Bicycle Sprocket Driver With Multi-Radius Torque Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle drivers struggle to efficiently couple and transfer torque from a variety of sprockets with differing numbers of teeth, particularly those with fewer teeth, due to structural limitations that prevent robust and durable support.

Innovation Solution

A driver with a coupling profile featuring multiple support structures at varying radii, including a first support structure for radial and axial support of the smallest sprocket, and additional structures for tangential support of other sprockets, allowing for robust coupling and torque transfer across different sprocket sets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a conventional cylindrical driver with axial splines is used, then torque transfer is achieved, but the driver cannot robustly support sprockets with fewer teeth due to structural limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transfer capabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with different sprocket sets

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The driver is segmented into multiple support structures at different radii: a first support structure for radial and axial support of the smallest sprocket, and a second support structure for tangential support. This segmentation allows each structure to be optimized for its specific function, enabling robust torque transfer while accommodating various sprocket configurations including those with fewer teeth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the driver are given different functional qualities. The first support structure provides radial and axial support where needed, while the second support structure provides tangential support for torque transfer. This local differentiation of support functions allows the driver to adapt to sprockets with varying numbers of teeth while maintaining strength for torque transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a non-cylindrical driver with internal transmission is used, then adaptability to different sprocket sets is improved, but structural strength for robust coupling is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different sprocket setsVSAvoidcoupling robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The driver transitions from a conventional cylindrical shape to a non-cylindrical shape with multiple support structures at different radii. This dimensional change allows the driver to provide both radial/axial support and tangential support, achieving robust coupling while accommodating various sprocket configurations including those with fewer teeth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If a single support structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to support sprockets with varying numbers of teeth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling profile structureVSAvoidsupport capability for different sprocket sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling profile is segmented into multiple support structures: a first support structure for radial and axial support, and a second support structure for tangential support. This segmentation enables the driver to support sprockets with varying numbers of teeth effectively, as each structure addresses specific support needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The driver is designed with multi-functional support structures that can accommodate a universal range of sprocket configurations. The first support structure handles radial and axial loads, while the second support structure handles tangential loads, creating a universal coupling solution for different sprocket sets including those with fewer teeth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250326461A1Driver for transferring torque from a set of sprockets of differing number of teeth to a wheel of a bicycle

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 CLASSIFIED CYCLING BV

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a driver for transferring torque from a set of sprockets of differing number of teeth to a wheel of a bicycle. The driver has a rotation axis and comprises a coupling profile for coupling the set of sprockets thereto. The coupling profile includes a first support structure and a further support structure. The first support profile is arranged at a first radius from the rotation axis, and is configured for carrying the smallest sprocket of the set of sprockets and supporting the set of sprockets in only a radial direction. The further support structure is arranged at a further radius from the rotation axis larger than the first radius, and is configured for supporting the set of sprockets in a tangential direction.