Russian CVT & Direct-Drive Recumbents

[Miles]

Found these references on the Recumbent Blog:

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.profit2000.ru%2Fvariator%2F&act=url

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fetracab.ru%2Fvariatorfrolova.html&act=url

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ru&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fetracab.ru%2Fforum%2Fviewtopic.php%3Fid%3D912&act=url

 

[JennyB]

In principle this seems to be the old Vee belt drive as used in countless scooters and snowmobiles, but using floating discs to transfer the power instead of a belt. Claims 90% efficiency, but I don't see where it would be better than a NuVinci .

But I like the inventor's FWD recumbent (which despite some captions seems nothing to do with the CVT). :?

While clicking through the links I came upon this, which may be of interest..

 

[spinningmagnets]

But I like the inventor's FWD recumbent

I also like this. I had seen rear-drive pedal-driven recumbents shaped like this, and front-wheel pedal upright frames, but this is the first I've seen the two together on one frame. From another angle, I could see it has rear suspension. If the rear suspension-arm was a little longer, it would be easy to add a non-hub just behind the seat (cell_man geared?). If the motor was driving a 3-speed IGH, it would be a pretty efficient set-up.

This layout is my favorite posture. Tall enough to allow cars to see you (and have a rectangular block of batteries under the seat), and just low enough to have your feet flat on the ground at a stop. As long as you've made the leap onto a 'bent, we might as well add a front fairing and a tailsock. (rim-brake on front, disc in back?)

As long as I'm daydreaming about odd features all together, how about adding a front wheel with a freewheel on each side, and one of those lever-pedal+chain drives? (pic is only one of a dozen variations of lever-drive) edit: rim-brake on front, disc in back?

 

[Hillhater]

Pedaling a steerable front wheel seems to me to be very ineffective, especially from a low recumbent position where the leg forces are more horizontal..
Any pedal force will need to be resisted by a counter force on the steering.....not very efficient.

 

[JennyB]

Pedaling a steerable front wheel seems to me to be very ineffective, especially from a low recumbent position where the leg forces are more horizontal..
Any pedal force will need to be resisted by a counter force on the steering.....not very efficient.

Ergonomics of Direct-Drive Recumbent Bicycles

Abstract

The direct-drive recumbent bicycle has the crank axle concentric with the front wheel, and a planetary gear front hub. This design offers the advantage of simplicity, good weight distribution and a large load capacity—but has the disadvantage of pedal force feedback to the handlebars due to the fork mounting of the pedals, and excessive front assembly mass due to the weight of the rider's feet on the fork-mounted pedals. This paper explores force feedback as a function of head angle and a method of calculating an additional centering spring is presented. A variable-geometry bike is used to give a qualitative, real-life assessment of the results, and to explore the human-factor issues unseen in the equations. Finally, a suitable design configuration is presented.

 

[Miles]

Also of interest:
http://www.ohio.edu/people/urieli/hpv/hpv.html

Not to mention: http://www.ebicibikes.com/

 

[rearengine]

I rode this bike many enjoyable miles ... Then I put the 40cc two stroke on it , friction drive ,and found it harder to ride when not pedeling... Some people can ride these no hands ... Google Crusebike if you want more info...

Bill