ATV Chain Guide Integrated with Rear Axle Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In straddle type all terrain vehicles, the drive chain tends to skip due to elongation and contraction under sudden load changes, leading to wear and complex adjustments required for tension and protector placement, especially on uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A chain guide system with a cylindrical structure integrated into the vehicle's rear axle housing and chain cover, featuring upper and lower flange portions and a curved introducing portion, which covers the driven sprocket's outer edge and allows for adjustable tension without displacing the chain cover, preventing chain skip and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protector is disposed to prevent chain skip, then chain skip prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the chain guide function and the protector function into a single integrated component. The chain guide is formed as an arc-shaped member that both guides the chain and prevents skip by contacting the chain at multiple points, eliminating the need for separate protectors and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain guide serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the chain along the proper path, prevents chain skip through its arc-shaped geometry, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the chain cover is moved to adjust driven sprocket position, then chain tension adjustment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the chain guide from the chain cover, allowing the chain guide to be adjusted independently for chain tension while the chain cover remains in place. The chain guide is positioned on the swing arm and can be moved without removing or displacing the chain cover, simplifying the adjustment operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain guide acts as an intermediary component between the chain and the swing arm, providing a mechanism for tension adjustment without requiring direct manipulation of the chain cover or driven sprocket. This intermediary structure enables easier adjustment operations.
3Reliability
If mud sticks to the drive chain, then durability is improved through chain cover protection, but wear increases due to muddy ground conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the chain guide function from the chain cover system, allowing the chain cover to provide full protection against mud while the chain guide independently manages chain tension and positioning. This separation enables the chain cover to maintain complete coverage for durability protection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the driven sprocket is displaced for tension adjustment, then chain tension is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple component movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tension adjustment mechanism by making the chain guide a separate, independently adjustable component from the driven sprocket and chain cover. This allows tension adjustment through chain guide positioning alone, without requiring displacement of other components, reducing overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution simplifies chain tension adjustment, reduces noise, and improves durability by preventing chain skip and ensuring smooth engagement, while eliminating the need for complex operations and reducing wear on the drive chain and sprocket.
Implementation Method 1
a chain guide for covering an outer peripheral edge of at least an engaged portion of the driven sprocket with the drive chain from outside in a radial direction inside the chain cover
Implementation Method 2
the rear axle housing is coupled to a rear end portion of the rear swing arm for swinging forward and rearward about mounted portions of the upper flange portion
Implementation Method 3
a drive chain looped over between the driven sprocket and a drive sprocket driven by the engine
Implementation Method 4
On the tension side of the drive chain, tension is always applied
Data Source
AI summary
A straddle type all terrain vehicle is provided with a chain guide for covering an outer peripheral edge of at least an engaged portion of a driven sprocket with a drive chain from outside in a radial direction inside a chain cover. A rear axle housing is formed with upper and lower flange portions extending upward and downward at opposite end portions in the vehicle width direction of the rear axle housing. The rear axle housing is coupled to a rear end portion of the rear swing arm for swinging forward and rearward about mounted portions of the upper flange portion. The chain cover is mounted on the swing arm side and the chain guide is mounted on the rear axle housing side, respectively.