Oscillating Bicycle Ring Gear for Chain Alignment Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bicycle transmission systems experience energy loss due to chain misalignment, leading to increased friction, frequent maintenance needs, and potential frame damage during high-effort pedaling, especially in professional races.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotatable connecting core and oscillating ring gear, utilizing flexible bodies and locking elements to maintain alignment and adjust inclination, minimizing chain deformation and friction during gear shifts and maintaining alignment under high torsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the chain connects to a cogwheel not aligned with the ring gear, then gear ratio changes are achieved, but the chain takes an S-shaped pattern causing increased friction and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ring gear oscillating instead of fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to maintain alignment with the chain during gear shifts. The ring gear can oscillate between two极限 positions to accommodate different cogwheel selections while keeping the chain straight, thereby reducing friction and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an oscillating mechanism as an intermediary between the fixed frame and the ring gear. This intermediary component enables the ring gear to move back and forth, mediating between the need for gear ratio changes and the need for chain alignment, thus resolving the contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the chain undergoes continuous inclination during travel, then gear ratio switching is enabled, but mechanical components loosen and wear out requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The ring gear is designed to oscillate dynamically rather than remain fixed, allowing it to adapt its position during gear shifts. This dynamic adjustment maintains proper chain alignment and reduces lateral forces on mechanical components, thereby improving reliability and reducing wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating mechanism performs preliminary adjustment of the ring gear position before the chain engages with misaligned cogwheels. By proactively maintaining alignment, the system prevents the harmful effects of chain inclination and component loosening before they occur.
3Force
If the cyclist exerts maximum power, then propulsion force is increased, but the frame twists and bends causing crankset axis misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The ring gear is designed with oscillating capability to dynamically compensate for frame deformation under high load. When the frame twists or bends during maximum power exertion, the ring gear can oscillate to maintain proper alignment with the chain and crankset, preventing malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the ring gear position parameter to change through oscillation, adapting to the varying geometric conditions caused by frame deformation under different loading conditions. This parameter adjustment maintains transmission efficiency even when the frame structure changes shape.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) for the motion transmission onto cycles comprises: a connecting core (2) able to be associated with a frame of a cycle in a rotatable way around an axis of rotation (3); and a ring gear (4) lying on a lying plane (11) surrounding the core (2) and able to be coupled to a flexible transmission element (5) closed on itself in a loop for starting said cycle along a direction of forward movement (6); oscillation means (10) placed between the connecting core (2) and the ring gear (4) and able to tilt the lying plane (11) with respect to the axis of rotation (3).