Patent attributes
A pawls-type one-way clutch selectably connects and disconnects an electric motor and drive system with the front sprocket of a bicycle. Laterally-extending pivotable pawls on a first rotatable member engage cam surfaces on a frictionally rotatable plate and cause the pawls to either engage with or disengage from corresponding teeth in a ratchet wheel attached to a second rotatable member. Sensors and a controller determine whether a rider is pedaling the bicycle and applying rotational power in the first rotational direction, and if so, the motor applies power in the forward rotational direction, causing the clutch to engage and power to be transmitted to the front sprocket. Otherwise, the motor applies power in the rearward rotational direction, causing the clutch to disengage the front sprocket from the electric motor, which allows the bicycle to be rolled backwards freely without attempting to back-drive the electric motor and drive system in reverse.
