Bicycle Chain Outer Link Plate Width Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle chain shifting operations are hindered by the strength and width of existing bicycle-chain outer link plates, which affect the smoothness and efficiency of gear changes.
Innovation Solution
The design of a bicycle-chain outer link plate with specific dimensions and chamfer configurations that reduce width while maintaining strength, including a first outer-link end portion, second outer-link end portion, and intermediate portions with defined distances and chamfered edges, allows for smoother shifting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the width of the outer link plate is reduced to improve shifting smoothness, then shifting operation smoothness is improved, but the strength of the outer link plate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different width profiles at different locations of the outer link plate. The intermediate portion has a reduced width (second width) compared to the end portions (first width), allowing the middle section to facilitate smoother shifting operations while the broader end portions maintain structural strength and load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a uniform two-dimensional width to a three-dimensional variable width profile. By defining specific distance relationships (first distance, second distance, third distance) and creating a non-uniform width distribution along the longitudinal axis, the design achieves both reduced shifting resistance and maintained strength through dimensional optimization.
2Productivity
If the width of the outer link plate is reduced to enable more efficient gear changes, then gear change efficiency is improved, but the structural integrity of the bicycle chain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different width profiles at different locations of the outer link plate. The intermediate portion has a reduced width (second width) compared to the end portions (first width), allowing the middle section to facilitate smoother shifting operations while the broader end portions maintain structural strength and load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a uniform two-dimensional width to a three-dimensional variable width profile. By defining specific distance relationships (first distance, second distance, third distance) and creating a non-uniform width distribution along the longitudinal axis, the design achieves both reduced shifting resistance and maintained strength through dimensional optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle-chain outer link plate comprises a first outer-link end portion, a second outer-link end portion, and a first outer-link intermediate portion. The first outer-link end portion comprises a first outer-link opening and a first outer-link end outermost edge. The second outer-link end portion comprises a second outer-link opening and a second outer-link end outermost edge. The first outer-link intermediate portion comprises a first outer-link intermediate outermost edge and a first additional outer-link intermediate outermost edge. The first outer-link intermediate portion has a first distance defined in an axial direction on a first outer-link longitudinal axis. The first outer-link intermediate outermost edge has a second distance defined in the axial direction. The first outer-link end outermost edge has a third distance defined in the axial direction. The first distance is larger than the second distance and the third distance. The second distance is larger than the third distance.