Asymmetric Chain Wheel Pockets for Variable Chain Size Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain wheel designs are limited to a narrow range of chain sizes, as they are constructed with pockets angled at 90 degrees to the center of rotation, making them inflexible and prone to chain slippage and structural weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
The chain wheel design features pockets angled less than 90 degrees to the center of rotation, with one end deeper and the other end shallower, allowing for a wider range of chain sizes and improved structural integrity, along with ribs and recesses for enhanced engagement and reduced weight, and includes features like grease grooves for lubrication and drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pocket is constructed with the internal side at 90 degrees to the radial line (tangent to the wheel), then the chain link engagement is simple and straightforward, but the chain wheel can only accommodate a very narrow range of chain sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket internal side is angled at less than 90 degrees to the radial line, creating an asymmetric configuration that allows the chain link to be engaged more deeply in the pocket. This asymmetric angle enables the pocket to accommodate chain links of varying sizes while maintaining secure engagement, thereby expanding the range of chain sizes the wheel can handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket is designed with different depths at its ends - a deeper first end for chain link engagement and a shallower second end. This local variation in depth allows the pocket to adapt to different chain sizes, with the deeper portion providing secure engagement for larger chains and the overall geometry accommodating smaller chains as well.
2Reliability
If the pocket is constructed with the internal side at 90 degrees to the radial line, then the manufacturing is straightforward, but the chain wheel is prone to chain slippage and structural weaknesses
Solution Approach 1:
By angling the pocket internal side at less than 90 degrees to the radial line, the design creates an asymmetric geometry that provides better chain link retention. This angle prevents the chain link from slipping out of the pocket while maintaining structural integrity, as the angled surface distributes loads more effectively across the pocket walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket depth and angle parameters are optimized to enhance reliability. The first end of the pocket is made deeper than the second end, and the internal side is angled at less than 90 degrees, creating specific geometric parameters that improve chain engagement and prevent slippage while maintaining structural strength.
3Strength
If the pocket is made deeper to accommodate larger chains, then the engagement is stronger, but the weight of the chain wheel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket is designed with selective depth variation - the first end is deeper to provide strong chain engagement, while the second end is shallower. This local differentiation allows the pocket to maintain strong engagement strength where needed without requiring the entire pocket structure to be uniformly deep, thereby reducing overall material usage and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric pocket geometry with different depths at each end allows optimized material distribution. The deeper first end provides the necessary engagement strength for chain retention, while the shallower second end reduces material requirements, achieving a balance between strength and weight efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a chain wheel part comprising a center about which the part is adapted to rotate in use, and a plurality of chain link receiving pockets. Each pocket is shaped such that a first end of a chain link received in the pocket in use is nearer the center of the wheel than a second end of the chain link. The invention also provides a chain wheel including two such chain wheel parts.