Bicycle Rear Sprocket Teeth Axial Width Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shifting action in multiple bicycle rear sprocket assemblies with teeth of different axial widths is complicated, leading to difficulties in chain engagement and separation.
Innovation Solution
A multiple bicycle rear sprocket assembly design featuring first and second sprockets with teeth of varying axial widths, where the first sprocket has teeth with a larger maximum axial width for engaging with the outer link plate and smaller teeth for the inner link plate, and the second sprocket has additional teeth for engaging with the inner link plate, facilitating smoother shifting by adjusting the axial widths and shapes of the teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sprocket teeth have different axial widths to prevent chain separation, then chain engagement reliability is improved, but shifting action becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The sprocket teeth are segmented into different types based on their axial widths. First teeth have a first axial width for engaging outer link plates, while second teeth have a second axial width for engaging inner link plates. This segmentation allows the chain to be reliably engaged by appropriately sized teeth while simplifying the shifting mechanism by providing dedicated tooth types for different chain positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sprocket teeth have different axial widths tailored to their specific functions. The first teeth are designed with a larger axial width specifically for outer link plate engagement, while second teeth have a smaller axial width for inner link plate engagement. This local differentiation optimizes both chain engagement reliability and shifting ease.
2Reliability
If multiple sprockets with different tooth configurations are used, then chain engagement for both outer and inner link plates is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first sprocket is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both first teeth (for outer link plates) and second teeth (for inner link plates) on the same sprocket body. This universal design allows a single sprocket to handle both types of chain engagement, reducing the need for multiple specialized sprockets and thereby decreasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple specialized sprockets into a single first sprocket by combining different tooth types (first teeth and second teeth) on one component. This consolidation reduces the number of parts in the sprocket assembly while maintaining the ability to engage both outer and inner link plates reliably.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple bicycle rear sprocket assembly includes first and second sprockets. The first sprocket includes a plurality of first sprocket teeth. The first sprocket teeth include at least one first tooth having a first maximum axial width for engaging with an outer link plate of the chain, and at least one second tooth having a second maximum axial width for engaging with an inner link plate of the chain. The first maximum axial width is larger than the second maximum axial width. The second sprocket includes a plurality of second sprocket teeth. The second sprocket is smaller than the first sprocket. The second sprocket teeth have additional second teeth only. The additional second teeth are configured for engaging with the inner link plate of the chain. The first maximum axial width is larger than a maximum axial width of each of the additional second teeth.