Grasshopper Cycle

This idea is categorized under Product: Exoskeleton because I realized, with the association of calling it a grasshopper cycle and seeing the category while perusing, that a bicycle is essentially an exoskeleton.

This exoskeleton is called the Grasshopper Cycle for two reasons. The first is that it is inspired by the fluid pressure mechanisms that insects and arachnids use for propulsion. The second is that it would be best operated on grass, rather than pavement, to prevent injury to the rider.

When first mounted, this is a stationary bicycle. The rider will pedal furiously, going nowhere, to store potential energy by winding a spring, pressurizing a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, or some other mechanism. Then, much as a catapult would launch a rotting swine's carcass beyond enemy battlements, the vehicle, and the rider too, is propelled forward by an actuated lever which pushes against the ground.

This lever has its own elastic shock absorption properties that will store and release potential energy upon impact with the ground. This springiness, coupled with the constantly pedalling cyclist storing potential energy, which is also released upon impact, continues the upward and forward propulsion.

This probably sounds more spectacular and dynamic than is actually possible by available materials and human performance. Nonetheless, none the less.