Direct-Mount 2X Chainring Assembly for Clearance and Shifting Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional chainring assemblies face challenges in balancing performance requirements such as speed and vehicle clearance, often necessitating different sizes and configurations that are not easily accommodated by existing designs, which can lead to issues like bending, breaking, and wear, as well as difficulties in maintaining radial alignment for optimal shifting performance.
Innovation Solution
A chainring assembly that employs two separate chainrings held onto one spline using a single fastener, allowing for individual or joint replacement and maintaining radial alignment through stacking or nesting, thereby enhancing torque transfer and reducing central movement, while allowing either chainring to share torque from the other, thus providing a robust and cost-effective solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a larger diameter chainring is used to go faster, then speed is improved, but vehicle clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chainring system is segmented into two separate chainrings (first chainring and second chainring) that can be independently selected and mounted. This segmentation allows the user to choose between different diameter chainrings based on whether they prioritize speed (larger diameter) or clearance (smaller diameter), resolving the contradiction by making the diameter variable rather than fixed in a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The chainring configuration is made dynamic through the quick-release mechanism that allows rapid switching between the first and second chainrings. This dynamic reconfigurability enables the system to adapt between speed-optimized and clearance-optimized states, resolving the contradiction by allowing the optimal chainring diameter to change based on terrain and maneuver requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional single chainring designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but reliability is reduced due to bending, breaking, and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the chainring function into two separate chainrings mounted on the same crank arm. This segmentation allows each chainring to be optimized for specific conditions and enables independent replacement if one chainring wears or fails, thereby improving reliability without significantly complicating manufacturing since each chainring can be produced using conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of chainring configuration from a single fixed component to multiple interchangeable components with different characteristics. This parameter change allows selection of chainrings based on specific terrain and usage conditions, improving reliability by matching the chainring properties to the operational demands rather than using a compromise design for all conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different sized chainrings are used for different terrains, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crank arm is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both the first and second chainrings through a common mounting interface and quick-release mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single crank arm design to support different chainring configurations for various terrains, achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity since the mounting system remains standardized.
Solution Approach 2:
The chainring assembly incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through the quick-release mechanism, allowing users to switch between different chainring sizes depending on terrain requirements. This dynamic capability provides high adaptability while keeping the base structure simple, as the complexity is confined to the switching mechanism rather than requiring completely different crank arm designs for each terrain type.
4Adaptability or versatility
If chainrings are frequently replaced for different terrains, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to replacement operations
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release mechanism enables dynamic and rapid switching between chainrings without requiring full disassembly of the crank arm. This dynamic replacement capability significantly reduces the time lost during terrain transitions compared to traditional fixed or permanently attached chainring designs, while maintaining full adaptability to different terrains through chainring interchangeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chainring system is segmented into independently removable components that can be quickly swapped. This segmentation, combined with the quick-release mechanism, allows individual chainrings to be replaced without affecting the crank arm or other components, minimizing replacement time while preserving adaptability to various terrain conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A cinch direct mount 2X ring system is disclosed. One embodiment discloses a chainring assembly having a drive side crank arm with a chainring assembly interface including a plurality of splines, a circumference, and an axial length. The chainring assembly includes a first chainring having a first outer diameter and a first center assembly shape. The chainring assembly includes a second chainring having a second outer diameter and a second center assembly shape, the second outer diameter being different than the first outer diameter. The chainring assembly also includes a fastener to couple the first chainring and the second chainring with the chainring assembly interface, such that at least one of the first center assembly shape or the second center assembly shape engages with the plurality of splines.