Bicycle Chain with Localized Link Thickness for Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to reduce the maximum thickness of a bicycle chain without compromising its structural strength, as thinner chains may lead to reduced structural integrity during tensile and lateral load resistance tests.
Innovation Solution
The chain design features alternate outer and inner links with reduced thickness only at the end portions, maintaining equal central thickness to preserve structural strength, allowing for a reduced maximum thickness without weakening the chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the chain thickness is reduced to achieve a thinner profile, then the maximum thickness of the chain is reduced, but the structural strength is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the thickness of different portions of the chain plates. The end portions have reduced thickness to achieve a thinner overall profile, while the central portions maintain sufficient thickness to preserve structural strength. This localized thickness variation resolves the contradiction between reducing maximum thickness and maintaining structural integrity.
2Length of moving object
If the chain thickness is reduced, then the chain profile becomes thinner, but the resistance to tensile and lateral loads decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements local quality by strategically reducing thickness only at the end portions of chain plates where it does not critically affect load-bearing capacity, while maintaining adequate thickness at central portions that are crucial for tensile and lateral load resistance. This resolves the contradiction between achieving a thinner profile and maintaining force resistance.
3Ease of operation
If the chain is made thinner, then gearshifting performance improves, but noise reduction is achieved as well
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by reducing the thickness of end portions of chain plates, which directly contributes to improved gearshifting performance and reduced noise. The thinner end portions allow for smoother engagement and disengagement during gear shifts while generating less noise, without compromising the structural integrity of the chain.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle chain having an alternate succession of outer links and inner links connected to each other at respective end portions thereof. Each outer link and inner link comprises two respective plates arranged parallel to and spaced apart from one another to define a housing space for a tooth of a sprocket or toothed wheel. Each plate of each outer link has, at a central portion thereof, a first thickness. Each plate of each inner link has, at a central portion thereof, a second thickness. Each plate of each outer link and inner link has, at said respective end portions, a third thickness that is less than the sum of said first thickness and second thickness.