Merkel Motor Wheel?

[RocketJ]

I've always been facinated by Joe Merkel's Motor wheel design. I've studied the patents, but it's still difficult to udnerstand how a hub based engine works with a coaster wheel. I found this restoration build, but still no dice. Anyone have an idea? I'd love to give this a try with a more modern engine.

http://motorenowacja.pl/merkel_motor_wheel/pl

 

[Mr.B.]

Cool old bike! Thanks for sharing!

But doing direct drive like that would be a tough nut to crack without a lot of serious design & machining a new rear hub...
Further complicated that with the long stroke of that old motor it probably has 1/2 the RPM's of a modern one. I just don't see how it could be done without some additional gear reduction somewhere in the drive train.

 

[RocketJ]

Cool old bike! Thanks for sharing!

But doing direct drive like that would be a tough nut to crack without a lot of serious design & machining a new rear hub...
Further complicated that with the long stroke of that old motor it probably has 1/2 the RPM's of a modern one. I just don't see how it could be done without some additional gear reduction somewhere in the drive train.

You're probably right. I drew up an idea that might work. It's not perfect, but might work. If using a counter clockwise engine, you could mount it to the fender similar to merkels design then build a jack shaft which would attach to the mounting plate under the engine which would then run a chain to the wheel. You could use a centrifugal clutch in order to keep the freewheel function. It's not a complete hub engine, but close.

 

[Mr.B.]

That could work.

I'm not sure but I think the little Chinese kit 2 strokes engines can be made to run backwards and they have a cable activated clutch built into their case. Then a fake downward extension of the case could hide the jackshaft & gear reduction...

Or you could just mount to the right side? Not many would know the difference...

 

[Mr.B.]

I see when you type ( ? ) without spaces you get in case you where wondering.

 

[RocketJ]

That could work.

I'm not sure but I think the little Chinese kit 2 strokes engines can be made to run backwards and they have a cable activated clutch built into their case. Then a fake downward extension of the case could hide the jackshaft & gear reduction...

Or you could just mount to the right side? Not many would know the difference...

That could work.

I'm not sure but I think the little Chinese kit 2 strokes engines can be made to run backwards and they have a cable activated clutch built into their case. Then a fake downward extension of the case could hide the jackshaft & gear reduction...

Or you could just mount to the right side? Not many would know the difference...

The only feature i like about the china kit is the built in 3d clutch. I wouldn't trust it in reliability for this kind of project though. I've considered putting the engine on the right hand side, but how would you reverse the rotation then? I guess through some sort of jack shaft conversion?

 

[Mr.B.]

I prefer large & vintage 4 strokes myself! LOL!

I only mentioned the China kit engine because it can be made to run backwards and is narrow.

With the engine on the right side you could put a centrifugal clutch on the engine shaft and chain to free-wheel cluster on the rear wheel hub (albeit a bit wide). Perhaps the cluster could be adapted to carry a heavier sprocket (like 40 chain?) but still leave a bicycle sized sprocket for the pedal drive. The pedal chainring may also need to be free wheeling ( ?)...