pic: Concentric Shifting Transmission Concept

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Maddie,
Interesting concept. First thing that came to mind was that the ends of the springs meant to keep the pins in place, are actually moving around the shaft for the gear that is not engaged, correct? Assuming that the pink is the input drive shaft. There will be some significant centrifical force driving the pins to the outside, so the springs need to be pretty strong and the ends need to be protected from the abrasion as they pass over each of the holes and pins. I remember seeing a segmented collar that had a spring wrapped around it that might be better. Sort of like the shoes on a centrifical clutch. A little lubricant and you should be good to go.