-speed bicycle drive hub by using the fundamental circuit method. First, a planetary gear mechanism, which consists of three basic planetary gear trains connected in series, and its clutching sequence table are introduced. Based on the fundamental circuits, six kinematic equations of the drive hub are derived. Then, the power-flow diagrams at related gears are illustrated based on the clutching sequence table, and the power-flow paths of the bicycle drive hub can be identified. The results of this study are beneficial to the development of multi-speed drive hubs for bicycles.