Bicycle Chain Fitting Device with Pronged Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for reattaching a bicycle chain to the gears require manual handling, which can be cumbersome, dirty, and potentially injurious, as both hands are needed to maneuver the chain, often necessitating the bicycle to be turned upside down, risking damage and injury.
Innovation Solution
A device with an elongate body and a head comprising prongs that allow the chain to be reattached without direct hand contact, featuring a cut-out portion for chainring alignment and leverage, ensuring the chain remains enclosed during reattachment, reducing the risk of injury and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of the chain is used to reattach it to the gears, then the chain can be reattached, but the user's hands will be covered with dirt and oil, and there is a risk of injury from catching skin or clothing between the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The device acts as an intermediary tool between the user and the chain mechanism. The user operates the device from a safe distance, and the device's head with prongs directly manipulates the chain, preventing the user's hands from contacting the dirty chain or being caught in the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the user's hand from the chain manipulation function by using a long body with a head that contains the chain-engaging prongs. This segmentation allows the user to remain at a safe distance while the device head performs the dangerous chain reattachment task.
2Ease of operation
If both hands are required to manually manoeuvre the chain and turn the gears, then the chain can be reattached, but the bicycle must be turned upside down, which can dirty or damage the seat and handlebars
Solution Approach 1:
The device serves as a mediator that enables chain reattachment without requiring the bicycle to be inverted. The device's design allows the user to work with the bicycle in its normal upright position, thus protecting the seat and handlebars from dirt and damage.
3Ease of operation
If the chain is manually positioned over the spokes, then the chain can be reattached, but the operation is time-consuming and requires precise manual coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The device's head with its specifically shaped prongs and cut-out portion is pre-configured to guide the chain onto the chainring teeth. This preliminary arrangement of the chain path by the device structure eliminates the need for time-consuming manual positioning and coordination.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for fitting a chain onto the gears of a push-bike, the device comprises: an elongate body having a first and a second «nd extending along a first axis; a head spaced from said first end by a neck, wherein said head comprises at least two prongs each having a first attachment end and a free end, wherein said prongs are in fixed attachment to said neck by said first attachment end, said free end extending substantially perpendicularly to said first axis.