Abstract: A multi-speed wheel hub includes a sun gear engagement clutch and a housing engagement clutch. A single shift ring is coupled to and rotates with the input member. The shift ring is positioned between the sun gear engagement clutch and the housing engagement clutch. The shift ring is axially movable along the input member. Upon movement of the shift ring in a first direction, a first engagement clutch of the shift ring engages the sun gear engagement clutch so that torque from the input member is transmitted by the shift ring to the sun gear through a planet carrier and a ring gear to the housing. Upon movement of the shift ring in a second direction a second engagement clutch of the shift ring engages the housing engagement clutch so that torque from the input member is transmitted by the shift ring directly to the housing.

Abstract: A multi-speed wheel hub includes a sun gear engagement clutch and a housing engagement clutch. A single shift ring is coupled to and rotates with the input member. The shift ring is positioned between the sun gear engagement clutch and the housing engagement clutch. The shift ring is axially movable along the input member. Upon movement of the shift ring in a first direction, a first engagement clutch of the shift ring engages the sun gear engagement clutch so that torque from the input member is transmitted by the shift ring to the sun gear through a planet carrier and a ring gear to the housing. Upon movement of the shift ring in a second direction a second engagement clutch of the shift ring engages the housing engagement clutch so that torque from the input member is transmitted by the shift ring directly to the housing.

Abstract: A novel multi-speed wheel hub having a housing, an input member, including a sun gear, disposed in the housing, a planet carrier, including a plurality of planet gears, disposed about the sun gear. There is also a ring gear disposed about the planet gears. The multi-speed wheel hub includes a shifting system including a piston. A first shift ring is mechanically coupled to the piston by a plurality of first push rods and a second shift ring is mechanically coupled to the first shift ring by a plurality of second push rods. The piston activates the first and second shift rings, such that, when the first shift ring is engaged and the second shift ring is disengaged, the ring gear is locked to the housing so that a torque is transmitted from the sun gear through the planet carrier to the wheel.