Calculation of the strength of the elements of the free-wheel ball clutch of a bicycle

Abstract

The work describes the structure and operational principles of a bicycle’s freewheel ball clutch. It also provides a comprehensive methodology for calculating the clutch’s working components’ transverse forces, bending moments, and movements. The calculations are illustrated for two scenarios of half-coupling loading: two concentrated opposite forces and a uniform load. The provided materials and data enable designers to make informed decisions regarding the selection of materials for manufacturing and the primary geometric parameters of the free-wheel ball clutch.