Claims:
1. A kinetic energy recovery braking system (100) for a bicycle (101), the system (100) comprising:
a clutch assembly (102) mounted on at least one shaft (1) of the bicycle (101) and linked to a brake lever (3), the clutch assembly (102) is adapted to receive kinetic energy from the at least one shaft (1) upon actuation of the brake lever (3); and
at least one energy storage means (4) supported by a body frame (2) of the bicycle (101), the at least one energy storage means (4) is coupled to the clutch assembly (102) and is configured to store the kinetic energy transferred by the clutch assembly (102);
wherein, storing of the kinetic energy by the at least one energy storage means (4) from the at least one shaft (1) decelerates the bicycle (101) and release of stored energy from the at least one energy storage means (4) to the at least one shaft (1) accelerates the bicycle (101).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a freewheel (6) mounted on the at least one shaft (1), wherein the clutch assembly (102) is adapted to engage with the freewheel (6) upon actuation of the brake lever (3).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one energy storage means (4) comprises:
a piston (4b) disposed within a cylinder (4a) and is coupled to the clutch assembly (102), wherein the piston (4b) is adapted to displace between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP) within the cylinder (4a).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cylinder (4a) is in fluid communication with a reservoir (4c) through a first flow control valve (7) and a second flow control valve (8).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first flow control valve (7) is adapted to allow flow of fluid from the reservoir (4c) to the cylinder (4a) and the second flow control valve (8) is adapted to allow flow of fluid from the cylinder (4a) to the reservoir (4c).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the piston (4b) is displaced by the clutch assembly (102) via a second toothed wheel (9) engaged with a first toothed wheel (5) mounted on the freewheel (6).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second toothed wheel (9) is mounted on a first shaft (10) positioned parallel to the at least one shaft (1).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the piston (4b) is coupled to the second toothed wheel (9) via one or more cables (11).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more cables (11) are adapted to be wound and unwound on the first shaft (10).

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clutch assembly (102) includes:
a friction plate (102a) connectable to the freewheel (6);
a pressure plate (102b) adapted to engage with the friction plate (102a) and with the first toothed wheel (5); and
an actuator (102c) linked with the brake lever (3) and connected to the pressure plate (102b), the actuator (102c) is operable by the brake lever (3) for actuating the pressure plate (102b) to engage with the friction plate (102a),
wherein the pressure plate (102b) engages with the friction plate (102a) and the first toothed wheel (5) to transfer the kinetic energy from the freewheel (6) to the first toothed wheel (5).

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the actuator (102c) is connected to the pressure plate (102b) via an axial thrust bearing.

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a booster lever (12) associated to the at least one energy storage means (4), wherein the booster lever (12) upon actuation is adapted to release the stored energy from the at least one energy storage means (4).

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the booster lever (12) is linked to a second flow control valve (8), such that, upon actuation of the booster lever (12), the second flow control valve (8) allows flow of fluid from a cylinder (4a) to a reservoir (4c), thereby displacing a piston (4b) from a second position (SP) to a first position (FP) and transmit the stored energy to the at least one shaft (1).

14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the displacement of the piston (4b) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP), transmits the stored energy to the at least one shaft (1) via the first shaft (10).

15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first shaft (10) includes a third toothed wheel (14) coupled to a fourth toothed wheel (15) mounted on the at least one shaft (1), for transmission of the stored energy from the first shaft (10) to the at least one shaft (1).

16. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, comprises at least one resilient member (13) having a first end (13a) fixed to the cylinder (4a) and a second end (13b) fixed to the piston (4b), for reducing momentum of the at least one shaft (1) during displacement of the piston (4b).

17. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the reservoir (4c) is configured in a top tube (2a) of the body frame (2).

18. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one energy storage means (4) is configured in at least one bottom tube (2b) adjoining a top tube (2a) of the body frame (2).

19. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one display unit (16) interfaced to the at least one energy storage means (4) for indicating the stored energy.

20. The system (100) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one display unit (16) indicates the stored energy corresponding to the actuation of the at least one resilient member (13).

21. The system (100) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one display unit (16) indicates the stored energy corresponding to fluid level in the reservoir (4c).

22. A bicycle (101) comprising a kinetic energy recovery system (100) as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure relates in general to a field of mechanics. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a kinetic energy recovery braking system. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure discloses the kinetic energy recovery braking system for a bicycle.

BACKGROUND

Bicycles are one of the oldest and basic mode of transportation for humans. Over time, bicycles have undergone continued modifications, adaptations and improvement. However, bicycles up until the last few decades primarily utilized human effort, wherein a occupants user, operates the pedal, and rotational motion of the pedal will be transferred to one or more wheels in order to move the bicycle. Hence, these bicycles were purely operated by human effort.

Generally, bicycles are employed with simple mechanism to transfer rotational motion of the pedal to the one or more wheels in order to drive the bicycle forward using preferred ratioed gears. Braking on the other hand uses a number of contraptions right from friction brakes to hydraulic brakes in order to slow down or bring the bicycle to a halt. Majority of the bicycles nowadays, use friction braking via means of rim braking, wherein brake shoes are rubbed against face of a wheel rim through application of force on a brake lever, in order to stop the rotation of the wheel through friction. Other types of friction braking may include use of disc brakes wherein, pistons are mounted on rotor discs which presses against the rotor discs when the brake lever is depressed or actuated. Operation of the brake lever and the effort applied, i.e. depression or compression of the brake lever, may be transferred through suitable connection means such as bowden cables, linkages and the like to the brake shoes for applying brakes. During application of brakes, energy may be lost due to friction forces acting on the wheel rim or disc rotors. Friction also causes, wear of the brake shoes which in turn needed maintenance at regular intervals.

However, a lot of human effort is required to use the bicycle and hence bicycles are at present suited only for the fit and able users. In view of reducing the effort exerted by the user, several bicycles are manufactured which uses a small prime mover to aid in boosting or rotation of the ratioed gears. However, such prime movers may require continuous source of energy such as electrical energy or fossil fuel for operation. The use of electrical energy requires a storage means for storing the power, and such power may not last for longer durations and needed constant recharging. In other scenarios, these prime movers would be rated for only specific distances of travel only. Several other semi-automatic bicycles such as battery operated bicycles are heavy and bulky due to their complex construction. Moreover, these bicycles are expensive and un-economical to run.

With the advancements in technology, some of the bicycles are employed with energy recovery means such as regenerative energy recovery systems. These systems recovery and utilize energy from braking to charge a battery or a power source in order to run the prime mover. However, the regenerative energy recovery systems are expensive and complex as they use a number of control units and devices to effectively stored and distribute the stored energy.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a system as disclosed and additional advantages are provided through the system as described in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a kinetic energy recovery braking system for a bicycle is disclosed. The system comprises a clutch assembly mounted on at least one shaft of the bicycle and linked to a brake lever, the clutch assembly is adapted to receive kinetic energy from the at least one shaft upon actuation of the brake lever. At least one energy storage means is supported by a body frame of the bicycle. The at least one energy storage means is coupled to the clutch assembly and is configured to store the kinetic energy transferred by the clutch assembly. Storing of the kinetic energy by the at least one energy storage means from the at least one shaft decelerates the bicycle and release of the stored energy from the at least one energy storage means to the at least one shaft accelerates the bicycle.

In an embodiment, a freewheel is mounted on the at least one shaft, wherein the clutch assembly is adapted to engage with the freewheel upon actuation of the brake lever.

In an embodiment, the at least one energy storage means comprises a piston disposed within a cylinder and is coupled to the clutch assembly, wherein the piston is adapted to displace between a first position and a second position within the cylinder.

In an embodiment, the cylinder is in fluid communication with a reservoir through a first flow control valve and a second flow control valve.

In an embodiment, the first flow control valve is adapted to allow flow of fluid from the reservoir to the cylinder and the second flow control valve is adapted to allow flow of fluid from the cylinder to the reservoir.

In an embodiment, the piston is displaced by the clutch assembly via a second toothed wheel engaged with a first toothed wheel mounted on the freewheel. The second toothed wheel is mounted on a first shaft positioned parallel to the at least one shaft.

In an embodiment, the piston is coupled to the second toothed wheel via one or more cables. The one or more cables are adapted to be wound and unwound on the first shaft.

In an embodiment, the clutch assembly includes a friction plate connectable to the freewheel. A pressure plate is adapted to engage with the friction plate and with the first toothed wheel. An actuator is linked with the brake lever and connected to the pressure plate, the actuator is operable by the brake lever for actuating the pressure plate to engage with the friction plate. The pressure plate engages with the friction plate and the first toothed wheel to transfer the kinetic energy from the freewheel to the first toothed wheel.

In an embodiment, the actuator is connected to the pressure plate via an axial thrust bearing.

In an embodiment, a booster lever associated with the at least one energy storage means. The booster lever upon actuation is adapted to release the stored energy from the at least one energy storage means.

In an embodiment, the booster lever is linked to a second flow control valve, such that, upon actuation of the booster lever, the second flow control valve allows flow of fluid from a cylinder to a reservoir, thereby displacing a piston from a second position to a first position and transmit the stored energy to the at least one shaft.

In an embodiment, the displacement of the piston from the second position to the first position, transmits the stored energy to the at least one shaft via the first shaft.

In an embodiment, the first shaft includes a third toothed wheel coupled to a fourth toothed wheel mounted on the at least one shaft, for transmission of the stored energy from the first shaft to the at least one shaft.

In an embodiment, at least one resilient member having a first end fixed to the cylinder and a second end fixed to the piston, for reducing momentum of the at least one shaft during displacement of the piston.

In an embodiment, the reservoir is configured in a top tube of the body frame.

In an embodiment, the at least one energy storage means is configured in at least one bottom tube of the body frame. at least one bottom tube adjoining a top tube.

In an embodiment, at least one display unit interfaced to the at least one energy storage means for indicating the stored energy corresponding to the actuation of the at least one resilient member. The at least one display unit indicates the stored energy corresponding to fluid level in the reservoir.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bicycle employed with a kinetic energy recovery braking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a magnified view of the bicycle showing the kinetic energy recovery braking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates exploded view of the kinetic energy recovery braking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates exploded view of a clutch assembly and the toothed wheels of the kinetic energy recovery braking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates front view of the clutch assembly of the kinetic energy recovery braking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 illustrates magnified view of a pedal assembly and energy transferring components such as pulleys and one or more cables, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 illustrates a top view of a handle bar of the bicycle of Figure 1.

Figure 8 illustrates a front view of the at least one energy storage means with a piston at a first position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 9 illustrates a front view of the at least one energy storage means with the piston at a second position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent systems do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to a system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method and a system that comprises a list of acts does not include only those acts but may include other acts not expressly listed or inherent to such method. In other words, one or more acts in a method proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other acts or additional acts in the method.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a kinetic energy recovery braking system for a bicycle. The system comprises a clutch assembly which receives kinetic energy from an axle of the bicycle when a brake lever is actuated. The system recovers brake energy
and stores in an energy storage means within a body frame of the bicycle. As and when the brake is applied, the clutch assembly engages with the axle of the bicycle in turn slowing down the bicycle or decelerating the bicycle. In an embodiment, the energy storage means include a piston and cylinder arrangement. The cutch assembly engages with a free wheel mounted on the axle when the brake lever is actuated. The free wheel is connected to a piston disposed within a cylinder wherein the piston displaces within the cylinder due to the rotation of the free wheel. Due to the displacement of the piston within the cylinder, the piston compresses a resilient spring member thereby performing amount of work to store the energy and also decelerating the bicycle. Also, displacement of the piston draws in a fluid to fill the cylinder and fills the cylinder. Plurality of flow control valves control the inlet and outlet of the fluid which is controlled by a user. The user upon requirement, actuates the flow control valves and the fluid stored within the cylinder is pushed out by the piston which also rotates the free wheel and hence provides momentary boost to the bicycle. By this configuration of the kinetic energy recovery braking system, the bicycle can be decelerated when required, and accelerated using the energy stored for acceleration.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of figures for a kinetic energy recovery braking system thereof. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure, since the system may be used on other types of motorcycles, two-wheeler and the like, where such need arises. A person skilled in the art can envisage various such embodiments without deviating from scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 1 illustrates a bicycle (101) equipped with a kinetic energy recovery braking system (100) [herein also referred to as “the system (100)”]. The bicycle (101) consists of a body frame (2) with at least one shaft (1) supporting at least one wheel of the bicycle (101) among other components. The body frame (2) comprises a top tube (2a), a bottom tube (2b) and a vertical tube (2c) all connected to each other forming a triangular body frame. The body frame further comprises at least one energy storage means (4) which is supported within the body frame (2) of the bicycle (101). The at least one shaft (1), in a preferred embodiment is supporting a rear wheel of the bicycle (101) wherein the rear wheel of the bicycle (101) receives rotational forces from a pedal motion from a user in order to displace or move the bicycle (101) forward. A pedal (22) may be supported by the body frame (2) and the occupant may impart peddling motion through the pedal (22), This peddling motion may be transferred to the rear wheel via a connecting drive such as a chain, a belt or a shaft drive. In an embodiment, the rear wheel or a driven wheel may be employed with a gear hub with one or more gears for transferring the rotational movement at variable gear ratios.

A clutch assembly (102) is mounted on the at least one shaft (1), wherein the at least one shaft (1) extends outwardly on an axle axis (not shown in figures) through a mounting plate (17). The clutch assembly (102) comprises of a friction plate (102a), a pressure plate (102b) and an actuator (102c). The actuator (102c) displaces the friction plate (102a) and the pressure plate (102b) on the at least one shaft (1). A first toothed wheel (5) along with a freewheel (6) and a fourth toothed wheel (15) is also mounted on the at least one shaft (1) wherein the clutch assembly (102) is located in-between the first toothed wheel (5) and the fourth toothed wheel (15). The at least one shaft (1) at one end, comprises of the first toothed wheel (5), the freewheel (6), the fourth toothed wheel (15) and the clutch assembly (102) and other end of the at least one shaft (1) comprises of the gear hub [not shown in figures] consisting of one or more gears. The gear hub is responsible for transferring rotational motion imparted by the user on the pedal (22) to displace the bicycle (101). Further, a first shaft (10) is located adjacent to the at least one shaft (1) and is fixed to the mounting plate (17). A second toothed wheel (9) and a third toothed wheel (14) are also mounted on the first shaft (10). The second toothed wheel (9) and the third toothed wheel (14) are mounted such that, any rotational motion on the second toothed wheel (9) will be received by the third toothed wheel (14) at the same rate of rotational motion.

The at least one energy storage means (4) is provided within a bottom tube (2b) of the body frame (2) of the bicycle (101). The at least one energy storage means (4) comprises a piston (4b) enclosed within a cylinder (4a). In an embodiment of the disclosure, one of the bottom tube of the body frame of the bicycle may act as a cylinder. At least one resilient member (13) is also enclosed within the cylinder (4a) wherein the at least one resilient member (13) is provided underneath the piston (4b). First end (13a) of the at least one resilient member (13) is fixed to the piston (4b) and a second end (13b) of the at least one resilient member (13) is fixed to a base plate (18). The piston (4b) is configured to displace within the cylinder (4a) from a first position (FP) to a second position (SP). Displacement of the piston (4b) in one direction, as an example, displacement of the piston (4b) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) compresses the at least one resilient member (13) and displacement of the piston (4b) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP) expands the at least one resilient member (13). The piston (4b) provided within the cylinder (4a) is connected to the second toothed wheel (9) via one or more cables (11). As and when the second toothed wheel (9) is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, the one or more cables (11) pulls the piston (4b) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP), thereby compressing the at least one resilient member (13).

The top tube (2a) of the body frame (2) comprises a reservoir (4c) to contain fluid such as but not limited to hydraulic fluid, pneumatic fluid and the like. The reservoir (4c) provided in the top frame (2a) of the body frame (2) which is in fluid communication with the bottom tube (2b) of the bicycle (101). The top tube (2a) of the body frame (2) may be sealed at one end with a plug (19) in order to prevent leakage of the fluid within the top tube (2a).

Referring now to figure 2, the first toothed wheel (5) is concentrically mounted on the freewheel (6) which is in-turn mounted on the at least one shaft (1). Additionally, the fourth toothed wheel (15) which is a uni-directional rotation is also mounted on the at least one shaft (1). All these wheels are configured to rotate along with the at least one shaft (1) with a rotational speed equal to that of the gear hub in a 1:1 ratio. The clutch assembly (102) may be mounted on bearings, which does not rotate with a rotational speed equal to that of the gear hub. In an embodiment, the clutch assembly (102) may be mounted on the at least one shaft (1) wherein the pressure plate is connected to an actuator and mounted on bearings on the at least one shaft. Further, the clutch assembly (102) is connected to a brake lever (3) via one or more brake cables (11) such as but not limiting to bowden cables, steel cables, steel linkages and the like. As and when the occupant applies force on the brake lever (3) mounted on a handle bar (20) [shown in figure 7] of the bicycle (101), the actuator (102c) displaces the pressure plate (102b) to engage with the friction plate (102a) of the clutch assembly (102). The pressure plate (102b) engages with the free wheel (6) fixed to the first toothed wheel (5) which is in-turn fixed to the at least one shaft (1). The pressure plate (102b) then applies pressure forces transferred directly from the application of force by the occupant on the brake lever (3) to the friction plate (102a), which presses against a face of the first toothed wheel (5). This frictional force decelerates the rotational movement of the first toothed wheel (5) and in-turn applies braking forces in order to stop or reduce speed of the bicycle (101).

Referring to figures 3 and 4, the first toothed wheel (5) is mounted concentrically on the freewheel (6) and the first toothed wheel (5) is in mesh with a second toothed wheel (9). The clutch assembly (102) mounted on the at least one shaft (1) aids in transferring rotational motion of the freewheel (6) to the first toothed wheel (5) and in-turn to the second toothed wheel (9). As the clutch assembly (102) engages with the freewheel (6) and the first toothed wheel (5), rotational motion from the at least one shaft (1) is transferred through the engagement of the clutch assembly (102) with the first toothed wheel (5) and in-turn to the second toothed wheel (9) which is mounted on the first shaft (10) located adjacent to the at least one shaft (1). In an embodiment, the first toothed wheel (5) and the second toothed wheel (9) are in constant mesh with each other either by direct meshing of the wheels or by the use of chains. Further, as the pedal (22) force is transferred to the gear hub, the at least one shaft (1) receives equal amount of rotational force which rotates the fourth toothed wheel (15). The fourth toothed wheel (15) is geared to the third toothed wheel (14) wherein the third toothed wheel (14) is configured to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation of the fourth toothed wheel (15). In an embodiment, the fourth toothed wheel (15) is configured to rotate unidirectionally wherein, the fourth toothed wheel (15) rotates in counter-clockwise direction only. In an embodiment, the fourth toothed wheel (15) which is unidirectional may be configured to rotate in a clockwise direction also.

The second toothed wheel (9) is connected to the piston (4b) via the one or more cables (11) via a pulley (21). When the brake lever (3) is actuated, the clutch assembly (102) transfers rotational motion of the first toothed wheel (5) to the second toothed wheel (9). The second toothed wheel (9) rotates in a same direction to the rotation of the first toothed wheel (5). The second toothed wheel (9) winds the one or more cables (11) fixed to the piston (4b), thereby displacing the piston (4b) within the cylinder (4a) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP). As the piston (4b) in the cylinder (4b) displaces, the fluid stored within the reservoir (4c) enters the cylinder (4a) through a first flow control valve (7). The first flow control valve (7) allows passage of fluid from the reservoir (4c) into the cylinder (4a) with the displacement of the piston (4b) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP). Further, a second flow control valve (8) is positioned between the top tube (2a) and the bottom tube (2b) of the body frame (2). The second flow control valve (8) allows fluid stored within the cylinder (4a) to enter back into the top tube (2a), when the piston (4b) in cylinder (4a) displaces from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP). In an embodiment, the first flow control valve (7) and the second flow control valve (8) are configured to be one way non-return valves. As an example, the first flow control valve (7) and the second flow control valve (8) is a check valve. In an embodiment, plurality of pulleys (21) are configured at predetermined locations on the bottom tube (2b) to hold and guide the one or more cables (11).

As the pedal (22) of the bicycle (101) is operated by the occupant, the gear hub receives the rotational forces and rotates the wheel of the bicycle (101). As the user applies the brake through the compression of the brake lever (3), the clutch assembly (102) especially the friction plate (102a) decelerates the rotational speed of the wheel, while the second toothed wheel (9) winds the one or more cables (11) and results in recovery the energy during braking of the bicycle (101). Referring to figure 5, the clutch assembly (102) comprises the actuator (102c) which displaces the pressure plate (102b) to engage with the friction plate (102a) and thereby engaging the first toothed wheel (5) when the brake lever (3) is actuated.

Referring to figure 7, the handle bar (20) is fixed to the body frame (2) of the bicycle (101). The handle bar (20) may accommodate one or more brake levers (3) for operating the clutch assembly (102) and a boost lever (12) for operating the second flow control valve (8). Operating the brake lever (3), recovers energy through braking and also recovers energy which is stored in the at least one energy storage means (4). The energy is stored via displacement of the piston (4b) and compression of the at least one resilient member (13). This energy is retained by filling in the fluid from the top tube (2a) into the bottom tube (2b) of the body frame (2). Since the first flow control valve (7) is unidirectional, it only allows flow of fluid from the reservoir (4c) into the bottom tube (2b). Also the piston (4b) during displacement within the cylinder (4a) creates a suction force which draws in the fluid from the top tube (2a). However, as the clutch assembly (102) disengages from the first toothed wheel (5) and the freewheel (6), the piston (4b) cannot displace into its original position as the void space above the piston (4b) in the cylinder (4a) is filled with the fluid. Moreover, the at least one resilient member (13) also applies resilient forces on the piston (4b) in an effort to displace the piston (4b) back to its original position, i.e. from second position (SP) to the first position (FP). The first flow control valve (7) being a one way non-return valve prevents fluid flow back in to the top tube (2a). The piston (4b) tries to compress the fluid within the cylinder (4a) thereby storing potential kinetic energy within the cylinder (4a) and in-turn in the energy storage means.

The second flow control valve (8) is also a one-way non-return valve wherein the second flow control valve (8) allows fluid flow from the cylinder (4a) back into the reservoir (4c). However, operation the second flow control valve (8) is controlled by the actuation of the boost lever (12) fixed on the handle bar (20) of the bicycle (101). The occupant may operate or actuate the booster lever (12) based on the requirement. Once the boost lever (12) is operated, the second flow control valve (8) may open and the fluid within the cylinder (4a) may be displaced by the piston (4b) which may in-turn be displaced by the at least one resilient member (13). As the piston (4b) displaces from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP) upon actuation of the boost lever (12), the one or more cables (11) fixed to the piston (4b) receives a tug force, thereby unwinding the one or more cables (11) from the second toothed wheel (9) and in-turn providing rotational force in the clockwise direction to the second toothed wheel (9). The second toothed wheel (9) which is mounted on the first shaft (10) in turn rotates the third toothed wheel (14). The third toothed wheel (15)being a unidirectional rotational wheel rotates in the clockwise direction with a rotational speed similar to that of the second toothed wheel (9). Since the third toothed wheel (14) is meshed to the fourth toothed wheel (15), the clockwise motion of the third toothed wheel (14) is transferred to the fourth toothed wheel (15) and in-turn the fourth toothed wheel (15) rotates in a counter-clockwise direction. Since the fourth toothed wheel (15) is mounted on the at least one shaft (1), it imparts the rotational forces which in-turn boost the rotation of the wheel. This way, the occupant can use the stored energy from the at least one energy storage means (4) to boost the rotational motion of the wheel based on requirement.

In an embodiment, once the energy storage means (4) is full, i.e. when the piston (4b) is in the second position (SP) with the at least one resilient member (13) fully compressed and all the fluid from the reservoir (4c) has entered the cylinder (4a) the one or more cables (11) cannot be winded up anymore by the second toothed wheel (9). In such a case, the energy recovered from the braking due to the engagement of the clutch assembly (102) with the first toothed wheel (5) may not yield in anymore energy recovery. However, the one or more cables (11) are strong enough to resist the rotation forces from the second toothed wheel (9) and only braking by the clutch assembly (102) takes place.

In an embodiment, the handle bar (20) comprises at least one display unit (16) to display the amount of fluid that is stored in the cylinder (4a). As and when the boost lever (12) is used, the amount of fluid discharged from the cylinder (4a) to the reservoir (4c) may be displayed to the user by means of standard units. In an embodiment, the display unit (16) may be able to showcase the user the amount of stored energy through kilowatt (kW), or through standard indication bars which may be used to display the amount of stored energy. In an embodiment, up to 6 LEDs are provided in the display unit (16) to display the amount of stored energy within the at least one energy storage means (4). The occupant by looking at the display unit (16) is able to gauge the amount of energy stored within the at least one energy storage means (4), this benefits the occupant to utilize the stored energy effectively.

Referring to figures 8 and 9, wherein the at least one energy storage means (4) is illustrated in no energy stored energy stored condition (Figure 8) and full energy stored condition (figure 9). In an embodiment, the one or more cables (11) fixed to the piston (4b) on one end and then to the second toothed wheel (9) at the other end. The one or more cables (11) in assembly, form a closed cycle or closed chain wherein displacement of the piston (4b) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) imparts clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation of the second toothed wheel (9). In an embodiment, a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder may be provided within the cylinder and configured to impart resilient forces similar to that of the at least one resilient member (13).

In an embodiment, the at least one resilient member (13) is at least one of an elastic polymer, a coil spring, a helical spring with a spring constant of about 50000 N/m.

In an embodiment, the at least one resilient member (13) is chosen from a material having an ASTM rating of about ASTM A 228, ASTM A 230, ASTM A 679 and the like.

In an embodiment, the one or more cables (11) are high strength cables (11) having a strength ratio ranging from about CG125, GL125, GY6-125 and the like.

In an embodiment, a ball valve (not shown in figures) is provided in each of the first flow control valve (7) and the second flow control valve (8). The ball valve displaces in order to open or close the valves.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, energy stored within the at least one energy storage means (4) can be used by the occupant in order to boost the movement of the bicycle (101) whenever required. This eases the amount of effort applied by the occupant on the pedal (22) of the bicycle (101).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the kinetic energy recovery system (100) is a simple and robust mechanical system with use of no complex mechanism and electronics to store the energy.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the kinetic energy recovery system (100) is light weight and integrated into the bicycle (101) in way which cannot be distinguishable from a normal bicycle (101) and the kinetic energy recovery system (100) is easy to use.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the clutch assembly (102) doubles up as an energy recovery system (100) and as a braking system, thereby eliminating conventional braking system which needed constant maintenance.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS:

Particulars Numeral
Kinetic energy recovery braking System 100
Bicycle 101
A clutch assembly 102
Friction plate 102a
Pressure plate 102b
Actuator 102c
At least one shaft 1
Body frame 2
Top tube 2a
Bottom tube 2b
Brake lever 3
At least one energy storage means 4
Cylinder 4a
Piston 4b
Reservoir 4c
A first toothed wheel 5
Freewheel 6
A first flow control valve 7
A second flow control valve 8
A second toothed wheel 9
A first shaft 10
One or more cables 11
Booster lever 12
at least one resilient member 13
Third toothed wheel 14
Fourth toothed wheel 15
Display unit 16
Mounting plate 17
Base plate 18
Plug 19
Handle bar 20
Pulley 21
Pedal 22