Abstract

A variable mechanical advantage shaft coupling (1), typically used in an electric power assisted steering system, comprising: an input shaft (2); an output shaft (3); and at least one lever (9), each lever comprising: a lever body; a first connection (5) connecting the lever body to a first shaft (2) of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from an axis of rotation of the first shaft so that the lever body can pivot relative to the first shaft; a second connection (11) connecting the lever body to a second (3), different, shaft of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from its axis of rotation so that the lever body can pivot relative to the second shaft; and a fulcrum point about which the lever body can pivot; in which each first connection (5) is able to slide along an axis substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the first and second shafts (2, 3) along the respective lever body, each lever connecting the input and output shafts (2, 3) with a mechanical advantage that varies dependent upon the position of each sliding connection along the first shaft.

IPC Classes  ?

• B62D 1/16 - Steering columns
• F16D 3/10 - Couplings with means for varying the angular relationship of two coaxial shafts during motion
• B62D 5/00 - Power-assisted or power-driven steering
• F16H 35/00 - Gearings or mechanisms with other special functional features
• B62D 5/04 - Power-assisted or power-driven steering electrical, e.g. using an electric servo-motor connected to, or forming part of, the steering gear

Abstract

A variable mechanical advantage shaft coupling (1), typically used in an electric power assisted steering system, comprising: an input shaft (2); an output shaft (3); and at least one lever (9), each lever comprising: a lever body; a first connection (5) connecting the lever body to a first shaft (2) of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from an axis of rotation of the first shaft so that the lever body can pivot relative to the first shaft; a second connection (11)connecting the lever body to a second (3), different, shaft of the input shaft and the output shaft at a point offset from its axis of rotation so that the lever body can pivot relative to the second shaft; and a fulcrum point about which the lever body can pivot; in which each first connection (5) is able to slide along an axis substantially parallel to the axes of rotation oft he first and second shafts (2, 3) along the respective lever body, each lever connecting the input and output shafts (2, 3) with a mechanical advantage that varies dependent upon the position of each sliding connection along the first shaft.

IPC Classes  ?

• B62D 1/16 - Steering columns
• B62D 5/00 - Power-assisted or power-driven steering
• B62D 5/09 - Power-assisted or power-driven steering fluid, i.e. using a pressurised fluid for most or all the force required for steering a vehicle characterised by means for actuating valves
• F16H 21/48 - Gearings comprising primarily only links or levers, with or without slides with movements in three dimensions for conveying rotary motion

Abstract

A removable training aid for a human powered vehicle of the kind in which a pair of opposed cranks are provided which rotate relative to a common axis, the aid providing an audible or tactile indication in use that a rider is rotating the pedals by applying an incorrect pedalling technique, the removable training aid comprising an intermediary body, attachment means for attaching the body to at least one of the cranks and a pedal secured to the intermediary body, the removable training aid being arranged so that in use the pedal is free to rotate around an axis of rotation that is parallel to the common axis, the intermediary part permitting movement of the axis of rotation of the pedal relative to the crank through at least one degree of freedom in the event that a force is applied to the pedal along a path that is not perpendicular to an imaginary line that connects the axis of rotation of the crank with the threaded bore in the crank.

IPC Classes  ?

• A63B 69/16 - Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for cycling
• B62M 3/02 - Construction of cranks operated by hand or foot of adjustable length
• A63B 22/06 - Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with rotating cycling movement