Amidst rising fuel costs, the cycling industry is witnessing a surge in interest as people seek cost-effective alternatives to driving. E-bikes have emerged as the natural choice for short-distance commuting. While industry experts call for increased infrastructure investment, e-bike manufacturers play a pivotal role in producing economical, lightweight, and reliable e-bikes.
TFC's technical manager, Simon Ward, sheds light on the e-bike design challenges and how manufacturers are turning to Smalley's wave springs and retaining rings to optimise their designs. These components revolutionise e-bike technology by offering solutions across various applications, from drive technology to braking systems.
One standout product is the Crest to Crest® wave spring, which provides the same spring force as a conventional round wire spring but at only 50% of the operating height. This space-saving feature is a game-changer for e-bike design, allowing for more compact and lightweight solutions.
Additionally, the edgewinding manufacturing process employed by Smalley enhances the strength and stability of materials, improving overall performance. The circular grain metallurgy ensures that the material's mechanical properties are superior to those of traditionally stamped components.
Incorporating retaining rings in e-bike drivetrain technology further enhances performance and reliability. Compared to traditional stamped circlips, flat wire retaining rings offer improved performance, with no protruding lugs and minimal gap, even in situations with limited radial space or where minimal imbalance is required.
The utilisation of wave springs and retaining rings represents a significant step forward in e-bike design. Their ability to save space, reduce material usage, and increase efficiency is unlocking new possibilities for e-bike manufacturers. As the e-bike market gains momentum, these innovations are helping shape the cycling future.
Read the full article to delve into the details of how Smalley's technology is transforming the e-bike industry and propelling it toward a brighter future. The full article can be found here https://tfc.eu.com/news/optimising-the-design-of-electric-bicycle-drives/
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