Bicycle Chain Outer Link Chamfer Asymmetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle chains face challenges in achieving high shifting performance and noise reduction simultaneously, with existing designs often compromising on one aspect for the other.
Innovation Solution
The bicycle chain design incorporates specific chamfer configurations on outer link plates, including varying numbers and positions of chamfers, which enhance shifting performance while minimizing noise through optimized geometrical arrangements and positioning relative to the bicycle frame and sprockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If chamfers are provided on both sides of the outer link plate, then shifting performance is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing chamfers only on specific sides of the outer link plate rather than uniformly on all sides. The first outer link plate has chamfers on both first and second sides, while the second outer link plate has chamfers only on the third side, creating asymmetric noise reduction while maintaining shifting performance in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements asymmetry by designing the first and second outer link plates with different chamfer configurations. The first outer link plate has chamfers on both sides (first and second sides), while the second outer link plate has chamfers only on one side (third side), creating an asymmetric structure that balances shifting performance and noise reduction.
2Ease of operation
If multiple chamfers are provided on the outer link plate, then shifting performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the chamfer configuration into distinct segments on different sides of the outer link plate. Instead of applying chamfers uniformly across the entire perimeter, the chamfers are segmented to specific sides (first, second, and third sides), simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective shifting performance.
3Productivity
If chamfers are positioned to maximize shifting performance, then gear shifting efficiency is improved, but noise reduction capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning chamfers on specific sides of the outer link plate where they are most needed for shifting performance. The first outer link plate has chamfers on both first and second sides for optimal shifting, while the second outer link plate has chamfers only on the third side, creating localized noise reduction in areas where shifting performance is less critical.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle chain comprises a first outer link plate and a second outer link plate. A first outer-link longitudinal axis extends through a first outer-link center axis and a second outer-link center axis to divide a first outer surface into a first side and a second side when viewed in an axial direction. A second outer-link longitudinal axis extends through a third outer-link center axis and a fourth outer-link center axis to divide a second outer surface into a third side and a fourth side when viewed in the axial direction. The fourth side includes a first circumferential area and a first chamfer free area. The first circumferential area has a first angle equal to or larger than 20 degrees. The first chamfer free area is adjacent to the first circumferential area. At least one second chamfer is provided outside the first chamfer free area.