Bicycle Chain Inner Link Plate Chromized Layer Wear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle chains experience wear and falling-off issues due to inadequate wear resistance and sprocket engagement, particularly when using multiple sprockets, leading to reduced performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The bicycle chain incorporates chromized layers on its inner link plates and chain pins, with specific surface lengths and hardness levels, and elongated edges to enhance wear resistance and prevent falling-off, while also optimizing the chromizing process for efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chromized layers are applied to the axially extending surfaces, then wear resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies chromized layers selectively only to the axially extending surfaces of the inner link plate that contact the chain pins, rather than treating the entire surface. This localized treatment provides wear resistance exactly where needed while minimizing manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If the chromized treatment length is increased to 1.1 mm or more, then wear resistance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a minimum chromized treatment length of 1.1 mm in advance during the manufacturing process. By establishing this predetermined specification, the manufacturing process can be optimized to consistently achieve this length through proper fixture design and process control, reducing the actual precision burden during production.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bicycle chain is designed for multiple sprocket compatibility, then adaptability is improved, but wear resistance decreases due to increased falling-off tendency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces longitudinally elongated edges with curved surfaces on the inner link plate. These curved surfaces provide better contact and engagement with sprocket teeth, preventing the chain from falling off during gear changes while maintaining compatibility with multiple sprockets of different sizes.
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 significantly improves wear resistance and reduces falling-off from sprockets, allowing the chain to function effectively with multiple sprockets, enhancing both wear resistance and gear change performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first chromized layer is provided to the first axially extending surface to slide relative to a first chain pin of the bicycle chain in the assembled state of the bicycle chain. The second chromized layer is provided to the second axially extending surface to slide relative to a second chain pin of the bicycle chain.
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first axially extending surface and the second axially extending surface having surface hardness equal to or larger than 800 HV
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle chain comprises an inner link plate. The inner link plate comprises a first inner-link end portion, a second inner-link end portion, an inner-link intermediate portion, a first chromized layer, and a second chromized layer. The first inner-link end portion includes a first inner-link opening and a first axially extending surface. The second inner-link end portion includes a second inner-link opening and a second axially extending surface. The first chromized layer has a first maximum axially chromized-treatment length defined in the first axially extending surface in an axial direction. The second chromized layer has a second maximum axially chromized-treatment length defined in the second axially extending surface in the axial direction. Each of the first maximum axially chromized-treatment length and the second maximum axially chromized-treatment length is equal to or larger than 1.1 mm.