Bicycle Chain Structure With Two-Sheet Pivoted Roller Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle chain structures are limited by noise and vibration at high speeds, restricted to parallel axes, exhibit non-uniform transmission speed, are difficult to install and maintain, and have high manufacturing and maintenance costs due to their design and material usage.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle chain structure with reduced width and weight, featuring rollers with mounting spaces for chain sheets that include pivot joints allowing rotation within specific angles, reducing the number of chain sheets from 4 to 2 and incorporating a restraining structure to maintain chain bodies on the same plane, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing parts and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional chain structure with multiple chain sheets is used, then power transmission is achieved, but chain width and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple chain sheets (reducing from 4 to 2) by integrating their functions into fewer, more efficient components. The chain sheets are positioned only on sides where power transmission is needed, eliminating redundant components and reducing overall chain weight while maintaining transmission effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary chain sheets from the traditional four-sheet design, keeping only the essential two sheets that perform the actual power transmission function. This extraction eliminates excess weight and complexity while preserving the core functionality.
2Strength
If tight fit assembly of bush and inner chain sheet is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the assembly parameter from tight fit to clearance fit between the bush and inner chain sheet. This parameter change reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining structural integrity through the roller's constrained movement within the mounting space.
3Ease of manufacture
If rollers are installed with clearance on bush, then assembly ease is improved, but transmission smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent constrains the roller's movement in the vertical dimension (preventing excessive play) while maintaining clearance in the horizontal dimension (allowing easy assembly). The rotation space and mounting space geometry control the roller's position, ensuring smooth transmission without requiring tight fits.
4Ease of manufacture
If chain structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but transmission reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning chain sheets only where needed (on the sides requiring power transmission) rather than uniformly across all sides. This localized approach reduces material usage and manufacturing cost while maintaining transmission reliability in the critical areas.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a chain structure of bicycles, which comprises a plurality of rollers, a plurality of chain sheets and a plurality of chain rollers. Wherein the rollers define a mounting space. Each chain sheet comprises a chain body, a first pivot joint part extending from one end of chain body and to be arranged in the mounting space, a second pivot joint part horizontally extending from the other end of chain body, the second pivot joint part is installed on the roller with the first pivot joint part, wherein the first pivot joint part is in a horizontal position different from chain body, the first pivot joint part defines a rotation space for placing the second pivot joint part of another chain sheet, so that the first pivot joint part and second pivot joint part can rotate a preset angle in the rotation space. When the chain sheets are combined with rollers respectively, the chain bodies remain on the same plane, the chain roller penetrates the second pivot joint part and the first pivot joint part respectively for connecting the roller to the chain sheets on both sides of roller. Thereby, the chain is thinned and the weight is reduced, the tensile strength is increased by thickening the chain sheet.